Following is a list of suggested equipment for backpacking with Troop 174. Each scout (or parent) that goes on a backpacking trip with Troop 174 must come to a regular troop meeting with a fully equipment backpack (except food) and be checked out by a senior scout or adult leader before participating in a backpacking trip. This is only done once but applies to both scouts and parents.

The items listed in bold are considered mandatory and are required for the backpack check unless noted as optional. The details following each item are intended only as guidelines. Individual budgets, preferences and situations should guide you in selecting the appropriate equipment. If you can’t buy an item on the list, see an adult leader and they will find out if you can borrow one from someone else. It is more important to just get something you can afford and come out and have fun however. Troop 174 has several skilled backpackers that can help you with equipment selection, trip preparation and planning. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Each scout and adult will be assigned (by the hike leader) troop equipment at trailhead to carry during the backpack. You are responsible for the equipment you are assigned and must turn in at the end of the trip or when you are instructed to do so.
 

Troop equipment includes

General rules

• Troop 174 follows "leave No Trace" practices. Individuals must carry out all of their own trash and waste. Under certain circumstances, general debris found in the campsite will be collected and assigned to a scout to "pack out".
• Electronic items such as games, radios, tape or CD players are not allowed.
• On backpacking trips. Many scouts choose to take them during the car trip to the trailhead but they must be left in the car.
• Two way radios and cell phones should only be used for emergency situations. Scouts are strongly encouraged not to carry these devices.
• Scouts are encouraged to bring healthy snacks to eat on the trail and in camp. Candy in wrappers should be avoided. See the food section for more details.
• Hot water is generally available at breakfast and dinner but not for lunch. In addition a large boil pot is available at dinnertime for making boil bags. A camp/cooking fir is made at dinnertime if conditions allow it.
• We backpack in any weather so "BE PREPARED."

Backpack

• Adjustable styles are recommended for scouts.
• Internal and external frames are acceptable but external frames are easier to use and pack. They are also cooler in hot weather.
• Must have a good quality hip-belt that fits properly.
• A sternum strap is good and recommended. You can add one if your pack doesn’t have one.
• Internal Volume of 3500 CI is recommended minimum.

Sleeping Bag

• A mummy bags is recommended but a rectangular bags will suffice but keep the scout as warm.
• Synthetic fill is recommended over down for scouts because of wet conditions. Acceptable fill materials include Holo-fill, Polarguard and various proprietary materials. Try to avoid common polyester fill, it is not as warm.
• A maximum temperature rating of 15F is recommended. A colder rating should be considered if you are a cold sleeper or is you use a rectangular bag.
• Avoid bags with cotton linings.

Ground pad

• Used for thermal insulation and padding. Both open and closed cell types are acceptable.
• Self-inflating type pads are more expensive and require extra care but they are generally more comfortable.
• Pads are usually available in full or ¾ length. Full length is recommended.

Ground Cloth or Space Blanket

• Used in the bottom of the tent, underneath the sleeping pad. Primary purpose is to provide a barrier from water is the tent leaks.
• Space blankets are sliver on one side and help keep heat in during winter.
• All scouts are advised to carry an disposable emergency space blanket but they are only thin Mylar and not recommended to use as a ground cloth.

Boots

• Must fit well and should be broken in before a backpack.
• Mid to high tops recommended. Avoid low tops.
• Boots can be all leather or leather/fabric combination. Leather is preferred for waterproofing purposes. Rubber coated boots should only be used if they are designed for backpacking.
• Use a waterproofing compound like Mink Oil if the boots are not lined with waterproof membrane. If you have fabric boots they can not be waterproofed so carry extra socks.

First Aid Kit

• Carry a kit that contains band-aids, moleskin, topical antibacterial cream, pain relief tablets, and lip balm as a minimum.
• Carry non aerosol insect repellent.
• Carry sun block all year round.

Toiletries

• Always carry toilet paper and paper towels. Baby wipes can serve as both toilet paper and a washcloth.
• Toothpaste and deodorant (optional) should be kept with your food. It will go in your bear bag at night as animals love to eat it
• Tip: only carry enough for the days you are hiking to save space and weight.

