Camping Gear & Tips

A big part of being in a Scouts BSA troop is outdoor adventure and activities plus camping. We love camping!

At minimum, a Scout needs a sleeping bag, mess kit (plate/bowl, utensils and cup), flashlight, daypack and a sturdy bag to carry gear to and from camp. Some tents are available from the troop. Any additional special requirements will be published for each campout.

Our leaders are happy to provide a list of camping gear and tips that are appropriate for all troop Scouts. If you have questions about necessary gear or need other recommendations, please speak with the Scoutmaster.

Winter Camping: Troop leaders host a parent discussion in early January to talk about cold weather camping and answer questions. Troop members can access Hiker Direct for discounted items on outdoor gear. Hiker Direct also has cold weather camping tips.

MESS KITS & COOKING

Each patrol is assigned a troop patrol box with cooking gear, cooking utensils, propane stove and essentials. This serves as the kitchen on campouts. Grills and Dutch ovens are available as needed. All fuels are provided by the troop.

Patrols plan their campout menus and shop for their food. The patrol leader will assign a grubmaster, a cook and an assistant for each campout.

Purchase or assemble a mess kit that includes a cup, a bowl and a plate. The Scout will also need utensils and a reusable cup.

A stuff sack or mesh bag should be used to keep all items together in one place.

Bring a reusable water bottle, in addition to your mess kit cup.

Is this mine? Make sure you clearly label all your items.

Mess kits and water bottles should be cleaned and sterilized at home after use.

TENTS & HAMMOCKS

The troop has some tents available for use. Scouts are welcome to use their own tents for campouts and summer camp.

If a Scout uses a troop tent, the Scout is responsible for keeping the tent in good working condition and “complete.” Normal wear and tear are expected but lost or broken poles, stakes, rain fly, or other damage will be the Scout’s responsibility to fix, repair or replace.

If a summer camp location has platform tents (canvas walls with wooden platforms), consider having a bug net for inside the tent.

Some Scouts choose to sleep in hammocks. Find a hammock that is appropriate for your size and consider investing in a bug net and rain fly to make your overnights more comfortable.

SLEEPING BAG

Our troop goes camping year-round, including the winter months. If you only acquire one bag, get a zero-degree rated bag. A mummy style bag will be more efficient and lighter than a comparable rectangular bag.

Inexpensive zero-degree rated bags will weigh more than 5 pounds because they use more of a heavier insulating material. Bags that are more expensive tend to use lighter weight materials that makes them less heavy.

Avoid down bags. Down does not insulate or keep you warm when wet and it takes a long time to dry. Stick with synthetics.

Don’t forget a pillow. Find a lightweight, inflatable option that is comfortable for you.

SLEEPING PADS & COTS

If you are sleeping on the ground in a tent, a sleeping pad is essential. Consider a foam or inflatable option.

Cots are recommended for summer camp but are not required. Some summer camp locations use platform tents (canvas walls with wooden platforms). Cots can help with more comfortable sleeping and improve the summer camp experience.

Some Scouts bring cots on weekend campouts, but they are heavier and less convenient than a sleeping pad.

There are two types of cots: X-Leg and D-Leg. The X-Leg ones should not be used in a regular tent because the legs can push holes into the floor of the tent. The D-legged styles are easier on tent floors.

BACKPACKS & STORAGE

First year Scouts do not normally need a backpack since it is only required for backpacking campouts. However, backpacks do provide an organized way of keeping camping gear together.

If you do buy a backpack, consider one that has adjustment options that can grow with your Scout.

Backpacks are not for summer camp. They are not the best way of keeping things clean, dry and organized for the week.

For summer camp, a footlocker or large storage tote is best.

A small daypack is a good option for hikes on campouts, or during travel to activities and merit badge classes at summer camp.

KNIVES & TOOLS

Scouts are not allowed to carry a knife at Scouting events until they have been trained in safety procedures and earned the privilege to carry a knife. Every infraction of safety rules or incident/accident with “sharps” will cost a Scout or adult their privileges.

Sheathe knives are not allowed on Scout reservations.

Scouts cannot use hatchets or axes until they’ve been trained. Additionally, these items must be used only in designated areas.

FOOTWEAR

Boots are important. Since Scouts sometimes outgrow their boots multiple times in a year, get hiking boots that offer support and protection at a price you can afford.

Waterproof boots are helpful for rainy or muddy events, morning dew on the grass and winter camping.

Hiking boots are recommended for summer camp. Old athletic shoes are an OK alternative for around camp in the evenings when your boots need to dry or air out.

Closed-toe shoes are required for camp, unless at the pool or shower house.

Smartwool and similar high-tech wool socks can help cushion feet and keep them warm and dry by wicking moisture, even when they are wet. A “hiking” weight sock is suitable for most of the year.

Cotton socks are useful for wearing around camp while the better socks are drying or airing. Wet socks and shoes, plus the related foot problems, are the most common complaint at summer camp.

OTHER ITEMS

Don’t forget the bug repellent. To protect the camping tents, use a lotion instead of a pump or spray. DEET is very effective but it melts plastic.

Look for bug repellent sprays and washes (eg. permethrin) to treat clothing.

A flashlight, lantern, head lamp and extra batteries are necessary. Check out the solar options that are available too.

Bring a rope or a clothesline, and a clothes hanger, for your Class A shirt.

Battery packs, charging cords and solar chargers are important for any electronics that will need power while camping.

Once you’ve reviewed our gear recommendations, take a look at the checklists created by our troop Scouts to help campers pack for a weekend campout and summer camp.

Fundraisers, scholarships, and camperships are available for families that may need financial support to participate in summer camp and adventure activities. Gear and equipment swaps are also part of Troop 652’s operations.

BSA Troop 652 :: Brecksville, Ohio

BSA Troop 652 :: Brecksville, Ohio

Camping Gear & Tips