Troop 711 Backpack Equipment List

This List must be used by every Scout planning to attend a troop 711 backpack trip. All scouts must have the Required items on the list. If the scout still has room he can take along additional items from the accessories list. Remember backpacking is suppose to be fun, don't weigh down your scout with additional food or clothing, a heavy pack will wreck your scouts weekend!

If you pack using this list your scout will be "prepared" for fun enjoyable backpacking trip.

Here are a couple of pointers you need to follow when putting together you backpack equipment

Weight - Guidelines :

When selecting gear remember with weight everything counts, Always strive for light weight, it all ad's up. Scout from ages 11 - 13 can carry up to 25% of their body weight in gear up to a maximum of 30 lb.  Scouts 14 - adult can carry up to 25% of their body weight in gear up to a maximum of 41 lb. Young Scouts will max out in weight with just the required gear. Older Scouts and adults will spread out the rest of the troop gear.

Required Gear :

1. Backpack with hip belt. - External framed packs are best for young boys because they can be adjusted as your scout grows. Also they allow for a lower center of gravity. Pay attention to weight. Packs can range from 3 to 7 lbs. Try to find a good used pack ask around in the troop or look on eBay, If you have to buy new, Melcottens or 
2. Sleeping Bag - This must be a mummy bag style sleeping bag, with a hood. Must be made of down or a synthetic material. No cotton rectangular bags. Remember this is your last defense against Hypothermia don't skimp on the slipping bag. Weight is also an issue, sleeping bags will range from 2 - 5 lbs. This will be the heaviest part of a scouts personal gear. A bag rated at 20 degrees will be fine for 99% of all the camping this troop dose  Line your stuff sack with a plastic garbage bag first to waterproof.
3. Hiking Boots -High top (ankle support) Lug sold with laces tied.  Boots should not be heavy! A pair of high top cross training tennis shoes will also work. Don't go out and purchase boots the day before a hike. Walk around in them on the weekend, wear them when mowing the lawn. Break them in before the trip!
4. Rain Gear

   Summer time - Light weight Emergency hooded poncho is fine (Find at Wal-Mart couple of bucks). This can be used in conjunction with a garbage bag for a pack cover.

   Winter and Spring - Backpacking Pancho's work well. The pancho must cover the backpack as well as the boy. If the pancho is long enough to cover your legs you can get by with just a pancho. If the pancho is short wear some nylon rain or wind pants as well. Pancho's are better than rain suits because they allow for better ventilation. You can get just as wet from perspiration  Pay attention to weight. Rain gear can be very heavy.   Coated nylon is the best material for a pancho but these are hard to find.

   Example Nice pancho

5. Pack cover  OR  2 extra large garbage bags
6. Water container(s) to hold 2 quarts. Old pop top disposable drinking water bottles work just great! Very durable and the price is right;
7. 1 sleeping pad.  Thermo-rest style or foam pad 

   Examples

8. Matches (waterproof)
9. Small bowl  (Sturdy plastic is lighter old Margarine tub works fine)
10. Spoon  (Sturdy plastic is lighter)
11. Toilet kit to include: (tooth brush, small tube of tooth paste,Chap stick, Band-Aids, sun screen, bug repellent (no aerosol cans) moleskin for blisters)
12. Small flashlight (2 AA batteries or 1 AA )



13. Small Pocket Knife



14. Compass

Clothing -All Clothing should be made of synthetic material (nylon or polyester) They are lighter in weight and wick away moisture. Stay away from 100% cotton, Its heavy and will not dry quickly.

1. 1 extra shirt (long or short sleeve)  (along with 1 you will be wearing)
2. 1 extra pair shorts. Light weight quick drying synthetic (along with 1 you will be wearing)
3. 1 pair pants. Light weight quick drying synthetic (May be wearing or could be leggings for shorts (convertible pants))
4. 1 extra pair of underwear  (with pair you're wearing) - One extra is fine for a weekend
5. long underwear (synthetic materials) use for pajamas and backup pants and shirt
6. knit hat (wool or polar Fleece ) First thing to put on when your cold.
7. 1 extra pair hiking socks (and liners)  (with the pair you're wearing)
8. 1 Pair Gloves. Wool or  polar Fleece.
9. Hat with rim to keep sun off eyes (wool baseball cap is fine)
10. warm outerlayer (fleece, polar fleece, Down sweater(jacket), sweatshirt(NO 100% cotton))   No need for a big bulky Jacket, If you scout gets cold he can just layer up using his long underwear, shirts, outerlayer, hat and gloves. If he is still cold...sleeping bag.

    Notes On Clothing : When Backpacking Always Think layers. When you have a tee shirt on and it’s starting to get cold, put on your hat if your still cold, add your extra sweat shirt.  If you are still cold, add your thermals, if its windy use your rain coat. Rain coats and panchos will block the wind and keep the heat in. Roll up your clothes tightly use a rubber band around them to keep them compacted. Place your clothes in a small kitchen waist bag to keep them dry.

    Hiking socks can make or break a trip. Use a light weight synthetic sock liner with a heavy wool, SmartWool or Thorlo hiking sock as top choices. Cotton socks just don't work. They will get wet from sweat, bunch up around your feet and cause blisters.  At the very least purchase some thin synthetic liner socks and use cotton socks for the outer sock.

1. 1 small 8-12 oz. cup/mug
2. a small pillow
3. 1 pair of hiking shorts
4. Hiking stick
5. Rope - small diameter like 50' of 1/8"
6. 1 pair gaiters
7. Playing Cards
8. Backpacking towel/Golf towel 1 square foot
9. Fishing Gear
10. Camp Shoes
11. Note pad and pencil.
12. Reading Material.
13. other...