Outdoor Essentials

Prepared. For Life. It’s more than a motto for Scouting; it’s a way to plan and execute each outing, even if it’s just a Saturday morning hike. On an outing, the items listed below (stowed in a daypack) can keep you comfortable, warm, hydrated, safe and, most of all, prepared to face what nature puts in your path — whether you asked for it or not.

This list is based upon the Scout Basic Essentials included in the Scouts BSA Handbook (pg. 268) with a few twists.

1. POCKET KNIFE – A pocket knife is the all-purpose tool of the outdoors. Use it to cut cord, trim a bandage, slice cheese, whittle a tent stake, open a can, tighten a camp stove screw, and take care of hundreds of other tasks. Choose a quality knife that includes one or two sharp blades, a can opener, a screwdriver and possibly a scissors. Invest in a good knife now, and it will serve you well through years of adventures. Scouts must first earn their Totin’ Chip before carrying a pocket knife
2. RAIN GEAR – Be prepared to face the elements with rain protection in the form of a poncho or a shell jacket and pants. Rain gear can also be very beneficial to your clothing layering system, by providing a wind-stop layer.
3. TRAIL FOOD – You will be very happy to have an emergency supply of trail food if a trip in the field lasts longer than planned or if your provisions run out sooner than you expected. Rely on foods that are compact, high in energy and unlikely to spoil — a small bag of GORP (good ol’ raisins and peanuts) or beef jerky, for example, and perhaps an energy bar or two (do not pack candy or junk food).
4. FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLAMP – (or both) – You might intend to be home before nightfall, but things don’t always go as planned. A flashlight will illuminate a site as you set up camp in the dark or light up a trail as you find your way after the sun has gone down. Carry spare batteries, as well. A handheld flashlight can be heavy and sometimes awkward to use, but they are fine for trips not limited by the amount of weight you can carry. A compact headlamp powered by AA or AAA batteries, with an elastic band that fits around your head, will free your hands for hiking when visibility is limited, for dealing with emergencies after dark and for reading in a tent.
5. EXTRA CLOTHING – Weather in some backcountry can change — sometimes with startling swiftness. Have the clothing you need to deal with the extremes of heat, cold and storms. For summer campouts close to home, you can probably find most of the clothing you need in your closet. Using a layering system allows you to stay comfortable by adding or removing clothes as the weather changes. During hot or wet weather, something as simple as a dry pair of socks can drastically improve your outdoor experience. Falling temperatures and the possibilities of snow require more attention to what you wear and the additional clothing you carry.
6. FIRST AID KIT – Having basic first-aid items on hand will allow you to treat minor injuries and to provide initial care if more serious emergencies arise. Zippered into a self-sealing plastic bag, a personal first-aid kit has what you need to treat a blister, clean a wound and bandage a cut. Use the list provided in your Scouts BSA Handbook (pg. 108) to create your personal first aid kit.
7. SUN PROTECTION – Sunburn is among the most common injuries suffered by people who enjoy being outdoors. Repeated sunburns can cause long-term skin damage and the potential for skin cancer. While people with fair skin are the most at risk, everyone should be aware of the dangers of too much sun and should take steps to protect against it. Use sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt and long pants to provide more complete protection. UV-blocking sunglasses are also a good choice.
8. MAP AND COMPASS – Staying found is an important responsibility for anyone traveling outdoors. Learning to navigate on trails, over water and across open country can bring a great sense of enjoyment and confidence. Carry a map of the area you are exploring, along with a simple compass to help make your way through unfamiliar terrain. Even when they aren’t essential for route-finding, practicing with navigational tools can be fun. Practicing will help prepare you for times when you might need to rely on these tools.
9. MATCHES AND FIRE-STARTERS – Plan your clothing, shelter and meals well enough that you won’t need a campfire. But be prepared to build one in the event of an emergency. Carry several different kinds of fire sources so if one fails, you’ll have a backup. Matches, butane lighters, tinder aids, traditional fire starters are all good examples. Scouts must first earn their Firem’n Chit before carrying matches and fire-starters
10. FILLED WATER BOTTLE/CANTEEN – How much water you’ll need depends upon what you will be doing and whether you can replenish your supply along the way. Hot and humid conditions increase your thirst, but you need to drink plenty of fluids in cold, dry weather, too. An inexpensive option is to simply rinse plastic water or soda bottles and fill them with drinking water. Or, you can choose a wide-mouthed plastic bottle that’s easy to fill and clean. Other options include a hydration bladder/pack or collapsible water jug. REMEMBER to fill your water bottle prior to departing, because an empty water bottle will not quench your thirst. 🙂

Additional Scoutmaster Recommendations

The 10 items listed above are the bare-minimum for going outdoors, but with a few more items, you can greatly improve your safety, comfort and enjoyment in the outdoors.

• WHISTLE – There are many uses for a whistle, but one of the most useful ways to use a whistle is to stay alive. In an emergency situation, when you need to signal for help, a whistle can be heard further away than your voice, and takes much less energy to use. The most recognized distress call with a whistle is a series of three short blasts (about 3 seconds each with a second in between). Allow a few seconds in between each series to allow your sound to travel and so you can hear if anyone is responding.
• INSECT REPELLANT – The outdoors are great, but they are enjoyed so much more if you’re not having to swat, swoosh, and chase bugs away. When it comes to types of insect repellants, there are numerous choices. Some for your skin, some for your cloths, some pre-treatments and some for the air around you. To help decide which is best for you, REI has a great guide for choosing insect repellants.

• PREPARATION – Know what you’re doing out there. Be well-trained. Also, for each trip, know where you are going and what your plans are. Feel free to ask your SPL for details and he’ll be happy to share the information. The more people know what we’re doing and where we’re going, the less time we waste milling around aimlessly.
• A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE – The best thing you can bring on any trip—helps you truly enjoy any outdoor adventure and it is the key to survival in any sticky situation.