05/02/11

On this page you will find information on what items you will need the different scout outings.

           Color key:  = Items provided by the scout  = Items provided by the troop    

Item	Day Hike	Overnight Hike	2-4 day campout	5+ day campout	Description
Safety Items
First Aid Kit					A properly equipped personal first aid kit should include the following items: 6 bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, 2 3X3 gauze pads, adhesive tape, 3X6 inch pad moleskin, scissors and latex gloves. Check and restock your first aid kit before each trip. Watch the expiration dates on any ointments or medications.
Compass					A lightweight compass with a dial showing degrees.
Map					Have a photo copy of a map showing the area where you will be hiking.
Matches					Have wooden, strike-anywhere matches inside of a waterproof container
Sparker					A magnesium sparker can be used in an emergency to start a fire. It will work even when wet.
Signal mirror					A plastic signal mirror or an old music CD can be used to signal for help.
Whistle					The sound of a simple plastic whistle will travel and be heard much further  away that you can scream. Plus you can blow on a whistle a lot longer than you can scream for help.
Flashlight or headlamp					The batteries in a LED lamp will last much longer than those of a standard lamp. A headlamp is more convenient as you have both hands free to carry other items. Don't forget to bring spare batteries.
Pocketknife & Toten Chip					If you carry one, make sure you have earned your Toten Chip and have it on your person at all times. Your pocketknife must follow BSA guidelines.
Space Blanket					Can be used as a blanket on a cold night lost in the woods, or as a shelter from the rain.
Personal Items
Toothbrush and toothpaste					Dental Hygiene is always important. Bring a small travel size tube of toothpaste. Or better yet, get the single use, fingertip toothbrushes to save on weight.
Hand Sanitizer					A personal size hand sanitizer will clean your hands before a meal without using any water.
Toilet paper					Very few trails have facilities. Bring only 20-30 squares without the tube stored inside a Ziploc bag. Besides the obvious reason, they can be used to wipe a runny nose or to start a fire.
Medications					Don't forget any medications you may need to take during the day.
Sunscreen					Always wear it. Bring a travel size tube and offer it to your fellow scouts who may have forgotten.
Vaseline					Use it on your feet to prevent blisters from chafing.
Insect repellant					This item is not usually needed in Arizona, but if you will be near water, it will be a must. Only bring a travel size tube.
Sunglasses					A good pair of sunglasses will shield your eyes from the harsh Arizona sun.
Shampoo					For washing hair.
Soap					For taking a shower.
Towel					For drying off after a shower.
Deodorant					When not taking a shower.
Cooking/food Items
Mess Kit					This can be just a simple pot to boil water in or a full kit with a pot, bowl, plate and cup. If you will be eating only pre-packaged, freeze dried meals, then all you will need is a pot.
Fork/knife/spoon					Get a plastic set. it weighs less than metal
Lightweight stove & fuel					This can be shared between scouts. once can carry the stove, the other the fuel.
small trash bags					Always live by the outdoor code. What you pack in, you must pack out. This includes trash.
Zip-lock bags					For storing things that you don't want to get wet. Also for storing things that are already wet.
Cleaning gear					A small towel, pot scrubber, and biodegradable soap to keep your cooking and eating equipment clean.
Food					The type of food you bring depends on the type of outing. For a day hike you may bring just PB&J sandwiches, on overnight hike will require some freeze-dried meals and multi-day campouts will be full meals. Responsibility for the food on multi-day campouts will be split amongst the scouts.
Water					Bring as much water as you can carry. If you run out of water during the hike, you may face dehydration. Also see water purification in the safety item section.
Snacks					Good snacks are trail mix, dried fruit, beef jerky or hard candy. These are items that you can eat on the trail or while taking a 10 minute break. These should be non-perishable.
Sleeping/pack Items
Light weight sleeping bag					A lightweight sleeping bag designed for backpacking. Look for a rating around 30 degrees. This should be a light weight as possible. Remember, you will be carrying this around with you all day.
Heavy sleeping bag					A normal sleeping bag. the lower the temperature rating the better.
Sleeping pad					A pad will make a big difference in comfort when sleeping on the hard ground. The self-inflating Therm-a-rest pads seem to work the best.
Lightweight 2-man tent					The scouts are normally asked to pair up and share tents for sleeping. The parts for a lightweight can be shared between the scouts. One scout can carry the tenting while the other carries the poles and other hardware. Remember, you will be carrying this around with you all day.
Heavy 4-man tent					The troop will provide tents when camping in an organized campground.
Bivy sack					A bivy sack is a waterproof bag to cover your sleeping bag while hiking. There is nothing worse than sleeping in a wet sleeping bag after a long day of hiking.
Day pack					A day-pack with a built-in water reservoir will get a lot of use. Get one that holds at least 2 liters. The more water you carry, the better.
Backpack					There are two type of packs, internal frame and external frame. Get an external frame pack because you can  lashing all sorts of items to the frame. The backpack will be used by the scouts on some campouts to carry their own items to the campsite. Geronimo and camporee are two examples.
Camp chair					For sitting around the campfire
Clothing Items
Rain poncho					Keep an emergency rain poncho in all your hiking and camping gear. Because you never know when you may be caught in a rainstorm.
Hiking Boots					Hiking boots are better for supporting the ankle than sneakers.
Sneakers					To wear during campouts.
Hat					A must-have for keeping the intense Arizona sun at bay. A wide brim hat is best, but a baseball cap will suffice.
Hiking Socks					Wear socks made for hiking. They will wick moisture away from the feet and prevent blisters.
Regular Socks					Wear these at the campsite for comfort and to allow the hiking socks to dry out. Bring several pairs for multi-day campouts.
Underwear					Always a good thing to wear. Bring several pairs for multi-day campouts.
Pants/shorts					The type of pants with zip-off legs are best when packing light for an overnight hike. Bring 1 extra pair for longer campouts.
Shirt					Wear the appropriate shirt for the weather you are expecting. Bring 1 extra for longer campouts.
Jacket					Bring a jacket or sweatshirt for the cool evenings. Keep weight in mind when backpacking.
Thermal Underwear					Only needed when cold weather camping.
Sleeping clothes					Can be sleeping clothes or sweats.
Scout class 'A' Uniform					Needed for Camp Geronimo, camporee or other campouts where uniform inspection is required.
Scout Class 'B' Uniform					Used for all troop activities.
Other Items
Pencil/paper					For keeping a journal of your travels or writing a list of the items you forgot on this trip that you  need for the next.
Something to do during downtime					Bring a book, Frisbee, or other things to do if you find yourself with some extra time on your hands.
Camera					Keep a record of your personal adventures or snap a picture of an embarrassing moment.
Watch					A must for when you need to be somewhere at a certain time.
Spending money					For eating meals on they way to/from destination, souvenirs, entrance fees or the occasional "oops I forgot something".
Scout Handbook					For recording items accomplished. This is required for Geronimo and camporee.