PACK - Each Scout should have a pack. For our group,
it is best that you purchase an exterior frame pack so that it will allow
the back to breath while hiking. It must be fitted by someone who knows how to fit a pack
on a boy who is small, yet will grow; who has no hips, yet needs the waist belt to fit
snugly and carry the weight of the pack. Go to someplace
where there is a person who can help fit a pack, like Whole Earth Provision or REI (see below). This is time and money well-spent. You do
not need to spend a fortune to get a good pack. If you borrow a pack from a former scout,
please take it someplace to have it fitted and checked.
SLEEPING BAG -
Each Scout must have a sleeping bag. Do not buy a down bag (if it gets
wet, it will not dry out easily). He needs a bag that can be stuffed into a stuff sack, is light weight, and will handle temperatures to zero (0)
degrees. This is money well-spent. Check the Scout Store (Harry Hines at Regal Row),
Sports Authority (Park Ln.), Academy (Forest Ln. east
of Central Expressway next to the Home Depot), REI (Northwest Highway at 75), and
Whole Earth Provision Company (E. Mockingbird).
Borrowing old bags is fine, but be sure they will survive cold weather.
GROUND PAD -
Each Scout should have a closed-cell foam ground pad
or self-inflating air pad to go under his sleeping bag. It should be light weight.
Remember, on 10-13 year old boys, ounces can mean the difference between being able to
carry your pack or not. These are not expensive.
TENT - Every boy must be able to sleep in a tent. If
you plan well with the patrol, not everyone needs to carry a tent every time, but every
scout should have a tent. If the parents and boys talk, tent purchases can be made in
rotation or can be borrowed in the neighborhood. Tents may be shopped at any of the
locations mentioned above but the best prices found were at Academy. One can purchase a
nice dome tent with a good brand name at a decent price. Be aware that a 2 man tent cannot fit two scouts and their gear. A three or four man tent is more adequately sized. Most importantly, the rain fly over the tent should come all
the way down to the bottom edge of the tent to protect the inner tent from moisture.
GROUND CLOTH - Each scout should have a tarp or "footprint" for under his tent. This keeps
moisture out and provides an extra lining for protection against tearing the tent floor
material. This will also be used at summer camp for the floor of the tent and is mandatory.
PERSONAL GEAR - Every scout should pack according to the
packing list in the SCOUT HANDBOOK. Very important items are: pocketknife, personal
first aid kit, rain gear (poncho or pants/jacket set), possibly a folding camp stool,
water bottle or canteen, flashlight + extra batteries,
compass, sunscreen if necessary, mess kit and utensils, cup, and personal toiletries. These items can be obtained at any of the above
stores, or made up around the house (e.g. the personal first aid kit).
The packing list for each camp out is also posted on this website. See
Next Camp Out Checklist.
HIKING BOOTS - When you can work it into your budgets, each scout
should have a pair of hiking boots. There is a great selection at great prices at
Academy. Get a well-fitted boot to avoid blisters.
LINKS
TO SHOPPING:
REI
Outlet - A great source for finding name brand goods marked down, plus you get REI's amazing return and satisfaction policy.