Gear
List of on-line stores that support Scouting
You and your son will need some special gear for camping. The good news is that the required gear can be inexpensive.
The full winter camping gear list is available on http://troop71bethel.org/forms/wintercampinglist.pdf. The list of winter camping clothing is available on http://troop71bethel.org/forms/wintercampingguide.pdf
New members: Example shopping lists:
Note that you should keep an eye on sales. Winter gear generally goes on sale in late February or so.
Some notes on the gear you may not have yet:
Backpack
Not needed until you and/or your son go on a backpacking trip.
Duffel Bag
You need something to put your gear in. An inexpensive duffel bag, gym bag, etc works great for most campouts and takes up less space than a backpack and its frame. Best to get one that is somewhat waterproof.
Day Pack
A small backpack. Needed for shorter hikes. Its nice to have provision for a camelback-type reservoir, but not necessary.
Sleeping Bag with optional liner
We recommend a 0 degree F or colder sleeping bag. Be careful that the bag is rated 0 degrees F, and not 0 degrees C. There is a 32 degree difference between the two.
Sleeping Pad
There are many types of sleeping pads available including self-inflating mats, closed cell foam pads, air mattresses and air beds. These are important because they allow you to get a more comfortable nights rest, and add insulation between you and the ground.
Water Bottle
Two one-liter bottles with leak proof caps are needed. A camelback type reservoir for your pack is an alternative for backpacking and hiking.
Mess Kit
Adults also may want a larger coffee cup.
First Aid Kit
The troop supplies a group first aid kit.
Youth may have a personal first aid kit. Their patrol leader will help them decide what goes in it. The kit made in Webelos is a good starter kit.
Adults may want a personal kit with a few over the counter medications (ibuprofen, antihistamine, etc) and a couple of band-aids. The local sporting good stores (Dick’s, Sierra Trading Post) have one and two person kits that are fine.
Plastic Bags
Clothing should be packed in waterproof plastic bags, Gallon size may work for summer clothes and smaller scouts. Ziploc Space Bags (Travel or Dual Use) or similar come in larger sizes. Put one day’s clothing in each bag.
Flashlight & Extra Batteries
Not quite as simple as it sounds, there are a lot of options.
Hiking Boots
Lots of options here, depending on what sort of campouts you will be going on.
Winter Boots
Unlike hiking boots, these boots are intended to be warm, and should be high enough to keep the snow out.
Winter Clothing
Backpacking Stove and Cookware
Scouting’s 10 Essential items
Miscellaneous
Adults Only
Tent
The troop provides tents for youth, adults bring their own. Youth are allowed to bring their own tents or hammocks on backpacking trips.