Required Gear
Zero Degree Sleeping Bag (Wal Mart usually has a good deal)
Sleeping Pad (Therma Rest or Equivalent... This is as important as the bag!)
Long Underwear (No Cotton... Cotton=Death... Wal Mart again)
Water Proofed Hiking Boots (K-Mart Leather)
Compass
Boy Scout Handbook
Stocking Hat (No Cotton)
Waterproof Gloves
Waterproof (or resistant) Winter Coat
Things not to buy for at least the first year of scouting
Tent (Troop 2 Provided)
Stove (Troop 2 Provided)
The Scout Master or Assistant Scout Masters will be glad to guide you in your purchases! Don't be afraid to ask questions!
Mandatory Gear for Cold Weather Camping
High quality full length ground pad (Thermarest type)
Zero degree sleeping bag
Two complete changes of winter clothes suitable for wind, snow, and freezing temperatures including:
* 2 pair winter gloves
* 2 pair long underwear - tops and bottoms - thermal, wickinq (NO COTTON)
* Waterproof, windproof snow pants
* Middle layer upper body - non-cotton turtleneck OR
* Lightweight sweater or polar fleece
* Windbreaker shell jacket for day, outer parka/ski jacket for night
* Waterproofed hiking boots (ABSOLUTELY NO CANVAS SHOES OR SNEAKERS!!!)
* NON-COTTON Stocking cap
* 4 pair wool - type socks (NO COTTON!)
2 water bottles - filled and drank several times a day
Flashlight
Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
Mess kit
Scout handbook
Compass
Notebook and pencil
Cup/mug for hot liquids
Toiletries
Cooking gear, food, tarps, patrol water, firewood, tents...
Depending on your contribution to your patrol's plan
Survival Kit
The main elements required for survival are Food, Fire, Shelter and Water (Order of importance depends on where you are). Here are some suggestions of what you may want in a survival kit.
* At least 2 different ways to start a fire (Matches, Lighter, Flint, Magnifying Glass)
* Candle and small flashlight (with extra batteries)
* Lightstick(s)
* First Aid Kit (Items in it depend on your skill in using them, the terrain, area and personal needs. Make sure to include any needed personal medication)
* Compass and map of area (Be familiar with an area before you go!)
* Small multiple function knife (Optional: A second stronger knife used to cut trees and build shelter)
* Snake/Insect bite kit (optional)
* Insect repellent (personal comfort/protection)
* Water in at least 1 qt container (with drinking/cooking cup)
* Water filter or purification kit
* Heavy Duty Aluminum foil (cooking, signaling)
* Heavy Duty plastic bag, large garbage bags, zip lock (water, food storage, shelter, rain gear)
* Space Blanket (shelter, signaling, personal protection) may want to have 2 or 3
* Whistle and Signal mirror
* Sewing kit including some Duct tape (repairing clothes and equipment)
* Flares, bright colored bandanna or flag or an Emergency Strobe (visual means of signaling)
* Bouillon cubes, one small pack of instant soup, salt, tea (cooking, flavor)
* Hard Candy, high energy bar and/or Jello with sugar, jerky (survival food)
* Multivitamins/Protein tablets
* Fishing kit (line, hooks, lures, snares, repairs)
* Signal mirror
* Flexible wire saw (shelter building, tinder making)
* Rope, string, mousetrap (shelters, snares, repairs)
* Jacket/poncho
* Stocking cap and Spare socks (double as mittens)
* Money (coins) for a pay phone
* Paper and pencil stub
* Tissues, damp toweletts
* Identification
* Book: Survival
* A picture of your loved ones (will to survive)
STOP means Sit, Think, Observe, and Plan. It is the most intelligent thing you can do when you realize you are lost or stranded. The most important element is to keep your brain functioning rationally, this is basic first aid for survival. Analyze your needs before every trip, create a medical checklist and carry a small personal kit with you at all times. Never keep your survival equipment with the rest of your stuff, like in your backpack. Keep it separate and close. Most survival situations require only dressing for small cuts, bruises and personal medication needs, make sure you know what you have with you and how to use it. Do not over pack, pack what you feel you will need to carry with you at all times. Concentrate on being found, pack a picture of your family in with your gear to remind you of the reasons to remain calm and to survive. Prevent hypothermia by insulating yourself in a Space Blanket. Make a simple shelter if it looks like you will have to stay the night, and have a wood stacked so you can quickly start a fire if you need to stay warm or to use for a signal.
Here are some Survival documents that can be downloaded:
Only You Can Avoid Forest Fires (With info for the last Lost Creek Wilderness Campout): MS-Word Document
