Camping & Hiking Equipment

Be Prepared… the meaning of the motto is that a scout must prepare himself by previous thinking out and practicing how to act on any accident or emergency so that he is never taken by surprise.

— Lord Baden Powell (founder of Scouts)

Basic Camping and Hiking Equipment Every Girl Needs to Start Out

We do a lot of activities outside.  Back in the “old days” campers brought a lot of heavy and bulky equipment with them. We only bring the basic things we need when we travel because it is a lot more fun that way.

You need to obtain some items – but do not have to spend a lot of money.  All of the things listed below can be expensive at fancy shops, but you can often get used things at low cost (or even for free) at garage sales or from a friend or neighbor who no longer wants these things.  It is best to obtain just the essentials recommend below because you can always get more things later.  Here is what we recommend every Girl have:

  • A Sleeping Bag.  We recommend a “three season” sleeping bag that you can use in the spring, summer, and fall.  
  • A Ground Pad or Air Pad.  
    • A ground pad is a simple foam pad that you roll-out on the ground in a tent and put your sleeping bag on top of.  It keeps you warm from the cold ground, dry from dampness and comfortable because of the padding.
    • An air pad is a lightweight inflatable pads usually “air up” with a few deep breaths. Some are self-inflating, meaning they mostly inflate on their own when unrolled but require a few breaths to firm up. Air pads are lightweight and pack down enough to fit inside your backpack.
  • A Daypack.  To start out, you only need a simple backpack that can contain the basic things you need to bring on hikes and short camp-outs.  You can even start out by using a large school backpack that you already own. After you have gone on some campouts and hikes you might want to get something bigger, but a Daypack will always be useful for you.  
  • A Pocket Knife.  The only good knife is a sharp knife. A blunt knife requires you to put so much force on it that it could slip, and you could drive the blade into your leg. Lockbacks are simple folding knives with a single blade that can be locked. So you get the benefits of a sturdy fixed blade-style knife but in a convenient pocket-size package that can be folded open with just one hand. Don’t use it until the Scoutmaster Staff teaches you how to use it – we don’t want any fingers missing from our girls!
  • A Water Bottle.  Any lightweight water bottle will do.  The simple ones you can get at the grocery store are just fine for you to start with.  No need to spend much on this item. The Scout Shop has a bunch of inexpensive ones.
  • A Rain Suit (not a poncho).  You will end up on a hike or on a campout when it rains. There is nothing worse than being wet, cold and miserable and that is what you will be if you are not prepared. A rain suit is a very light jacket with matching pants that fit over the clothes you are wearing when it rains.    These should be very thin and lightweight so they do not take up much space in your Daypack or weigh you down on a hike. We suggest Frogg togs ultra-lite rain suit.
  • Hiking Boots.  These should be sturdy boots that have thick rubber soles for hiking in wet, rocky terrain.  They should support (come above) your ankle and fit well. This is one item that you do not want to get wrong.  Hiking boots can be extremely expensive, which is great if you are a professional mountain-climber but terrible if you are a city girl girl just wanting to have fun.  And, the hiking boots at discount shoe stores like Target and Walmart are often plastic, uncomfortable and just fall apart. Learn a little more here.
  • Camping Socks. Hiking socks provide extra cushioning, help prevent blisters and perform in wet or sweaty weather to keep feet comfortable.  2-3 pairs of synthetic or wool blend Hiking Socks for a weekend camp to change out of as needed will keep most Scouts comfortable the whole trip. 
  • A Flash Light.  The lighter the better.  Small ones with LED lights and 2 or 3 AA batteries are the best.  You do not need to spend more than $10.

Packing Lists

Day Hike Packing List

  • Small hiking backpack
  • Scout Pocketknife, small flashlight, and matches
  • Lightweight rain suit
  • Hiking Boots that are already broken-in
  • Clothing appropriate for the weather expected during the hike
  • Snacks like granola, dried fruits, and food bars
  • Personal First Aid Kit
  • Sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher
  • Hat with visor or brim
  • Water bottle
  • Map and compass
  • Whistle

Weekend Campout Packing List

  • Medication
  • Clothing & Personal (best if tagged with the Scout’s name)
    • Sneakers / Gym Shoes
    • Hiking Boots
    • Rainsuit
    • Pajamas / Sleepwear
    • Hat
  • Personal Toiletries
    • Soap (in Plastic Case / Bag)
    • Shampoo (Small Bottle)
    • Deodorant
    • Washcloth & 1 Towel
    • Dental Floss
    • Toothbrush & Toothpaste
    • Comb / Brush
    • Insect Repellent
    • Sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher)
    • Kleenex / Tissues
  • Required Gear
    • Personal first aid kit
    • Sleeping Bag
    • Pillow
    • Backpack, duffel bag or storage bin
    • Drinking Cup (plastic)
    • Flashlight & Extra Batteries
    • Canteen or Water Bottle
    • Mess kit
    • 2 Ziploc bags – one for wet cloths and one for smelly clothes (Scoutmaster personal lesson)
  • Personal
    • Scout Handbook (a must)
    • Pen or Pencil (a must)
    • Pocket Knife (a must)
    • Sunglasses