Ten items listed in the Boy Scout Handbook that should be brought along on every hike or camping trip. Adhering to this policy is part of the Boy Scout Motto "be prepared".
Scout Outdoor Essentials
Side Notes
When going to a higher elevation, there is often enough of a change in atmospheric pressure to cause bottles of sunscreen to bulge or even pop open, making qute a mess and sometimes damaging nearby camping gear. For this reason, it is good to keep sunblock or any similar containers inside of a sturdy ziplock bag.
Scouts with special needs such as diabetes, asthma, bipolar disorder, or allergies should keep spare medication in their first aid kit, and possibly leave some with their Scoutmaster. Many a camping trip has been ruined by the sudden need for prescription medication and a lack thereof.
A windproof butane lighter can be substituted for matches. The best type of matches to carry are hurricane matches.
Trail food should contain a lot of calories and a lot of protein. It should not require any preparation. Protein bars and G.O.R.P. are good examples.
Many new scouts show up for a camping trip without a sleeping bag or other necessary supplies. They should consult the list of personal overnight camping gear, also listed in the Boy Scout handbook.
Additional Supplies
What Belongs in a First Aid Kit
Personal Overnight Camping Gear
- Clothing Appropriate for the Season
- Backpack
- Sleeping Bag
- Ground Cloth, Foam Pad, Hammock, or Air Mattress
- Rain Cover for Backpack
- Spoon, Bowl, Plate, Cup
- Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss, Comb, Towel
- Personal Extras