Troop 127 Alum We need your help!
Pocketknife
First Aid Kit
Extra Clothing
Rain Gear
Canteen -or- Water Bottle
Flashlight
Trail Food
Matches -or- Fire Starters
Sun Protection (includes a hat)
Map and Compass
Other Items to Carry
At LEAST a gallon of water per day, no less.
A pack weighing no more than 5 pounds, 5 pounds is a little on the heavy side.
A small stove, preferably weighing no more than one pound, including fuel.
Synthetic, lightweight clothing that will keep you warm and weighs literally nothing.
NOTE: When it comes to clothing, you should practice layering. That is your clothing is in layers, not one huge parka.
Enough toilet paper for yourself, not an army!
ONE alluminum pan, with capacity of about 2 cups, and lid.
A spoon, no need for a fork, and you have a pocketknife, right?
A lightweight insulating pad to sleep on. Something to keep you off the ground, no more, no less.
Enough food to get you through the trip comfortably, with generous amounts at meals.
A sleeping bag that is rated to 20 degrees or less, not rated under 0, though. Lower rated bags can be pricy and heavy.
NOTE: Wear your clothing to bed to stay warmer.
Bottom Line
We can't stress lightweight backpacking enough. The more you lighten your pack, the more you will enjoy the hike. It is our assumption that anyone attempting a backpacking trip is not out to reach their destination, but to enjoy the journey. And with a lighter pack, this can be achieved and we promise that you will want to go out and hike again!ย
Target Base Weight: 12โ15 lbs (excluding food/water)
Pack light, hike happy. 'Every ounce counts' when youโre climbing the trail.
Backpack: Modern internal frame pack (45Lโ60L) with a fitted rain cover.
Tent/Shelter: Lightweight 2-person backpacking tent (shared with a buddy) or a lightweight tarp system.
Groundsheet: Polycryo or Tyvek (replaces heavy 1-mil plastic).
Sleeping Bag: Synthetic or Down mummy-style bag (rated to $20^{\circ}F$ to $30^{\circ}F$). Include a lightweight compression sack.
Sleeping Pad: Closed-cell foam pad (indestructible) or an insulated inflatable pad.
Hiking Shirt: Synthetic wicking "Class B" T-shirt.
Hiking Shorts/Pants: Lightweight nylon/spandex (zip-offs are great).
Insulation: A lightweight synthetic fleece or "puffy" down jacket.
Rain Gear: Lightweight breathable rain jacket or a durable poncho (e.g., Frogg Toggs).
Underwear: 1-2 pairs of synthetic (moisture-wicking) boxer briefs.
Socks: 2 pairs of Merino wool blend socks (e.g., Darn Tough or Smartwool).
Footwear: Broken-in trail runners or lightweight hiking boots.
Headwear: Full-brim sun hat and a lightweight knit beanie for cold nights.
Stove & Fuel: Small canister stove (e.g., PocketRocket) and fuel (usually shared per patrol).
Cookset: 750mlโ1L Titanium or Anodized Aluminum pot with lid.
Utensil: Long-handled spoon (reaches into meal bags easily).
Bowl/Cup: Simple plastic bowl or lightweight nesting cup.
Water Treatment: Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn BeFree filter (replaces tablets).
Water Storage: Two 1-Liter durable plastic bottles (e.g., SmartWater bottles) or a 2L hydration bladder.
First Aid: Small personalized kit (moleskin, band-aids, ibuprofen, antiseptic wipes).
Light: LED Headlamp with fresh batteries (replaces heavy flashlights).
Fire Starter: Bic lighter and waterproof tinder (cotton balls soaked in Vaseline).
Navigation: Topographic Map and Compass in a Ziploc bag.
Knife: Small folding multi-tool or locking pocket knife (Totin' Chip required).
Sun/Bug: Travel-size sunscreen stick and DEET-free repellent wipes.
Repair Kit: A few feet of Duct Tape wrapped around a trekking pole and a needle/thread.
Tools: Whistle (pealess plastic) and a small multi-tool.
Bathroom Kit: Lightweight trowel (e.g., Deuce of Spades), TP in a baggie, and a small bottle of hand sanitizer.
Wash Kit: Bandana (acts as towel/washcloth) and a small piece of biodegradable soap.
Personal: Small pocket New Testament or faith book, toothbrush, and travel-size paste.
Electronics: Smartphone (for photos/emergency) in a waterproof case or Ziploc.
Breakfast: Instant oatmeal or breakfast carnation shakes.
Lunch: Tortillas with tuna foil pouches or peanut butter; dried fruit.
Dinner: "Freezer bag" meals (Dehydrated pasta, rice and beans, or mashed potatoes).
Snacks: Trail mix, beef jerky, protein bars, and electrolytes for water.
Seasoning: Small "straws" filled with salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper.
Note to Scouts: Always perform a "Shakedown" at a troop meeting before your trek. If you aren't sure you'll use it, don't pack it!