The Ten Essentials and Basic Gear List

The Ten Essentials

Any time a Scout goes on a camping trip or hike, he needs be prepared by carrying the following ten essential items in his pack. These essentials will allow a scout to survive in the outdoors in most emergency situations.

The ten essentials are:

____ water bottle or canteen (with water in it!)

____ extra food (trail mix works great)

____ extra clothing (wool sweater, fleece, or a parka)

____ rain gear (a disposable poncho or garbage bag at minimum)

____ first-aid kit (see checklist below)

____ map and compass

____ matches (in waterproof case) and fire starter (cotton or candle in film can)

____ pocketknife

____ sun protection (sunscreen and/or hat)

____ flashlight with good batteries

and of course there is the eleventh essential:

____ toilet paper (in zip-lock plastic bag)

First-aid Kit

____ Band-Aids
____ chapstick
____ gauze pads and ____ tape
____ antiseptic
____ moleskin and ____ needle
____ insect repellent
____ Aspirin or Advil (optional)

The Outdoor Code

As a Scout, I will do my best to
Be clean in my outdoor manners,
Be careful with fire,
Be considerate in the outdoors, and
Be conservation minded.

Printable Version

Checklist for going camping or backpacking

Individual Items:

____ ten essentials (see ten essentials checklist) and ____ toilet paper

____ backpack (duffel bag O.K. if car camping) and ____ pack cover

____ sleeping Bag and ____ pad (or air mattress)

____ ground cloth or bivouac sack (if no tent)

____ cup and ____ bowl

____ spoon and ____ fork

____ rope or 3mm cord (25 ft or more for bear and racoon bags)

____ extra socks

____ large plastic garbage bags (at least two)

____ soap (ivory, Dr. Bonners, or biodegradable)

____ small towel

____ toothbrush and ____ toothpaste

____ scout handbook

____ long-sleeve shirt and ____ windpants (or sweatpants)

____ swim suit (optional) and ____ Tevas, boat shoes, or water socks (optional)

____ dark glasses (optional)

____ food bag (optional - but don't use your sleeping bag stuff sack to hang food in!)

group items (to be shared by two or more campers):

____ group first aid kit

____ tent (don’t forget the items below)

____ poles ____ tent stakes ____ ground cloth (for tent)

____ cook gear (pots, spatula), ____ stove, and ____ (optional) brillo pad

____ water filter (remember they break) and ____ Iodine tablets (Giardia is everywhere)

____ trowel (you’ll need it for latrine duty)

Printable Version