How to Pack

Properly packing is one of the most important parts of any overnight outing, so we've compiled a packing list to help scouts know how to Be Prepared for the average 1-2 night campout.

You can make a copy of the google sheet above, or follow along below:

Basic Equipment

• Dufflebag or Backpack

  • • Using a Backpacking bag will make your gear easier to carry, which is important since you'll have to carry it all to your campsite!

• Personal Tent

  • • Some scouts choose to tent together, so if you plan on sharing a tent make sure to coordinate who will bring their tent.

• Sleeping Bag

• Sleeping Pad

• Small Pillow

  • • Scouts choose not to bring this sometimes. I like to use a beanie to keep my head warm, others use a jacket as a pillow instead. These substitutions help to save space in your bag.

• Ziploc bags and Trash Bags

  • • These can be really helpful in compressing items, separating dirty clothes from clean ones, and you never know when you'll need a container!

Clothes

The rule of thumb is to have 1 set of clothes and then another for every 2 days you'll be camping. For example, for a 2 day campout you should bring 2 sets of clothes and for a 3 day campout you should bring 2 or 3. Its not uncommon for scouts to wear the same clothes like pants for multiple days during a campout, but you should still bring extra clothes in case they get too dirty.

• Class A (pants, shirt, socks, neckerchief, slide)

  • • These can and should be worn on the way to camp, as all scouts have to be in Class A while traveling as a troop.

•   Long pants (wicking is best;  many like leg zippers to make shorts)

•  Short sleeve Tshirts (wicking is best)

•   Socks

  • • Your feet will get super dirty at camp! I like to bring more than enough changes of socks.

•   Underwear & bras

•   Hiking boots 

•   Camp/tent shoes (tennis shoes)

  • • These aren't necessary, but having comfortable and cleaner shoes in case you get up in the night or just for inside your tent is nice.

•   1 long sleeve warmer shirt

•   Fleece pull-over or zip-up 

  • • Good for sleeping in.

Optional Clothes

These might depend on your preference, the weather, or the campout.

•   Poncho

•   Pajamas 

•   Rimmed hat for sun protection

•   Swimsuit

Toiletries

•   Personal hand sanitizer

•   Soap

•   Toothbrush & small toothpaste

•   Deodorant!!

•   Menstrual pads / tampons

  • • Even if you're not on your period, these are good to have juuust in case you or someone else needs them.

•   Wet wipes

•   1 - 2 Towels 

  • • You'll want to bring a small towel for when you wash your hands.

    • If you go swimming bring a large towel (One that dries quickly!)

•   Mosquito repellant 

•   Sunblock!

•   Lip balm / chapstick

•   Medications & vitamins as needed

Other Camping Supplies

• Personal First Aid kit

• Headlamp / LED flashlight

  • • Spare batteries

• Knife or Leatherman

• Mess kit (lightweight fork, spoon, bowl, cup, plate)

• Matches in waterproof container/ziplock

• Compass

• Scoutbook

• Daypack

  • • Small bag/backpack to use if you go hiking or something

• Any forms you need!

  • • Do NOT forget these, and make sure you know and have whatever forms you need BEFORE the day of the outing.

Check with your patrol!

Depending on the outing, you may be asked to bring food, the patrol box, the patrol stove, or other cooking supplies. Check with your patrol leader before the outing, and make sure you know who the Grubmaster is.

Extra Optional Things

• Sack Lunch

  • • Depending on the outing, ask your SiC

• Money

  • • In case the plan includes buying lunch on the way back.

• Personal reading book, cards (optional)

  • • For fun during free time!