Recommended Equipment List for Warm Temperatures

Backpacking / Camping Gear

LIST FOR WARM TEMPERATURES

Backpacking / Camping Gear

  • Backpack w/ hip belt, and padded shoulder straps, approx.  4,000+ cu. in. Rain cover.  Sleeping bag w/ stuff sack (3 to 4 inch minimum loft; DACRON or other polyester fill and synthetic material covering recommended.  Minimum temp rating 50°F)
  • Sleeping pad (3/4 or full length.  Closed cell foam pads are lightweight and durable)
  • Ground cloth (nylon tarp or plastic)
  • 1-2 Man Tent (light weight.  Nylon w/ water resistant rain fly, poles, and stakes.) (Note 1)
  • Flashlight (w/ spare batteries and bulbs.)
  • Folding multi-tool or knife (blade less than 5")
  • Matches in waterproof containers
  • 30 feet of 1/8" parachute or braided nylon sash cord
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellent and sun screen
  • Toilet paper (in zip-lock bag w/o tube)
  • Soap in container
  • Small hand towel
  • Wash cloth (in zip-lock bag)
  • 6 safety pins
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Comb
  • 2 water bottles (one liter/quart size)
  • Compass
  • Money (include $2 in change in zip-lock bag)

First Aid Kit

  • Adhesive tape
  • Moleskin
  • Band-aids (12 ea., 1")
  • Rolled gauze, 1" wide
  • Ace bandage
  • Tylenol (or Aspirin) (12 ea.)
  • 2 triangular bandages and an extra large, super absorbent Kotex in sterile covering (Note 4)
  • Rubber or vinyl gloves in a zip-lock bag (Note 3)
  • Tweezers
  • Chapstick
  • Alcohol or betadyne swabs/towelettes

Clothing

  • Light weight jacket
  • Extra pair pants/shorts
  • T-shirts and undershorts
  • Socks (2 pr. Minimum)
  • Sleep clothing (T-shirts, pajamas, shorts, etc.)
  • Windbreaker with hood
  • Hat (wide brim for spring, summer, and fall)
  • Water repellent rain suit (Note 5)
  • Handkerchiefs
  • Hiking boots
  • Camp shoes/moccasins

Individual Eating Gear

  • Plate
  • Cup (insulated plastic is best)
  • Knife, fork, spoon
  • Several disposable towels (in plastic bag)

Patrol Cooking Gear (Shared)

  • 1-2 pots with lids
  • Pot holder (Note 2)
  • Can opener (Note 2)
  • Dish soap, scouring pad
  • Dish towel
  • Serving/cooking utensils
  • Stove and gas bottle
  • Water filter or purifier
  • Folding water container (1 gal. or larger)
  • Sump strainer

"Survival Kit" (some necessities)

  • Spare boot laces
  • Extra matches in waterproof container/fire starter
  • Emergency whistle
  • Candle
  • Aluminum foil
  • Bullion cubes (6 ea.)
  • Paper and pencil
  • Warm beverage (tea, hot chocolate, tang, etc.)
  • Sugar, salt, pepper
  • Wire (18-20 gauge, soft)
  • Sewing needle

Extra Equipment (for longer trips)

  • Needle and thread with buttons
  • Mycitracin (1/2 oz. Or 1 oz. Tube)

Additions/Modifications to Recommended Equipment List for Cooler Temperatures

LIST FOR COOLER TEMPERATURES

Backpacking / Camping Gear

  • Sleeping bag w/ stuff sack (5" to 6" minimum loft; DACRON or other polyester fill and synthetic material covering recommended.  Min. temp rating 32°F) (Note 6) (Note 7)

Clothing

  • Wool sweater or shirt (Note 7)
  • Warm jacket
  • Extra pair pants (Note 7)
  • Wool socks (2 pr. Minimum) (Note 7)
  • Hat (stocking cap)
  • Gloves for colder weather
  • Thermal underwear

Notes

  1. A two-man may be shared
  2. A folding multi-tool like Leatherman or Gerber may be used in lieu of a folding knife (like a Buck or Swiss Army knife).  If you have several of these with the Patrol, then can openers and hot pot tongs are not needed.
  3. Each scout should have a pair of rubber gloves in his personal medical kit.
  4. Each Scout should have at least two bandannas.  These can be used as triangular bandages, or for other first aid items, as well as hot pot pads, around the neck or head for cooling and sweat bands, pack towels for cleaning, etc.
  5. Ponchos are not recommended.  They may "fly up" in wind and cannot cover the back when a pack is worn.  A good rain jacket worn under the backpack is better.  Rain pants are optional but recommended.  Water resistant/repellent material is highly recommended as it will allow the body to breathe.
  6. Add a liner or blanket to the list when it gets colder.  A blanket can be added to the inside of a sleeping bag for more warmth in cooler weather.  It can also add another layer of insulation between you and the ground
  7. Cotton pants (blue jeans, etc.) are not recommended for cold weather camping as they hold moisture too long-hence the campers adage, "Cotton kills!".  Use synthetic or wool pants only in colder temperatures.