Every Packing List Starts With the 10 Scout Basic Outdoor Essentials
You’re going on your first camping trip. What should you bring? Every packing list starts with these 10 items, and they’re called “essentials” for a reason. Then you’ll want to add other items depending on the outing.
Download a checklist for a warm-weather outing
Download a checklist for a cold-weather outing
Download a checklist for a paddling trip
Download a checklist for a bicycling trip
THE 10 SCOUT OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS
The Scout Basic Essentials call for the following. These items can help you stay comfortable, safe and prepared:
1. A pocketknife or multitool can be handy in a wide variety of situations. It’s useful for tasks as large as building an emergency shelter or lighting a campfire with poor fuel, or as small as repairing a damaged backpack. Keep you knife sharp and clean, and don’t forget to first earn your Whittling Chip (for older Cub Scouts) or Totin’ Chip (for Boy Scouts).
2. A first-aid kit can be a lifesaver. Literally. A few items will allow you to treat scratches, blisters and other minor injuries. They should also allow you to provide initial care while waiting for help for more serious injuries.
3. Bring extra clothing to match the weather. Multiple layers are better than a single massive jacket, because layered clothing is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures.
4. Rain gear is very important. Rain can come in a hurry, and getting your clothes drenched is more than just uncomfortable, it can lead to hypothermia, a potentially fatal condition.
5. A flashlight, headlamp or a rugged penlight is important for finding your way in the dark. Bring extra batteries, too.
6. Trail food is good for maintaining your energy. Bring more than you think you’ll need in case you get stuck (or lost) in the woods.
7. Water can prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Use a lightweight, unbreakable container with a secure lid.
8. Matches and/or a fire starter may be used to light fires for heat, or for signaling for help. Store matches or lighters in resealable plastic bags.
9. Sun protection might include sunblock, sunglasses, lip balm and a wide-brimmed hat.
10. A map and compass are probably the most important tools you can carry in case you get lost.
It’s a good idea to bring a daypack for your Scout Essentials, so you can grab it and go if you’re hiking during the campout.
CLOTHING
You should also pack clothing matched to the season. Check the weather for where you’re going to camp. It might be warm where you live, but the temperatures might be dropping where you’re going.
SLEEPING
Here are some items you may need at night, depending on the outing:
Tent
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Ground cloth
Pillow
KEEPING CLEAN
Here are some hygiene and toiletry items you may want to pack, depending on the outing:
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Dental floss
Soap
Comb
Waterless hand cleaner
Small towel
Washcloth
Toilet paper
Trowel for digging cathole latrines
COOKING AND EATING
Here are some cooking and eating items you may want to pack, depending on the outing:
Mess kit
Large plastic cereal bowl or kitchen storage bowl
Spoon
Cup or insulated mug
Water treatment system
Backpacking stove with fuel
Large pot and lid (2.5- or 3-quart size)
Small pot and lid (1.5- or 2-quart size)
Lightweight frying pan (10 to 12 inches in diameter)
For melting snow, add 1 large pot and lid (6 to 10 quarts)
Hot-pot tongs
EXTRAS
Here are some extras you may want to pack, depending on the outing:
Watch
Camera
Notebook
Pen or pencil
Sunglasses
Small musical instrument
Swimsuit
Gloves
Whistle
Nylon cord
Insect repellent
Repair kit
Hiking stick or trekking poles
Binoculars
Fishing gear
Animal identification books, plant keys, geological studies, star charts or other guides
For car-camping where your campsite won’t be far from where you park, you can carry everything in a duffle bag. If you camp often, you’ll want to invest in a backpack so you can venture into the backcountry with all your gear.
