Backpacking Equipment, (*) required and optional

BASIC EQUIPMENT

ð *Pack (waist strap is mandatory)
ð *Lashing straps
ð Rain cover for pack (required for wet weather)
ð *Large garbage bag = optional rain cover
ð *Canteen(s)
ð *Nylon cord (rain shelter/food bags; two in bear country) - 50 ft of 1/8 inch
, red is preferred color
ð Hiking staff (optional)
ð Leatherman (optional)
ð *Pocket knife (small)
ð *Map in zip lock bag
ð Camera (optional) - put in new batteries
ð Binoculars (optional)

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT (Waterproof bag)

ð *Small flashlight - with new batteries
ð *Whistle - plastic - make accessible while hiking (tie to pack)
ð *Compass- make accessible while hiking (tie to pack)
ð *Extra batteries
ð *Extra bulbs
ð *Quarter
ð Butane lighter
ð Sewing kit
ð Roll of wire
ð Pen
ð Note paper
ð Repair kit for glasses
ð Emergency survival handbook
ð Boot laces
ð Duct tape
ð Signal mirrorTherma Rest repair kit
ð *First Aid Kit (with moleskin)
ð *Toilet paper in zip lock bag
ð Tent repair kit & tape (optional)

SHELTER
ð Tent
Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight - 3 lbs 14 oz
Sierra Designs Half Moon Plus - 4 lbs 12 oz
ð Ground tarp (can serve as rain shelter; optional)
ð *Therma Rest w/ bag or foam / Ensolite pad (not an air mattress;
avoid open-cell foam)
ð *Sleeping bag (light weight for backpacking, rated for 20 degrees or lower)

COOKING EQUIPMENT - PATROL
ð Stove
ð Fuel bottle(s)
ð Windscreen
ð Matches in waterproof containers
ð Small can opener
ð Spatula (optional)
ð Salt & pepper shaker (optional)
ð Spices as needed
ð Tuffy/scrubbing sponge
ð Camp suds - biodegradable (1 oz for 2 people for 7 days)
ð Cook pot -small (optional)
ð Cook pot - large, w/ frying pan lid
ð Parquay (optional, in squeeze bottle)
ð water filter
ð Polar Pure disinfectant
ð Collapsible water bag (1 bag for 2 people)
ð Paper towels - generally one per person per meal; omit for lunch &
meals like granola breakfast; add 1 per person per day for general cleanup
ð Waterproof food bag (two needed in bear country for counter balance)
ð Bear bell for food bag in tree

COOKING EQUIPMENT - INDIVIDUAL

Mess kit consisting of:*
ð Thermal mug (or stainless steel Sierra Club cup for warm weather only;
not suitable for snow camping)
ð *Small eating bowl
ð *Lexan knife, fork &spoon

TOILETRIES & MEDICAL

ð *Toilet paper in zip lock bag (two half rolls per person for five-seven day trip)
ð *Trowel (share with a buddy)
ð *Insect repellant (1 oz in 5 days 7/93, per person)
ð *Sunscreen (1/3 oz per day per person = 2 oz app. for 5 days - Yosemite 6/94)
ð Tooth brush & tooth paste (small container)
ð *Floss - waxed
ð Comb
ð PackTowl (very small towel)
ð *Sun glasses w/ hard case

CLOTHING (pack in separate waterproof stuff sacks; can be used for pillow)

ð *Boots suitable for backpacking
ð *Liner socks (3 pair - one to wear, two in pack; poly pro or Thermax,
but no cotton)
ð *Wool/Thorlo hiking socks (3 pair - one to wear, two in pack; no cotton)
ð *Tevas/Aqua socks for camp
ð *Hiking shorts - day
ð *Synchilla pants (evening/sleeping)
ð Poly pro bottom (cold weather only)
ð *Undershorts - (2) spare
ð *T-shirt - (1) spare [carry 2nd spare in vehicle for trip home]
ð *Handkerchief
ð *Bandanna
ð *Watch cap (wool or synthetic)
ð *Small white garbage bag for dirty clothes (1 per person)
ð *Hat - wide brim
ð *Windbreaker (not a heavy jacket)
ð Rain jacket (optional)
ð Rain pants (optional)
ð *Poncho (makes good cover for packs & boots to keep off heavy dew; makes good ground cloth)

Additional cold weather items:
ð *Chamois or wool shirt
ð Thinsulate vest
ð Sweater, polar fleece or wool jacket
ð Thinsulate or down jacket (hooded)
ð Pants (polar fleece or wool)
ð Inner gloves or mittens (wool or synthetic) (2) pairs
ð Outer mittens (waterproof) (2) pairs
ð Gaiters
ð Sorel boots with felt liners (waterproofed)

NOTE: try using different color stuff sacks or zip lock bags to pack small items (toiletries, first aid, small kitchen items, etc). The chemical residue in plastic film containers cannot be washed away and may leach into the contents of the container.

FOOD

Pack food in zip lock bags - one bag for each meal. Put small label (1/2 address label) on each bag. All food in water proof bag suitable for hanging in a tree.

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES: For more detailed information, please refer to the BSA Hand Book, Field Book and the Backpacking, Camping and Hiking merit badge pamphlets.

Items marked with " * " are the bare essentials required for a trip.