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There is NO EXCUSE for going on a campout unprepared. USE THIS LIST.
This list summarizes the minimum equipment necessary for a typical weekend “car-camping” campout (1 night) from mid-April to mid-October. [Specialty Campouts – Winter Camps, Backpacking, etc., are addressed by other specific handouts.] Packing should be in a medium size “cargo style” duffel bag with clothing separated in 2 gallon zip-lock bags or clear Washington Post plastic sleeve bags). You should check off each item as you pack it.
Sleeping Gear:
_____ A sleeping bag, less than 3 lbs or rated to about 25 degrees.
_____ A foam pad (or a Therm-a-Rest pad).
_____ A small pillow.
_____ A knit cap to wear if a cold night is expected.
Unless very cold weather is expected, do not bring oversize or heavyweight sleeping bags.
Eating Gear:
_____ A medium sized bowl, preferably plastic, with name plainly marked.
_____ A knife, fork and spoon kit (trashy kitchen-ware will do).
_____ A medium sized plastic cup, with name marked plainly.
Do not bring cheap (fast-food) plastic utensils, or breakable glass/porcelain items, expensive silverware or anything heavy. Don’t send “everyday” Tableware you cannot afford to lose.
Clothing and Equipment:
_____ Full Scout Uniform (unless you are specifically told NOT to bring it)
_____ 1 pair underwear
_____ 1 pair socks (2 if wet weather is expected)
_____ 1 pair gym shorts (needed only in hot weather)
_____ 1 T-Shirts (unless it’s hot, it’s a good idea if it’s long-sleeved)
_____ 1 pair long pants
_____ A belt
_____ 1 sweatshirt or medium weight fleece (not needed if very hot weather is expected)
_____ A medium wt. wind/rain resistant jacket
_____ A hat (Baseball Cap OK)
_____ A small towel
_____ A “dirty clothes” bag, preferably cloth or mesh
Note: Most parents of new Scouts outfit their sons with enough clothing to last a week, instead of one night. Do not pack more clothing than the above, which is already more than he’ll use; remember, he may have to carry it some distance to the campsite. If the expected weather appears to be unusually warmer or colder than normal (keeping in mind that the local camping areas are typically about 5 – 10 degrees cooler than Arlington), make appropriate deletions and substitutions; ask the Life Practical Scout or the Scoutmaster for advice if you have concerns.
Ancillary Clothing and Equipment:
_____ A lightweight daypack
_____ A poncho or rain-suit
_____ A small/medium sized flashlight, brightly colored or with bright tape wrapped
around it, with fresh batteries, avoid Maglites!) If preferred, can replace with an
LED headlamp wih fresh batteries.
_____ A one quart canteen (2 if hot weather is expected)
_____ A toothbrush
Don’t bother packing cleaning gear other than a toothbrush – it won’t get used, period. Make sure everything has your name and “Tr 111” marked on it. Pack nothing you cannot afford to lose.
Optional Equipment:
_____ A pair of UV-opaque Sunglasses
_____ A small folding lock-blade knife
_____ Personal Medications (may need a double set for certain events)
SCOUTS – DO NOT PACK: Cell Phones, Electronics, Junk Food, Sodas, or Anything Else You Know You’re Not Supposed to be Bringing.
Dr. Bob, ASM-111 (October 2008)
