Your First Pieces of Equipment in Scouting

Just joined scouting? Here is a description of the first pieces of equipment that will be suitable for a typical scout camp out.

If your boy is just starting in scouting you are probably wondering what initial pieces of equipment will be needed for his first camp out. Of course, besides his uniform, here's some ideas. Hint: Put your boy's name on everything!

Inexpensive pack or duffle bag - For camp outs other than backpacking trips, an inexpensive duffle bag will do just fine. We don't recommend buying an expensive pack while your boy is growing. If you have an old pack to use, that's better. When the time comes to buy a pack, and you are certain that your boy will remain in scouting, we recommend an external frame pack with a telescoping frame. Kelty makes several good ones. Better outdoor equipment stores should have a good selection and their staff will fit a pack to your boy planning on room for growth. See "Getting the right pack" for more info.

Sleeping bag - If there's one piece of equipment that's worth getting it right the first time, it's the sleeping bag! We do NOT recommend the traditional Coleman quilted bags. They are heavy and their size when rolled up is very large, they are questionable in temperatures lower than 50°. Of course, if you already have one, it would be OK for a weekend in mild weather, where carrying it for a distance won't be an issue... you get the idea! We recommend that you visit a better outdoor store and consider a nylon mummy bag that is good anywhere from 30° at the highest down to 0° at the lowest. These types of bags are much lighter, compress into a stuff sack, (don't forget the stuff sack!) and will lash to a pack nicely. See "Picking the right sleeping bag and pad" for more info.

Sleeping Bag Straps - Used to hold the sleeping bag to the pack. for a weekend, a bungee cord will do fine. For a backpacking trip for several days, it's worth it to get a better pair of nylon-webbed straps. The Arno® brand straps are the best we have seen.

Insulation pad for Sleeping bag - This is a must. When you lay down, your body weight compresses the bag and you'll feel the cold come right through before long! Fortunately, a very effective and inexpensive pad is made by ThermaRest® called a RidgeRest®. Several different varieties are available. Get the full-length pad. Stuff sack is optional, but useful. More discussion in "Picking the right sleeping bag and pad".

Personal Eating gear - you need not get the official scout mess kit. All that is really needed is a plate, bowl, cup, knife spoon and fork! For weekend trip where weight isn't a consideration, almost anything will suffice here. If you prefer to purchase something, outdoor stores will give you a pretty good selection. Our favorite is the Lexan® plastic bowl, cup and the Lexan fork, spoon and knife set.

Rain gear - We've seen scouts bring a plastic ponchos and yellow rain slickers. While these might be fine for a weekend camp out, just bear in mind that the plastic poncho tears easily and the slicker is heavy and bulky to pack. A much better choice would be a nylon poncho or rain suit. More information about rain gear in the "Philmont and extended..." section.

Waterproofed Hiking Boots - While your boy's feet are growing, any inexpensive pair of hiking boots that are breathable and that can be waterproofed will do fine. There are decent ones at Target and WalMart for about $29. For very rainy camp outs where hiking won't be an issue, rubber boots might be a better option - especially if your boy is younger and doesn't miss an opportunity to step in puddles! See "Picking and waterproofing the right boots" for more info.