Troop 68 Personal Equipment List

Scout's (suggested) Personal Equipment List

(not necessarily for the Back Pack trips)

Money Regular Camp fee ($15), reimburse Patrol Food Purchaser (about $8) and extra for the lunch stop on the way home ($5), or $25 is a good estimate. Summer Camp is different! The cost of Summer Camp includes transportation and all meals. Some boys bring extra cash and keep it locked in their foot locker, just in case. Remember, if your boy EVER needs any money, or supplies while we are on a campout or Summer Camp, the Troop will ALWAYS provide for him what he needs: the boy comes first (we'll settle the bill later).

Scout Uniform shirt ALWAYS wear your uniform. DO NOT PACK IT, WEAR IT! Be sure your name is on it (label).

Shoes During most of the year, wet feet are only an inconvenience. During the winter, it is much more critical that you be able to keep your feet dry. For summer camp, open-toed sandals are appropriate for shower shoes or a good backup. If you decide to buy hiking boots, buy leather or Gore-Tex lined boots which can be waterproofed. Most lightweight nylon hiking boots cannot be made sufficiently waterproof, but are fine for summer. Always buy hiking boots large enough so that you can wear two pairs of socks - your scout socks and a pair of wool hiking socks.

Change of shoes, as desired Always carry an extra pair of sneakers. Sandals or aqua-shoes are great shower-shoes for Summer Camp.

Raincoat, poncho, or rain suit Essential, even if you are not backpacking. When you are backpacking, you want your poncho to be able to cover you and your pack. Most cheap plastic ponchos are not sufficient for this purpose. Ordinary ponchos may not even reach your waist when you are wearing a pack. Many Scouts try to substitute a water repellent jacket for a truly waterproof raincoat or poncho. These will not keep you dry in hard rain.   If you choose to use a raincoat instead of a poncho, you will need a separate waterproof rain cover for your pack. For Summer Camp, it WILL rain; always has, always will.

Handkerchiefs (as needed) Can be used in first aid, washcloths, napkin, whatever.

Jacket / sweatshirt / windbreaker We suggest a hooded sweatshirt. Official Boy Scout jackets are available but not required. When we camp in the winter, you will need both a warm jacket and a sweatshirt. Down jackets are warm and easily "stuffable", but down is expensive and loses its insulation qualities if it gets wet. Rainpants are great for hiking and stuff nicely in your backpack.

Swim trunks For warm weather camping only.

Warm hat & gloves A ski-type knit cap and warm gloves are essential at winter campouts. A knit hat collapses into nothing and you may need it. The gloves not only keep your hands warm, but can be used as a backup for work gloves. These are absolutely a must for Summer Camp.

Extra socks & extra underwear You need a change of underwear and a pair of extra socks for each day of a trip. This means each Scout probably needs 3 pairs of socks and an extra pair of wool hiking socks. Always pack an extra 2 pair of socks in a ziplock bag for backup and an extra pair of underwear in another ziplock bag.

Thermal Underwear For winter only. We suggest thermal underwear made of polypropylene or Capilene instead of cotton/polyester. These newer fabrics can keep you warm if they become damp or dirty. Cotton/polyester fabrics quickly lose their insulation value when damp or dirty. Optional item.

Work clothes Always have an extra pair of long pants with you that you can get dirty and/or torn. Jeans are fine for this purpose. Don't bring your nice stuff camping.

Work gloves We all help to tear down camp and gloves are essential.

Towels (2) Washcloths (2) May substitute bandanas for washcloths, but two old towels that you don't mind losing are a must.

Dirty Clothes Bag Write your name on it. Keep your dirty clothes in here.

Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo and dental floss Pack these items together in a zip-loc bag or other waterproof bag or in a special "ditty" bag.   If you want, you can get a metal or plastic mirror also. No glass please!  For Summer Camp, place these items in a container, shave kit, stuff-sack with your name on it, to be stored in the equipment trailer. We will NOT have these odorous items in your tent to attract bears. You WILL use these items on a daily basis and they will be kept in the equipment trailer.

Hand soap and container Bar soap. Liquid anti-bacterial soap that requires no water works well. Biodegradable. Also kept in the equipment trailer with your other personal stuff.

Required/prescribed medication Notify "Doc" of any prescribed medication. We will make sure it is administered.

AP (or Toilet Paper) This is "All Purpose" paper. Take a roll, flaten it, put into a ziploc bag. Weighs nothing.

Watch For summer camp, this is a necessity. Patrol leaders will need a watch all the time.

