How To Pack

Equipment and Uniforms

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.

Troop Packing List

Scout Overnight Packing List

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.

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!

Check with your patrol!

The outing may require you to bring special equipment for yourself, so always check with your patrol beforehand so you know (see below). 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 (see cooking page)

Special Case Outings

Some outings require more specific equipment for scouts to purchase/bring, whether because we will be in a different environment, different weather, or doing different activities. If you or your scout cannot purchase new equipment, the troop has a stock of extra supplies we can lend out. For info about some of our past outings, check out the past outings page.

Some outings that may need different equipment include:

Snow Camping
Water activities (canoeing, rafting, etc.)
Backpacking
Summer Camps (depending on the program)
High Adventure Bases (depending on the program)

There are quite a few great resources online for help in packing for specialty outings. REI has quite a few great videos to watch, as well as other outdoor companies, and there are plenty of great articles you can find.

What Should I wear?

Class A uniforms

Class A uniform is the classic "scouts" uniform. These are worn for Flag ceremonies, and formal occasions, when scouts are representing their troop. Class A uniforms usually consist of a button-up shirt, pants, a neckerchief, a belt, and socks. These can be purchased online or at the Scout shop. All scouts are required to have a uniform, if the scout or family is unable to purchase it, our troop has a collection of uniforms from past scouts. These uniforms are important because they hold lots of the patches that are the foundation of a scout's achievements. Check out the Beginner's Guide to Scouting for information on how to place patches on a uniform.

Class B Uniforms

Class B uniforms are simple T-shirts, with the troop name and logo on them. They are made of materials that are good for activities on outings and do not have the restrictiveness of Class A uniforms. They are mainly used for outings, so scouts are easily identifiable and therefore safer. Troops sell these individually; we sell short sleeve, long sleeve, zip-up jacket, and hoodies. If interested, ask an ASM for information.

Merit Badge Sash

These are sashes worn on formal occasions, such as ceremonies and CoH's, intended to hold and show off all the scouts merit badges. This is worn across the right shoulder.

Order of the Arrow Sash

These are sashes worn by members of the Order of the Arrow (scouting honor society), and has insignia to show their rank. This is also worn across the right shoulder.

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