Clothing

• For all weather conditions; windbreaker or light jacket, heavyweight shirt or sweatshirt, long underwear and long sleeve undershirt, spare underwear (Ts and shorts), spare pants are optional.
• Cool weather (in addition to all weather above: insulated shirt or jacket (fleece work well), substitute insulated long underwear, take an outer jacket or shell that fits over your insulation layer.
• Warm weather (in addition to all weather above): shorts or convertible pants (nylon preferred) and extra T shirts.
• Generally:
Dress in thin layers that can be removed as required as opposed to a single heavy garment. The only reason is have spare clothes is if they get wet, which does happen frequently. You should always have at least one set of dry clothes to put on in the evening when you get into your sleeping bag.

Socks

• Cotton socks are not recommended.
• Use woolen or synthetic socks intended for hiking or backpacking.
• Sock liners are a great investment. Polypropylene liner work best and they are not expensive.
• Carry at least 2 pairs of sock for each day out or more if you do not have waterproof boots.

Hats

• Summer: use a baseball type cap for sun protection.
• Winter/Fall/Spring: carry a woolen or synthetic cap that covers your ears.

Gloves

• Carry at least one pair of gloves at all times of the year. Carry warm, insulated gloves in the winter and light protective gloves in warm weather.

Mess Kit

• Bowl or plate (with handle if you bring hot food), fork, spoon, knife 9 can use pocket knife to save weight).
• You do not need to buy a metal mess kit. Plastic from home work fine if you are just going to use them to hold precooked food. The same goes for silverware.
• Carry a mug or a cup. Plastic insulated variety work well as it serve for both hot and cold.

Rain Gear

• Scouts should always carry a waterproof poncho. Check to make sure it is large enough to fit over your backpack. Ponchos made of nylon or synthetic materials are better.
• Rain pants are optional.

Flashlight or Headlight

• Lightweight is most important. Carry one spare set of batteries.
• Waterproof varieties are desirable but not required. LED units are popular but expensive.

Compass/Whistle

• A scout style compass is recommended (pages 63 and 66 in the "Boy Scout Handbook").
• A whistle is required for everyone to be used for emergency only.

Pocketknife

• Scout issue recommended but not necessary.
• Sheath knives or automatic opening styles are prohibited.
• Totin' Chip card required.  (pages 85 and 412 in the "Boy Scout Handbook")

Water

• Specific instructions on the amount of water required will be given before each trip. As a minimum, scouts carry 2 qts for each day on the trail and adults 3 qts. Each scout will be required to carry water for cooking in addition to the above water requirements.
• Water containers should be lightweight and inexpensive. Empty 1 or 2 liter soda bottles are recommended because they can be crushed and carried out. Other acceptable containers include plastic bladders (hydration systems) and polyethylene screw top bottles. DO NOT BRING GLASS.
• Energy drinks are encouraged but this is in addition to the stated water requirements.

Food

• Pack all you food in a stuff sack. It makes it easier to find it when the bear-bag is retrieved.
• Breakfast suggestions:
Bagel with cream cheese, hot cereal, cold cereal (don’t forget the parmalet or powdered milk), fruit or granola bars.
• Lunch suggestions:
A fresh sandwich for the first day, cheese, salami, fresh fruit, salty snacks or dried fruit.
• Dinner suggestions:
Boil bags (double bag with freezer zip locks and freeze until the morning of the trip. Fill with pasta, dogs and beans, or stews. Make sure the food is in bite size pieces for heating ease. Dehydrated meals and instant soups also work well.
• Tips:
• Trail snacks are recommended.
• Avoid any foods in heavy containers like cans, glass or reusable bowls. Repack any such items in zip lock bags at home.
• We typically have hot water for breakfast and dinner but not lunch. Avoid instant soup for lunch.

- Ben C., Mar. 7, 2006
Clip art from Scout Image.