There are several excellent lists and discussions of equipment
Boy Scout Handbook, pages 216 - 219
Backpacking Merit Badge
Backpacking for Venture Crews, page 26
No List of Equipment is complete or completely up to date. Backpacking equipment should be functional, reliable and lightweight. There is often a conflict between your desire to bring more stuff and weight. You should plan to carry no more than one quarter of your body weight. Hop on the bath room scale with your pack (and then without) to determine your pack's weight. If you are overweight, start thinking about what you really don't need or could share with someone else. Don't forget you will be carrying five days of food (10 pounds).
Resist the temptation to bring extra gear. One year a boy tried to bring a three D-Cell flashlight, with extra batteries and a spare small flashlight. A small flashlight or LED headlamp is all you need. By the time it gets dark, you will be ready to sleep. If you share a tent you could even share the flashlight. Just because you own a great folding knife doesn’t need you need to bring it.
Group equipment. The food is provided in four-person meals. So a group of four boys can divide up the cooking pot, backpacking stove, and water pump.
Tents: Lightweight for two or three...share the weight.
Did I mention a "bathroom" garden trowel for you cooking group?
Let me talk about a few essentials.
Hiking Boots: good, well fitting boots are desired. Boys feet grow rapidly, so top of the line heavy duty boots may not be a smart buy. However, there are many moderate priced hiking boots or shoes on the market. The boots must be broken in prior to camp. Improper foot gear will certainly cause blisters, sore feet or sprained ankles. The boots should be waterproofed either by design or by applying a waterproofing wax or spray. Socks: We endorse the two sock system ( a thin pair of socks that wick away moisture underneath wool socks). Two sets of socks are needed to ensure that you always have a dry pair.
Backpack: they come in different sizes. Some may be adjusted. Find one that fits you. Internal frame or external frame, that is up to you. A pack cover will help keep your gear dry.
We expect rain, so be prepared. Your rain gear must be able to go through the forest without tearing, light weight ones do NOT last very long. Rain Pants and a Jacket or Poncho is preferred. Good ventilation will help prevent you from overheating when hiking in rain gear.
Clothing: use the layered system. That way you can be ready for all conditions. It gets cold at night (mid to low 30's), bring a socking cap, gloves, long underwear.
Bring a whistle, it is a great signaling device.
Hiking sticks: there are plenty of FREE dead Aspen seedlings that make excellent sticks on the trail. A walking stick makes crossing streams easier. (Resist the temptation to buy some high-tech poles unless you have sore knees or a fat wallet.)
Food & Water
We supply the food. It is high quality, freeze dried and lightweight. If you would like to snack a little more, a bag of trail mix or beef jerky can be brought to camp. (Do not overdo since the extra weight can add up.)
We do have several water filter pumps, so unless you want to buy a personal one...we should have enough. If you prefer a simpler option, there is always Iodine tablets (AquaPure tastes better).
Backpacking stoves come in many styles. Some work poorly at altitude (propane), others are difficult to operate. Get to know your equipment before camp. Each cooking team should have a stove and pots (2 liter & 1.5 liter nesting type are best). The only thing that I use for supper is an insulated plastic coffee mug and a plastic fork and spoon (no need for a mess kit or a plate).
I would be happy to discuss your equipment questions over the phone or
via email.
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