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Checklist for a basic warm-weather outing

warm-200x148You’re frantic. Panicked even. In exactly one hour, your troop is heading out the door on a warm-weather outing — and you’re struggling to pack. What clothes do you need to bring? How about extra gear?

No worries.

Just take a deep breath and use this handy checklist. In addition to the basic camping gear, you’ll also need:

  • Socks
  • Long-sleeved shirt (lightweight)
  • Long pants (lightweight)
  • Sweater or warm jacket
  • Brimmed hat
  • Bandana
  • Rain gear
  • Extra underwear (for longer trips)

andersonWARM-WEATHER EXPERT ESSENTIALS:

From Mark Anderson, program director, Philmont Scout Ranch, Cimarron, N.M.

  • Water. “Always pack enough water depending on the climate and the availability of fresh water where you’ll be. Here in the desert Southwest, we suggest bringing four liters for the day. That works out to about a liter for every 1 to 1.5 hours of hiking.”
  • Rain suit. “A good, quality rain suit will allow you to keep hiking and remain active around camp while still enjoying the experience.”
  • Boots. “When backpacking, I prefer hiking boots over trail runner-type shoes—safety is the issue. Also make sure your boots fit correctly and are well broken in.”
  • Backpack that fits. “Both internal- and external-frame backpacks work fine. The key is to test drive your pack on several short hikes before taking a long trip. This ensures that all of your pack adjustments are done properly.”

TWO THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED:

  • Personal blister kit. “Even with well-broken-in boots and socks that you have hiked in before, you can still get a blister. Being able to take care of blisters early can ensure that it doesn’t negatively impact your trek. I even carry a blister kit on day hikes.” A good blister kit will include moleskin, adhesive tape, safety pins and antibiotic ointment.
  • Parachute cord, 20 feet. “Parachute cord can be used for all sorts of things from backpack and tent repairs to a clothesline and replacement shoelaces.”

39 Comments on Checklist for a basic warm-weather outing

  1. yoooooooooooo

  2. I don’t know if I can trust this list. I don’t even see basic things like tent or sleeping bag.

  3. Thanks a lot

  4. thanks for the help

  5. Very interesting and very helpful

  6. The scouts in my troop find it easier to pack everything in a large plastic, waterproof tub, and unload your sleeping stuff inside your tent. it is easier to transport when car camping. keep the tub outside of your ten with all your other stuff for the trip in it. in the morning, and at night, you can find all your stuff. keep iit sealed, until you need something to keep out animals and rain/dew.

  7. very good advice

  8. parachute cord is just rope

  9. campchamp37 // June 21, 2012 at 2:34 pm // Reply

    dont sun screen

  10. darth camp // April 27, 2012 at 9:41 am // Reply

    Thanks. I just became a boyscout, so this was my first camping trip, and I was wondering what I needed because I we were not going to use a toilet. Instead, we dug those big ditches. But I do not see anything that is related to that in your list.

  11. 50 mile hiker // August 16, 2011 at 1:52 pm // Reply

    would the pdf work on a warm 50 mile hike too?

    thanks

  12. Chicagobull23 // August 12, 2011 at 8:35 am // Reply

    thanks i have got to get parachute chord

  13. carry extra water, a dew rag and summer type hat.

  14. Big George // May 24, 2011 at 4:51 pm // Reply

    1st} medicated vasoline, its great to prevent blisters, prevent chapped lips, prevent heat rash/jock itch, put on minor cuts or burns;
    2nd] Make a list for light camping, pack your pack, then take everything out and lighten the load some more; next repeat this over and over until its like a survival kit, now your ready to go

  15. can you do a spring and fall list too please?

  16. Hobojophrey // July 19, 2010 at 12:33 pm // Reply

    arent the clothes they chose a little warm for warm weather? why would you where pants and a long sleeve shirt in warm weather. I might try it out, but i think ill just use the essentials

  17. put duct tape on the bottom of your pack to protect it from getting wet.

  18. this is a great list to use for cramming before a scout trip. you can bye little wrist bands that have tons of rope coiled up in them

    dude

  19. Great list thanx

  20. Instead of parachute cord, I brink 100 feet of belay rope. But I guess that depends on what I’m doing or where I’m going.

  21. get a hat, its as simple as that.

  22. Thanks for everything:)

  23. TickleMeMR.MARINE // September 16, 2009 at 9:55 pm // Reply

    This is sure a step up from when I was a kid. Anyone who is reading this I reccomend you stay in scouts and persue a Military life. Im a 6 year Vet and the things Scouts have taught me have saved my life

    • old man scout // July 1, 2010 at 9:18 pm // Reply

      Not every kid who has joined scouts has in mind the military, but that is not a bad choice for many, and my gratefulness goes to all members of the Forces, active and retired, however, there is kids who are gifted in other areas and would not choose that path.

  24. Great checklist. will use it

  25. troop515of howell // July 21, 2009 at 8:21 am // Reply

    i am going to FSR (forestburg scout reservation) for a week with my troop but this doesnt really help do you have any other packing list

  26. this insnt a bad idea im telling all my friends about this

    ThanKS
    mATT

  27. this is realy going to be help ful

  28. scout noob 26 // April 28, 2009 at 5:32 pm // Reply

    this is realy cool that you guys have this stuf on here to help the younger scouts

  29. i took a 2 night, 17 mile trip by backpack, and my pack only weighed 27 lbs. try dried and freeze dried food. real weightsaver.

  30. Charles Octavius Fancy Pants // March 11, 2009 at 12:42 pm // Reply

    Hi Im new to scouting and needed this big time now I won’t be rushed. A good Idea my friend told me is if you have an extra pack pre stock it with the seentials for the season.

  31. take only what you need. a lighter backpack makes the trip a lot funner. for an overnight campout and 3 mile hike my badlands 2500 wieghed only 21 lbs and i was compfy in camp. thats with all my water, there was no water scource.

  32. It was very helpful. I used to frantically search for what I needed before a camp out. Now, I can just look at this and know what to bring!

  33. I liked your idea about the Parachute cord,I never would have thought of something like that but I can see many uses for it.

    Thanks,
    T

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