Camping essentials for every adventure.
It's your adventure — let us help you bring the right tools to be safe and comfortable in the great outdoors.
Common items you and your Scout will need.
Print this and pin it to the fridge. Tweak based on the season, the campout type, and your Scout's experience level.
- ✓Tent (and ground tarp)
- ✓Temperature-rated sleeping bag
- ✓Cot, sleeping pad, or air mattress
- ✓Day pack
- ✓Weather- & activity-appropriate clothing
- ✓Sturdy footwear (hiking boots + camp shoes)
- ✓Refillable water bottle & snacks
- ✓Flashlight, lantern, or headlamp
- ✓First aid kit
- ✓Fire starting kit (Scouts BSA)
- ✓Completed medical forms
- ✓Personal comfort items
How to think about your gear.
Camping equipment generally falls into six core categories. Build your kit one category at a time — you don't need to buy it all at once.
Shelter & Sleep
A good tent, a temperature-rated sleeping bag, and an air barrier between you and the ground are non-negotiable. For Cub Scouts, a 3-season family tent and a synthetic-fill rectangular bag is plenty.
Clothing
Always pack for the activity AND the weather you don't expect. Synthetics dry quickly. For socks, Merino wool is the gold standard on the trail. Layer up; bring a rain jacket every time.
Food & Water
The Pack provides group meals and kitchen gear — just bring a labeled water bottle and your Scout's favorite snacks. Older Scouts on backpacking trips should add a filter or iodine tablets.
Personal Safety
Every Scout needs a current medical form, a personal first aid kit, and a safety whistle. Troops add navigation tools — map, lensatic compass, and a GPS for longer treks.
Tools
Less is more. Bladed tools are age-restricted — Cub Scouts should leave knives at home. Older Scouts may carry an age-appropriate pocket knife or multi-tool. The unit brings the rest.
Personal Comfort
A camp chair, a favorite hat, a small pillow, or a stuffed friend can make a first campout feel like home. Don't underestimate comfort on a cold or rainy night.
Not sure what to bring? Just ask.
New families are always welcome at our meetings. We'll happily walk you through what to pack — and what you can borrow from the unit for your first campout.