Backpacking Packing List for Young Scouts

Beginner-friendly overnight trip • Scout and parent packing guide

Use this as a starting list for a short backpacking trip. Have your trip leader adjust it for the weather, route, trip length, and Scout’s experience. Clothing amounts below are suggested for a weekend, not an official Scouting requirement.

Personal essentials — each Scout

• Well-fitting backpack with rain cover or waterproof liner.
• Filled water bottles or reservoir; confirm needed capacity and refill locations with the leader.
• Small personal first-aid kit, including blister care.
• Headlamp or small flashlight with spare batteries.
• Map and compass; know how to use them.
• Whistle.
• Sun protection: sunscreen, SPF lip balm, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Rain jacket and rain pants, or a suitable poncho.
• Trail snacks approved for the group’s food-allergy needs.
• Pocketknife and waterproof matches or fire starter only if approved by the leader and appropriate to the Scout’s training.

Adapted from the official Scouting camping gear checklist and the ScoutSpace backpacking gear list.

Sleep, clothing, and personal care

• Sleeping bag suitable for expected overnight temperatures, packed in a waterproof sack.
• Lightweight sleeping pad.
• Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots.
• Quick-drying hiking shirt, pants or shorts, and moisture-wicking underwear.
• Spare wool or synthetic socks and spare underwear; keep a dry set for sleeping.
• Warm fleece or insulating jacket and a warm hat.
• For cold conditions: thermal base layers, extra insulation, and gloves or mittens, as directed by the leader.
• Toothbrush, small toothpaste, and a small washcloth or bandanna.
• Small amount of soap or hand-cleaning supplies; follow the group’s disposal plan.
• Toilet paper and a sealable pack-out bag; follow local toilet and waste rules.
• Non-aerosol insect repellent.
• Personal medications, clearly labeled; review the medication plan with the responsible adult before departure.
• Required permission forms, turned in as the leader directs.

Clothing tip: dress in layers, choose wool or synthetic hiking clothing rather than cotton, and avoid packing a full fresh outfit for every day. Source: ScoutSpace backpacking gear list.

Shared patrol gear — confirm assignments

Coordinate these items before packing so the group has everything without unnecessary duplicates. Each Scout carries only their assigned share.

• Backpacking tent with rainfly, poles, stakes, and groundsheet as needed.
• Backpacking stove and suitable fuel, carried and used according to the leader’s plan.
• Cooking pot, serving utensil, and group cleanup supplies.
• Water-treatment equipment and any group water containers.
• Planned meals and required food-storage equipment.
• Group first-aid kit, route maps, permits, and required trip paperwork.

Each Scout also brings: a lightweight bowl, cup, and spoon or spork. Sources: ScoutSpace backpacking gear list and Troop 436 weekend backpacking list.

Final pack check — Scout and adult

• Lay out the gear together and check it against this list and the leader’s trip instructions.
• Have the Scout pack their own bag so they can find each item.
• Keep rain gear, water, snacks, and a light easy to reach; protect sleeping gear and spare clothes from rain.
• Leave room for assigned food and shared equipment.
• Try on the fully loaded pack with food, water, and shared gear; ask the leader to check fit and whether the load is manageable.
• Remove unnecessary duplicates and bulky extras. Use small quantities of toiletries rather than full-size containers.

Suggested preparation steps, informed by the packing tips in the ScoutSpace list and the load-management discussion in the Troop 436 list.

Before you go

This is a packing aid, not approval for an outing. The trip leader should confirm that the trip and equipment are appropriate for the Scouts’ ages, training, weather, and route. Do not remove essential safety gear simply to make a pack lighter.