Suggested Gear List

Suggested Gear List

Welcome to Cub Scouts! My first bit of advice is that before you run to the store to outfit your scout, look around your own home and you will probably find almost everything they need. It is not necessary to spend a fortune! Quality camping gear is expensive, but if chosen carefully will last a lifetime.

Please, get your scout involved in the selection process, this is part of how we teach the boys decision making and he will be the one using the gear and it would help him greatly to know why it was selected and the features and virtues of his equipment.

Please note this list was mostly copied from other resources on the net. It does reflect my personal preferences and opinions.

Where to get this stuff:

• Walmart has a ton of good stuff at low prices.
• Target also had a pretty good selection of camping supplies.
• The Sports Authority has a good selection of smaller items and clothing.
• The Boy Scout Shop and Catalog has good gear at good prices.
• REI store or REI.com Excellent selection, reasonable prices, and good customer service. They also have a print catalog. A personal favorite.
• REIOutlet.com Closeout site chock full of quality gear.

TENT- If this is your first camping trip, let us know. We may have families with extra equipment.

BACKPACK- Not really necessary for cubscout camping - we don't go on any long hikes. But it can be nice to have one as a general holder of stuff.

SLEEPING BAG- The Boy Scouts recommend a bag rated to at least 35 degrees, synthetic fill (or goose down if it has a water repellent shell), mummy style bag. If you are buying a new sleeping bag and expect your scout to use it for years to come, don't skimp. Of course, for now you can use any old sleeping bag or blankets - we are not going into extreme weather.

More advice if you are purchasing a new bag: Do not get a cotton filled bag; if it gets wet your boy will get very cold. The bag must be able to be compressed to a small size, a stuff sack to hold to it would be a wise addition. This is a time when it is OK to get a bag that he can grow into, especially if you plan to get a high quality bag. A sleeping pad will make his nights more comfortable and will insulate him from the ground (very important when it is cold out). The cheapest way to go is to get a piece of closed-cell foam that is just as big as his bag (no larger). A group of scouts could get together and buy a roll of foam and cut it to size. Air pads are nice and the best is the foam and air "Thermarest" styled pads. As far as a pillow, just bring a pillow case and put a change of clothes in it, works like a champ. Prices on sleeping bags vary from $50 to $150.
Suggested Brands: The North Face, Sierra Designs, Kelty, Coleman/Peak 1, Slumberjack, REI, Campmor

STOVE- Don't buy one, but if you already have one feel free to bring it.

RAIN GEAR- A standard poncho or raincoat is fine, one that can be worn over a backpack is better. Rain suits are also good choices but are more expensive. Don't forget an extra pair of shoes, if you can.

EATING GEAR- The pack has cooking gear,and will arrange for all the meals. A personal mess kit is good thing to have, but the pack will have plates, silverwear, etc....so not really required for a cub scout trip. A thermal mug is a must in cold weather. Put a couple of paper towels in a zip lock, very handy to have.

WATER BOTTLE- Do not buy a fancy canteen or hydration system. A pair of one quart (or close) water bottles work great. Some suggestions include the Gatorade squirt bottles, coke bottles, or the plastic bottles that spring water comes in. They are all cheap, easy to replace, and last forever.  The Pack will have water for cooking - but you must bring extra drinking water for your family to keep hydrated.

HYGIENE- Think sample or travel size.

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Small soap bar (hand sanitizer works great)
Hairbrush
Wash cloth
Toilet paper in zip lock bag (Half a roll should last several trips)
Towel
Shampoo

CLOTHES AND FOOTGEAR- I think that everyone knows that their boys are growing at an astounding rate, so don't get any specialized high-end outdoors clothing, he will only outgrow it. If you do need to get clothing for the outdoors, get stuff he will use anywhere. Also, synthetic clothing is best for the outdoors and cotton is the worst. When cotton gets wet it takes literally forever to dry and in cold weather will not hold warmth, synthetics dry quickly and have better warmth retention. When clothing is a major issue for a trip it will be discussed in depth with the boys at a meeting, for now, bring what you have and don't worry about it.

WARM WEATHER
Shorts or pants
T-shirt
Socks
Underwear
Hat
Bandanna
Swimsuit

COLD WEATHER ADD:
Long sleeved shirt
Sweat shirt
Sweat pants
Jacket
Gloves
Warm hat

BOOTS- It is not necessary to buy high tech hiking boots, although they are nice to have. Any sturdy shoe or boot with good ankle and arch support will work fine. Let your scout grow some more before you invest in high-end boots.

FLASHLIGHT- A small one is best. All he will need it for is finding things in his pack at night not guiding 747s in for a landing. Headlamps and/or cap clips are become extremely popular as they keep the scouts hands free.

FIRST AID- Please note: the troop and its leaders will not manage Scouts medications. The pack has a first aid kit, but personal kits should contain at least the following:

Any family administered medication
Asprin or Ibuprofen
Band aides
Antiseptic wipes
Lip balm
Burn cream
Moleskin or molefoam (adhesive type)

KNIFE- All Scouts must earn a "whitling chip" achievement in order to be in possession of a knife, hatchet or saw. Please do not send your son out with a blade unless he can show you his card. A small pocket or pen knife is all he will need. Swiss-army or multi-tool style knives are nice too. A few cautions- No blades longer than 3 inches, no lock blade knives, no sheath knives, and no "automatic" or switch style knives.

Scouts who have not previously earned their "whitling chip" achievement are not allowed to carry a knife.

OTHER-

Assorted zip lock and garbage bags
Deck of cards
Camera