Sunglasses Especially important in the Texas sun. Prescription glasses too!

Camera with extra film A small inexpensive camera is probably a better idea than risking an expensive one. This is especially true during questionable weather or any type of backpacking (where weight is also important). Write your name on the camera! We are always collecting cameras. For Summer Camp, and Bear reasons, cameras and film will be kept in a ziplock bag and stored in the equipment trailer with your name on it. DO NOT KEEP YOUR CAMERA in your TENT or in your FOOTLOCKER at SUMMER CAMP. Film has a wonderful odor that attracts bears.

Binoculars Great for star-gazing or checking out the scenery.

Pillow/pillowcase Not essential, but sure makes it comfy.

Insect repellent Ordinary Off insect repellent doesn't work too well or last too long because it doesn't contain enough of the active ingredient Deet. Deep Woods Off is better, but still not great. Aerosol cans are prohibited. Towelettes are OK, but create litter. Furthermore, the liquids are much more effective. For this reason, we recommend liquid types for use at all campouts. Cutters liquid is fairly good.

Sunscreen/ lip salve Especially for Summer Camp. The altitude and low humidity makes everyone's lips cracked, chapped and bleeding. Just pack some ALWAYS.

Compass No scout should be without a compass.

Boy Scout Handbook You never know! Always bring it, especially for Summer Camp, get your things signed off!

Scout size knife (no belt clip, no sheath knife) Avoid the temptation to buy a large, thick knife with too many blades. You will never use most of them and the knife will weigh too much. Features that are useful are a good blade, a can opener and a small scissors. Make sure the knife you buy can be opened easily. Inexpensive knives tend to bind easily, making them difficult to use. Keep your knife clean and sharp. Scouts will not be allowed to carry or use a knife until they have passed a knife, ax and saw safety course. NO sheath knives at all!

Ballpoint pen, pencil, paper Put these supplies in your day backpack (school type).

Personal first aid kit You know what to bring. Don't forget chapstick!

Flashlight with new batteries The key is to get a flashlight that is reliable, doesn't cost too much and is lightweight. A flashlight that uses AA (penlight) batteries is suggested. We recommend new batteries each campout especially if you use regular batteries. Duracell or other alkaline batteries last much longer, but you should still carry spares. It's also a good idea to carry a spare bulb.

Butane lighter or matches If you choose to use matches, use a waterproof container to keep them dry.   Be sure you do not buy safety matches. Regular, non-safety matches will light anywhere.   Safety matches require the striker on the box. Most Scouts find that matches are better for lighting fires, lighters are better for lighting stoves. Scouts will not be allowed to use matches or lighters until they have taken and passed a fire safety course. Caught abusing this privilege and you lose any fire-making capabilities.

foam pad, mattress pad, poly-pad There are several types available. The least expensive is the type made of Ensolite closed cell foam. A more expensive type is the Therm-a-rest pad. Both types help insulate you from the ground - obviously more important in the winter. Therm-a-rest pads and other open-cell type foam pads should not be stored in their stuff sacks. Store them unrolled with the air valve left open (under your bed, for example). Closed-cell foam pads like those made of Ensolite may be stored rolled. WRITE your NAME on it. You will need one for the overnighter backpack on summer camp.

Sleeping bag Your sleeping bag should be lightweight (4-6 pounds), nylon lined, easily "stuffable" and rated to about 20 degrees. Usually, we suggest synthetic fill bags instead of down. Down is lighter and insulates somewhat better, but is very expensive and if it gets wet, will no longer keep you warm. Synthetic materials like Polar Guard or Holofill will still keep you warm even if they get wet. Quallofil is a relatively new insulation material. It stuffs very easily and is very light. You will also need a waterproof stuff bag to transport your sleeping bag. Buy the smallest stuff bag your sleeping bag will fit into. A plastic trash bag is not suitable for this purpose. ** A note about storage: Don't store your sleeping bag in its stuff bag. This will eventually ruin the insulation. Store your sleeping bag unrolled on a shelf or a hanger.

Folding Chair Camping, folding chair, tripod chair, is optional.

Canteen We suggest a plastic wide-mouth water bottle. Plastic, unlike aluminum, can be used for Kool-Aid. The plastic water bottles are also less expensive and can be run through the dishwasher (without high heat). The Nalgene loop-top bottle is ideal because the cap can't get lost. Backpack-style hydration paks are great too.

Mess kit, knife, fork and spoon At summer camp, we provide a tray for the camp meals. On the backpack trip, you will need a mess kit.

