They’re called “essentials” for a reason. Every packing list starts with these items.
- Pocketknife
- First-aid kit
- Extra clothing
- Rain gear
- Water bottle
- Flashlight
- Trail food
- Matches and fire starter
- Sun protection
- Map and compass
Keeping Clean
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Soap
- Comb
- Waterless hand cleaner
- Small towel
- Washcloth
- Toilet paper
- Trowel for digging cathole latrines
Cooking and eating
- Large plastic cereal bowl or kitchen storage bowl
- Spoon
- Cup or insulated mug
- Water treatment system
- Backpacking stove with fuel
- Large pot and lid (2.5- or 3-quart size)
- Small pot and lid (1.5- or 2-quart size)
- Lightweight frying pan (10 to 12 inches in diameter)
- For melting snow, add 1 large pot and lid (6 to 10 quarts)
- Hot-pot tongs
Extras
- Watch
- Camera
- Notebook
- Pen or pencil
- Sunglasses
- Small musical instrument
- Swimsuit
- Gloves
- Whistle
- Nylon cord
- Insect repellent
- Repair kit
- Hiking stick or trekking poles
- Binoculars
- Fishing gear
- Animal identification books, plant keys, geological studies, star charts or other guides
L U V I T !
Our patrol plans every camp out months ahead, and we always include every item from this very list. Thanks Boys Life!
Don’t pack it all. When you use this, think about the campout. If your going to a state park, you won’t need a latterine. Also, check the weather, you may not need a sweater or rain gear.
@camptime But also remember that the weather in the mountians or a the beach, or pretty much anywhere can change in an instant. Scouting is about being prepared, so never leave your rain gear at home!:)
Bravo!! (claping)I say good show!!
@campcommonsense
Boy scouts is about being prepared, Not well equipped.
@ sasquatch. Yes but being prepared IS being well equipped! duh
to much stuff but thanks anyway
A-W-E-S-O-M-E!! Thanks a TON BL
best check list
i normaly carry all this stuff and makes pack weigh a ton
Yes it does, but if you make it small and you exercise often, it will make it a lot easier. Plus, I have found it easier that if you camp and hike with others you must split the gear out between all of you.
thats rely good
Yeah i always will use this thanks bl
LUV IT
awesome checklist! i forget half this stuff on most campouts, so it’s helpful
Life saving checklist. me would have defintly forgot half stuff on there : )~
I know,but u don’t bring a tent on a backpacking outing.
Many of the things on the check list aren’t as essential as lets say a tent or sleeping bag
I think I know what to bring now
THANK YOU BOYS LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is awesome!! Thanks Boyslife!
this checklist rocks!!!!!!!!!:)
Why would you take a musical instrument but yeah i would never remember to take a towel im always fogetting something!
does tuba count as small instrument
BEST CHECKLIST EVER!!!!!!!!
I think I just might have to refeer back to that checklist in a couple of months when I go to BSA Camp.
That is a great checklist!!!
What are those iodine tablets used to purify questionable water? What ever they are could you please add them to the list? Other than that it was really helpful.
The checklist is extremely helpful- I would never remember things like sun protection or the trowel.
Ithink that was a good idea about the trail food.
I think all this gear is good ,but you should add a portiable water purifire.
That was what they listed as “water treatment system”
This is all great stuff!
Each of the other four lists has a link to a PDF that can be downloaded and printed. It would be nice to have a PDF for this list as well.
Thanks for the outing-specific lists.
Is there a button to print just the checklist?
While I agree with your “Essentials Checklist” I was surprised to see the whistle listed on the “Extras” list and not on the Essentials.
It’s smaller than everything else on the Essentials list and is probably one of the best/easiest signaling devices a scout (or anyone else for that matter) can carry on a hike should they become lost.
Sincerely,
Steve
Usually I forget my toothbrush and all these things. Ewwww! I never realized that these things were “essentials.” I appreciate Boyslife for making these handy-dandy little checklist that tells scouts “essentials” for outings.
I liked the fact that you mentioned trail food I go out with my troop sometimes and theres allways that one guy who didn’t bring along anything to keep him going on a long hike.
Thanks,
T