Camping
Most of our campouts are primitive — no electricity, no running water, no hookups. Here's what that means and exactly what to pack.
We camp in tents (or under tarps) at sites without electricity, showers, or running water. We cook with a mix of camp gear — propane stoves, grills, and griddles on some campouts, open fires on others — bring our own drinking water and pack out everything we pack in.
Primitive doesn't mean miserable — it means self-reliant. With the right gear and a little prep, it's where the best memories happen.
Every Trailman carries these on every outing, even day hikes.
- Navigation — map and compass (and know how to use them)
- Sun protection — sunglasses, sunscreen, brimmed hat
- Insulation — extra clothing layers for the worst weather expected
- Illumination — headlamp or flashlight + spare batteries
- First-aid supplies — personal kit with any meds
- