Backpacks           Stress             Heavy Pack           Light Pack                         Main Pack Body         Side Pockets         Stuff Bag

This checklist is provided by the “Camp Trails” backpack maker.  For more information on back packs see hiking and camping in your Boy Scout Handbook, on pages 197 to 245.

Backpacksare the most pesky item of discussion, and there are many views on what is the most ideal backpack, how big it should be, and what should be carried in the backpack.  There is one school of thought that says bring every possible item you might need.  This is sure to be a heavy pack, unweildy, and it will tire out a new Scout on a long treck.  New Scouts and Scouts not in good condition should consider shorter hikes to start. It is best to get a feel for the hiking task, and take measure of one’s ability to stand up to the stress of hiking.  Every new Scout will be anxious to get started, but if the hike is too long or the backpack is overpacked, poorly packed, or overweight, the new Scout will be stressed out.  It will lead to disappointment, and discouragement.  A heavy pack, not measured and weighed for the Scout, can lead to foot blisters, sprained ankles, and by the end of a hike, certain misery.

Others decide to travel light with a small pack, minimum gear, and easy food kits.  The theory is it won’t rain, and there won’t be any untoward events. Keep in mind that on the trail hiking will usually end late and start early.  From the time the hike ends for the day to the time to go to bed, much must be done. Tents have to be pitched, wood collected, fires prepared for cooking, water found, food prepared and much much more.  The lighter the load, the simpler the preparation, the easier it is to complete all necessary tasks. Things can be further slowed down by bad weather. So it would seem that an in between load, between heavy and light, is best.  Don’t pack what you can do without. Take what you absolutely need. Choose food that is easy to prepare and light to carry. Take gear according to the time of the year.  In winter you will obviously need more than in summer.  Leave everything behind that you will not need. Pack the pack so that you can find each item quickly when you need it.  The following is one view on how to do that.

This checklist is offered as a near minimum for a safe and comfortable backpack outing. Us a backpack and sleeping bag that should weigh no more than  20 pounds.  You will have to add 1.5 to 2 pounds per man per day for dehydrated food and 2 pounds per quart of water.  You should be able to pack in for a week carrying under 30 pounds.  Note: It is not intended that this be considered as either the best or only way to pack a pack. As you gain experience you can shift around to suit your own ideas.

MAIN PACK BODY:

In backpack top flap pocket keep: maps, fire permit, notebook, pen, fishing and hunting license, identification, and medical and alergy restrictions.

In back pocket keep: plastic bowl, cup, tablespoon, matches, lunch, trail snacks, extra glasses, sun glasses, juice crystals, plastic bags, rubber bands, nylon cord 30 ft., toilet kit: tooth brush and paste, soap*, dish cloth, toilet paper*, paper towels, or baby diaper.

In upper compartment keep:   cook kit, food, tent or tarp, pot tongs, stove, tube tent or ground cloth, backpack grill, water bag and condiment kit: salt, pepper, milk, sugar, coffee, cocoa, tea, cooling oil, and flavorings.

In lower compartment keep: hat or cap, socks, rain gear, underwear, hankies, swim suit, trousers, shirt, bandana, windbreaker, gloves, wash basin, pajamas or long johns, socks cap or down hood, wool shirt or down jacket, and food if not room in top compartment.

SIDE PACK POCKETS:

In upper left pocket: canteen or stove fuel or rain gear.

 In lower left pocket: sunburn cream, chapstick, medication, water purifier, bug repellant, repair kit, needles, thread, buttons, air matt repair kit, flashlight, extra batteries and bulb.

In upper right pocket: canteen or stove fuel and/or rain gear, and foil for stove wind break.

In lower right pocket: first aid kit or in belt bag, band aids, antiseptic, sting kill, moleskin, 2” gauze roll, 3” gauze pads, eye wash, snake bite kit, tweezers, safety pin, and extra waist strap buckle.

STUFF BAG:

Stuff in your sleeping bag and air pillow (if used). If your foam pad is narrow enough and the stuff bag is big enough, the foam pad can be rolled in the stuff bag and the sleeping bag struffed into the center, or the foam pad can be carried on top of the pack or under the flap.

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