Money	Regular Camp fee ($15), reimburse Patrol Food Purchaser (about $8) and extra for the lunch stop on the way home ($5), or $25 is a good estimate. Summer Camp is different! The cost of Summer Camp includes transportation and all meals. Some boys bring extra cash and keep it locked in their foot locker, just in case. Remember, if your boy EVER needs any money, or supplies while we are on a campout or Summer Camp, the Troop will ALWAYS provide for him what he needs: the boy comes first (we'll settle the bill later).
Scout Uniform shirt	ALWAYS wear your uniform. DO NOT PACK IT, WEAR IT! Be sure your name is on it (label).
Shoes	During most of the year, wet feet are only an inconvenience. During the winter, it is much more critical that you be able to keep your feet dry. For summer camp, open-toed sandals are appropriate for shower shoes or a good backup. If you decide to buy hiking boots, buy leather or Gore-Tex lined boots which can be waterproofed. Most lightweight nylon hiking boots cannot be made sufficiently waterproof, but are fine for summer. Always buy hiking boots large enough so that you can wear two pairs of socks - your scout socks and a pair of wool hiking socks.
Change of shoes, as desired	Always carry an extra pair of sneakers. Sandals or aqua-shoes are great shower-shoes for Summer Camp.
Raincoat, poncho, or rain suit	Essential, even if you are not backpacking. When you are backpacking, you want your poncho to be able to cover you and your pack. Most cheap plastic ponchos are not sufficient for this purpose. Ordinary ponchos may not even reach your waist when you are wearing a pack. Many Scouts try to substitute a water repellent jacket for a truly waterproof raincoat or poncho. These will not keep you dry in hard rain. If you choose to use a raincoat instead of a poncho, you will need a separate waterproof rain cover for your pack. For Summer Camp, it WILL rain; always has, always will.
Handkerchiefs (as needed)	Can be used in first aid, washcloths, napkin, whatever.
Jacket / sweatshirt / windbreaker	We suggest a hooded sweatshirt. Official Boy Scout jackets are available but not required. When we camp in the winter, you will need both a warm jacket and a sweatshirt. Down jackets are warm and easily "stuffable", but down is expensive and loses its insulation qualities if it gets wet. Rainpants are great for hiking and stuff nicely in your backpack.
Swim trunks	For warm weather camping only.
Warm hat & gloves	A ski-type knit cap and warm gloves are essential at winter campouts. A knit hat collapses into nothing and you may need it. The gloves not only keep your hands warm, but can be used as a backup for work gloves. These are absolutely a must for Summer Camp.
Extra socks & extra underwear	You need a change of underwear and a pair of extra socks for each day of a trip. This means each Scout probably needs 3 pairs of socks and an extra pair of wool hiking socks. Always pack an extra 2 pair of socks in a ziplock bag for backup and an extra pair of underwear in another ziplock bag.
Thermal Underwear	For winter only. We suggest thermal underwear made of polypropylene or Capilene instead of cotton/polyester. These newer fabrics can keep you warm if they become damp or dirty. Cotton/polyester fabrics quickly lose their insulation value when damp or dirty. Optional item.
Work clothes	Always have an extra pair of long pants with you that you can get dirty and/or torn. Jeans are fine for this purpose. Don't bring your nice stuff camping.
Work gloves	We all help to tear down camp and gloves are essential.
Towels (2) Washcloths (2)	May substitute bandanas for washcloths, but two old towels that you don't mind losing are a must.
Dirty Clothes Bag	Write your name on it. Keep your dirty clothes in here.
Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo and dental floss	Pack these items together in a zip-loc bag or other waterproof bag or in a special "ditty" bag. If you want, you can get a metal or plastic mirror also. No glass please! For Summer Camp, place these items in a container, shave kit, stuff-sack with your name on it, to be stored in the equipment trailer. We will NOT have these odorous items in your tent to attract bears. You WILL use these items on a daily basis and they will be kept in the equipment trailer.
Hand soap and container	Bar soap. Liquid anti-bacterial soap that requires no water works well. Biodegradable. Also kept in the equipment trailer with your other personal stuff.
Required/prescribed medication	Notify "Doc" of any prescribed medication. We will make sure it is administered.
AP (or Toilet Paper)	This is "All Purpose" paper. Take a roll, flaten it, put into a ziploc bag. Weighs nothing.
Watch	For summer camp, this is a necessity. Patrol leaders will need a watch all the time.
Sunglasses	Especially important in the Texas sun. Prescription glasses too!
