Equipment List

The following is the checklist from pages 224-225 of the Scout Handbook that has been adjusted for the cold weather. These materials will fit easily into most any frame pack and is adequate for a weekend trip. The recommended weight for a beginning backpacker is 20% of ones body weight. For example, 40 pounds for a 200 pound individual. It is not necessary for those going on their first trip to have all of these materials, however a close approximation of the Required Equipment is recommended.

____	BACKPACK (and/or large Sports Equipment Bag, and/or Duffel Bag) Line your Pack with a Lawn Bag first, to keep contents dry.
____	100% POLYPROPYLENE LONG UNDERWEAR, Tops and Bottoms.
____	2 T-SHIRTS, 2 pair BRIEFS or BOXERS
____	2 LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS, No Cotton! (Wool or synthetic fiber for good insulating quality and quick drying - about $3 at thrift stores)
____	HEAVY WOOL SWEATER, or POLAR FLEECE SWEATSHIRT, No Cotton! (about $3 at Thrift Stores)
____	1 extra pair LONG PANTS, No Cotton! (extra Troop Activity Pants, Nylon Cargo Pants, or Nylon Shell Pants -- about $3 at thrift stores)
____	3 pair HEAVY-DUTY SYNTHETIC or WOOL HIKING SOCKS, No Cotton! (For year-around use.)
____	2-3 pair POLYPRO INNER SOCK LINERS, No Cotton! (prevent blisters and keep your feet cool in the summer)
____	STURDY HIKING BOOTS, 1/2 size larger than your regular size to fit both inner & outer socks -- see above. (about $5 at thrift stores)
____	RAIN SUIT (A Rain Suit has waterproof pants and keeps you drier than a poncho).
____	WARM JACKET, No Cotton!
____	WARM HAT.
____	SLEEPING BAG (Place a Lawn Bag inside a tough Outer Bag to protect it from ripping, stuff (don't roll) Sleeping Bag into this Double Bag)
____	CLOSED-CELL FOAM SLEEPING PAD ("Camp Pad," $7 from Wal-Mart -- Please, no air mattresses)
____	TWO (2) additional LARGE heavy-duty plastic LAWN BAGS (Important! To keep your stuff dry in Emergencies! Clear plastic preferred)
____	BOY SCOUT HANDBOOK , in a Zip-Lock bag.
____	GOOD QUALITY WHISTLE on neck chain (Do NOT buy a cheap Whistle, Try Eastern Mountain Sports, $2.70)
____	MESS-KIT (BOWL, CUP, FORK, SPOON, PLATE -- heavy-duty plastic or metal)
____	2 ONE-QUART WATER BOTTLES, filled (Any plastic bottle is OK, but the best are Wide-Mouth "Nalgene" Bottles, about $3)
____	FLASHLIGHT, & EXTRA BATTERIES (Can be any style, but a headlamp enables use of both hands -- $7.47 at Wal-Mart)
____	SMALL FIRST AID KIT (You can make your own: BSA Handbook, Page 289).
____	COMPASS with a BASE PLATE, in a Zip-Lock bag (with map, if you have one)
____	MATCHES, LIGHTERS, in a Zip-Lock bag. (and/or "HOT SPARK" -- $1.60 at Scout Shop)
____	CLEAN-UP KIT (Small Hand Soap, Small Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Comb, Floss, Fast-Drying Camp Towel)
____	TOILET PAPER (Half a roll in a Zip-Lock bag).

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

____	SIX (6) or more 2-GALLON HEAVY-DUTY ZIP-LOCK BAGS (To keep your clothes and gear organized and dry.)
____	RUNNING SHOES, MOCCASINS, and/or WATER SHOES
____	REPAIR KIT (Small Duct Tape, Needle & Thread, Safety Pins, Batteries, Extra Buckles & Straps, Parts for your Equipment.)
____	SUN GLASSES (UV-Proof required for winter camping -- prevents snow blindness).
____	OLD WORK GLOVES (For working with trees & tools, and hot pots & pans)
____	OPTIONAL EXTRA SET OF CLOTHES TO LEAVE IN CAR (In an extra bag)
____	BANDANNAS (A million uses)
____	COMPRESSION STUFF SACKS (Reduces size of sleeping bag or other bulky things -- Can be home-made)
____	FISHING OR BACKPACKING VEST (Best way to be sure that you always have your 10 Essentials and Survival Gear with you.)
____	PEN, PENCIL & PAPER, SMALL NOTEBOOK (No, you can't borrow ours)
____	50 FEET NYLON PARACHUTE CORD (50 foot "Camo-Cord," $1.46 at Wal-Mart)
____	WATERPROOF "BLUE" TARP -- 5'X7' ($2.88 Wal-Mart, or other heavy plastic Ground Sheet)
____	EXTRA BAG FOR HEAVY ACCESSORIES (May be left in car) Camera & Film, Magnifying Glass, Nature Identification Books, Binoculars, Duct Tape, More Extra Batteries.