Cold Weather Camping Gear Checklist

Warm sleeping bag (two slumber-party-type bags will work)

Sleeping pad or mat

Clothing appropriate for the weather

Gloves or mittens

Rain gear

Sleeping clothes, to be used ONLY for that purpose

Extra stocking cap for sleeping

Extra socks and shoes (hiking boots are the preferred footwear)

Flashlight and extra batteries

Mess kit or equivalent

Water bottle or canteen

Scout Handbook

Notepad and pen or pencil

Medication and instructions (collected by the health officer before departure)

Something to stow your gear in (backpack, duffel bag, etc.)

OPTIONAL ITEMS:

Pillow

Pocketknife (with Totin’ Chip)

Compass

Camera and film

Small book

DO NOT BRING:

Radios or electronic devices, such as handheld games

Excessive food or snack items

Notes:

Watch the weather forecast, and pack accordingly!

Camping rules and additional information

THE RULES:

No Flames in Tents!

No food is permitted inside tents.

Unzip tent door COMPLETELY when entering or exiting tent.

Keep tent doors closed at all other times.

Proper behavior is expected at all times, in accordance with the Scout Oath and Law.

Obey instructions from your Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader and their Assistants, and from the Scoutmaster or other adult leaders.

Change ALL of your clothes before going to bed.

Report ALL illness or injury to the health officer or other adult leader, even if you think it doesn’t need treatment.

If you have a problem or a question, see your Patrol Leader or Senior Patrol Leader. They are here to help you.

HAVE FUN & STAY SAFE!

Additional information:

Sleeping pads or mats are essential in cold weather. They provide a layer of insulation between the cold, damp ground and your sleeping bag, and will make the difference between a cold, miserable sleepless night and a warm, restful one.

Changing all your clothing before going to bed will help keep you warm all night. Even though your clothing may seem dry, it is probably holding some moisture from perspiration during the day, and that little bit of moisture can make you miserably cold in the night.

Wear a hat to bed. Most of our body heat escapes through our head. Wearing a hat to bed will help keep all of your body, even your feet, toasty warm through the night.

When dressing for a day outdoors, use “layering” for all-day comfort. Each layer of clothing traps air, providing additional insulation. In the fall, mornings can be chilly to downright cold, but afternoons can warm up to “shirt sleeve” temperatures. Long underwear, T-Shirt, sweater or sweatshirt and jacket may be needed in the morning (and again in the evening) and it’s easy to shed various items as the temps change during the day.

Rain gear should be packed regardless of the forecast. Even if it doesn’t rain, those ponchos or rain suits can provide additional warmth if the temps drop to unexpected lows.

Mess kits: Don’t run out and buy one. A bowl and a spoon are all that’s really necessary. (If you can eat it from a plate, you can eat it from a bowl; if you can eat it with a fork you can eat it with a spoon; you can’t eat soup with a plate and fork.) Plastic containers, such as Tupperware or Rubbermaid work great. They’re easier to handle than the metal “mess kits” which get very hot when filled with hot food, and since mosthealth officer or Scoutmaster before departure. Medication should be in a Zip-lock bag, and the Scout’s name should be clearly written on the bag. Dosage instructions must be included in the bag with the medication.