Camera with extra film	A small inexpensive camera is probably a better idea than risking an expensive one. This is especially true during questionable weather or any type of backpacking (where weight is also important). Write your name on the camera! We are always collecting cameras. For Summer Camp, and Bear reasons, cameras and film will be kept in a ziplock bag and stored in the equipment trailer with your name on it. DO NOT KEEP YOUR CAMERA in your TENT or in your FOOTLOCKER at SUMMER CAMP. Film has a wonderful odor that attracts bears.
Binoculars	Great for star-gazing or checking out the scenery.
Pillow/pillowcase	Not essential, but sure makes it comfy.
Insect repellent	Ordinary Off insect repellent doesn't work too well or last too long because it doesn't contain enough of the active ingredient Deet. Deep Woods Off is better, but still not great. Aerosol cans are prohibited. Towelettes are OK, but create litter. Furthermore, the liquids are much more effective. For this reason, we recommend liquid types for use at all campouts. Cutters liquid is fairly good.
Sunscreen/ lip salve	Especially for Summer Camp. The altitude and low humidity makes everyone's lips cracked, chapped and bleeding. Just pack some ALWAYS.
Compass	No scout should be without a compass.
Boy Scout Handbook	You never know! Always bring it, especially for Summer Camp, get your things signed off!
Scout size knife (no belt clip, no sheath knife)	Avoid the temptation to buy a large, thick knife with too many blades. You will never use most of them and the knife will weigh too much. Features that are useful are a good blade, a can opener and a small scissors. Make sure the knife you buy can be opened easily. Inexpensive knives tend to bind easily, making them difficult to use. Keep your knife clean and sharp. Scouts will not be allowed to carry or use a knife until they have passed a knife, ax and saw safety course. NO sheath knives at all!
Ballpoint pen, pencil, paper	Put these supplies in your day backpack (school type).
Personal first aid kit	You know what to bring. Don't forget chapstick!
Flashlight with new batteries	The key is to get a flashlight that is reliable, doesn't cost too much and is lightweight. A flashlight that uses AA (penlight) batteries is suggested. We recommend new batteries each campout especially if you use regular batteries. Duracell or other alkaline batteries last much longer, but you should still carry spares. It's also a good idea to carry a spare bulb.
Butane lighter or matches	If you choose to use matches, use a waterproof container to keep them dry. Be sure you do not buy safety matches. Regular, non-safety matches will light anywhere. Safety matches require the striker on the box. Most Scouts find that matches are better for lighting fires, lighters are better for lighting stoves. Scouts will not be allowed to use matches or lighters until they have taken and passed a fire safety course. Caught abusing this privilege and you lose any fire-making capabilities.
foam pad, mattress pad, poly-pad	There are several types available. The least expensive is the type made of Ensolite closed cell foam. A more expensive type is the Therm-a-rest pad. Both types help insulate you from the ground - obviously more important in the winter. Therm-a-rest pads and other open-cell type foam pads should not be stored in their stuff sacks. Store them unrolled with the air valve left open (under your bed, for example). Closed-cell foam pads like those made of Ensolite may be stored rolled. WRITE your NAME on it. You will need one for the overnighter backpack on summer camp.
Sleeping bag	Your sleeping bag should be lightweight (4-6 pounds), nylon lined, easily "stuffable" and rated to about 20 degrees. Usually, we suggest synthetic fill bags instead of down. Down is lighter and insulates somewhat better, but is very expensive and if it gets wet, will no longer keep you warm. Synthetic materials like Polar Guard or Holofill will still keep you warm even if they get wet. Quallofil is a relatively new insulation material. It stuffs very easily and is very light. You will also need a waterproof stuff bag to transport your sleeping bag. Buy the smallest stuff bag your sleeping bag will fit into. A plastic trash bag is not suitable for this purpose. ** A note about storage: Don't store your sleeping bag in its stuff bag. This will eventually ruin the insulation. Store your sleeping bag unrolled on a shelf or a hanger.
Folding Chair	Camping, folding chair, tripod chair, is optional.
Canteen	We suggest a plastic wide-mouth water bottle. Plastic, unlike aluminum, can be used for Kool-Aid. The plastic water bottles are also less expensive and can be run through the dishwasher (without high heat). The Nalgene loop-top bottle is ideal because the cap can't get lost. Backpack-style hydration paks are great too.
Mess kit, knife, fork and spoon	At summer camp, we provide a tray for the camp meals. On the backpack trip, you will need a mess kit.