Troop 116

Packing list: Backpacking (fall/spring)

The Ten Essentials

Other personal gear

  • Backpack
  • Pack cover or contractor bag
  • Sleeping bag (in waterproof sack or trash bag)
  • Sleeping pad (NOT air mattress; foam pad or Thermarest-type self-inflating)
  • Sleeping bag liner (optional)
  • Trash bag (large)
  • Ziplock bags (3)
  • 50 feet of thin rope
  • Pencil and paper
  • Whistle and mirror/CD (for signaling)
  • Cup
  • Bowl/plate
  • Spoon or spork
  • Bandana (this can be cotton)
  • Personal toilet paper (in zip lock bag)
  • Tooth brush & toothpaste
  • Gold Bond (for feet and, well, useful if you choose not to wear underwear)
  • Camp soap (biodegradable liquid)
  • Insect repellent

Clothing

Remember: COTTON KILLS! All clothing should be polyester or wool (that includes socks and underwear). No jeans. No cotton T-shirts. No cotton socks or undies.

  • Long Pants (1–2 pair)
  • Shorts (1 pair—or make one of the pairs of long pants zip-offs)
  • Short sleeve shirt (2)
  • Long sleeve shirt (1)
  • Underwear (2-3 pair; optional)
  • Socks (3-4 pairs)
  • Fleece or wool sweater
  • Long underwear (1 shirt, 1 pants; only in early spring/late fall)
  • Skull cap/warm knit hat
  • Brimmed hat (suggest all-around brim, for sun protection)
  • Rain Jacket (waterproof)
  • Hiking Boots (waterproofed)

Optional

  • Rain pants
  • Hiking poles
  • Day pack (tiny)
  • Small camp towel
  • Camera
  • Book
  • Cellphone (but you CANNOT use it to call, text, play games, or use Internet; it is for emergencies only—or as a camera)
  • Camp shoes (flip-flops are great: lightweight, and they won't rub blistered heels)
  • Deodorant (not advised—especially in bear country)
The troop will supply...
  • Tents
  • Cook stoves
  • Water filters (though carrying purifying tablets is wise)
  • First aid kits (though carry a small personal kit plus any personal meds)
  • Specialty gear
  • Most food (a snack or two of your own is always a good idea).

Related pages

SKILL   •   POWER   •   PRIDE

Note: The first aid and survival tips provided on this site are informational only. Please seek advice from a medical professional or trained wilderness first aid expert for current best practices and techniques.