Remember to pack only what you really need, whether backpacking or car camping. Â You will feel every ounce of useless equipment on your back after a few miles, and unused clothes on a car campout only clutters our trailer and your tent.
Backpacking
Wear: Â convertible long pants, class B activity shirt, hat, hiking boots.
Pack (in a backpack):
- Essentials:
- water bottle or hydration system
- compass and topographical map of area visiting
- sunscreen / bandana
- headlamp
- matches in waterproof container
- knife and totin’ chip
- sunscreen / lip balm
- personal first aid kit with needed OTC medication
- lightweight poncho or rain jacket
- small bag of trail food
- whistle
- insect repellent
- ~12″ of duct tape
- 30′ – 50′ paracord if raising a bear bag, or 10′ of paracord with a bear canister.
- mountain money (no more than 1/4 roll of TP), small plastic shovel, 2 re-sealable bags
- toothbrush / paste
- 2 carabiners and a key ring to raise bear bag
- Sleeping Gear
- tent (split with another scout), with footprint or tarp
- sleeping bag and compression sack
- sleeping pad
- Cooking / eating Gear
- backpacking stove a
nd fuel - lightweight cooking set and wood/plastic spoon
- bowl and eating utensils (unless part of cooking set can be used as a bowl)
- lightweight cup
- camp soap
- small lightweight towel
- backpacking stove a
- Food and water
- 3 meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) per overnight.
- water (amount depending on local water sources)
- water filter  (need at least 1 per 4 scouts)
- 2L platypus foldable water bottle for in-camp use (as needed)
- Bear canister or bear bag (compression sack may be used)
- small daypack or waistpack for day hikes (optional)
- Clothing
- in addition to what is worn, bring 1-2 layers (i.e. long sleeve shirt and lightweight jacket), one extra pair of socks.
- for trips longer than 2 nights, an extra pair of underwear and socks
- in extreme cold, additional layers may be needed
- swimming trunks, if known swimming hole
- Luxury items (optional; no more than 1 of these)
- lightweight backpacking chair or seating pad
- book to read
- deck of cards or other game
- camera
- crocks or tennis shoes for around camp (usually for longer trips)
- GPS unit
- binoculars
Car Camping
Wear:  Class A field uniform, hiking boots.
- Essentials:
- water bottle or hydration system
- compass and topographical map of area visiting
- sunscreen / bandana
- headlamp / flashlight
- matches in waterproof container
- knife and totin’ chip
- sunscreen / lip balm
- personal first aid kit with needed OTC medication
- lightweight poncho or rain jacket
- whistle
- 30′ – 50′ paracord and a ~5′ of duct tape
- mountain money (1/4 roll of TP), small plastic shovel, 2 re-sealable bags
- toothbrush / paste
- personal gear: soap / deodorant / towel / razor
- 2 carabiners and a key ring to raise bear bag
- small daypack or waistpack for day hikes (optional)
- hat
- camp chair
- Sleeping Gear
- sleeping bag
- sleeping pad
- Cooking / eating Gear
- mess kit (bowl and eating utensils)
- lightweight cup
- Clothing
- 2 layers of warm clothing
- pair of underwear and socks per night
- sleeping outfit
- in extreme cold, additional layers may be needed
- swimming trunks, if known swimming hole
- crocks or tennis shoes (for around camp)
- Luxury items (optional)
- book to read
- deck of cards or other game
- camera
- binoculars