Backpacking Equipment

When getting ready for any campout it is important to pack only what you need. This becomes extremely important on a backpacking trip. Every ounce matters when you are carrying everything for a few miles. We have provided a few tips and essentials and nice-to-have lists to help you plan for your next trip

Total Weight

Your fully loaded backpack should only weigh up to 20% of your body weight. Here is a useful article from REI(https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-weight.html)

Shopping

Here is a small list of places that we often shop at for our equipment:

• REI: https://www.rei.com

• Academy: https://www.academy.com

• Hiker Direct: https://hikerdirect.com/

  • Great deals on this site. Shipment is typically 5 days

• Moosejaw: https://www.moosejaw.com

Essential List

Backpack

• We have found that the Tarn40 to be very good size for the younger scouts: https://www.rei.com/product/168253/rei-co-op-tarn-40-pack-kids

Tent

• Hiker Direct has a great selection of tents at reasonable prices. Consider getting a 2-3 person tent and a couple of scouts can share the weight.

Sleeping Bag: consider cold weather and hot weather arrangements

• Something like this seems to work well for most occasions: https://www.rei.com/product/157770/rei-co-op-trailbreak-30-sleeping-bag-mens

Sleeping Pad 

• Hiker Direct has a great selection of sleeping pads. Try to balance weight and price.

Cooking Gear

• The troop has a very good set of backpacking gear that can be shared amongst the scouts

Water Bladder

• Some type of platyplus 2L bladder is very useful and packs down nicely: https://www.moosejaw.com/product/platypus-platy-bottle_10094560

Utensils

• bowl and eating utensils

• lightweight cup

• Nalgene water bottle

Clothing: This will vary based on the campout/activities but every scout should consider bringing the following

• Underwear/Socks

• Swim Trunks

• Longsleeve Shirt or Lightweight Jacket for chilly nights

• Shirt/Shorts/Pants for extra days

• Rainjacket/ windbreaker 

• Hat

First Aid & Toiletries

• Personal First Aid Kit something like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015PJIVJM/

• Toothbrush/Toothpaste

Headlamp

• Any headlamp will do

• Just remember to bring extra batteries!

Compression sack or Dry Sack/Bag

• It is very useful to purchase a few compression sacks to hold snacks/food, toiletries etc. These can be hung up easily to get them away from critters

  • Something similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/Frelaxy-Waterproof-Ultralight-Backpacking-Kayaking/dp/B095K6PQ1T/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=nylon+dry+bag&qid=1663195339&sr=8-5

Nice-to-Have List

• Lightweight chair

• Book

• Playing Cards

• Crocs/FlipFlops or similar for relaxing around camp

• Trekking Poles: depending on trip this could be in the essential list

• Compass: depending on trip this could be in the essential list

• Paper/Pen: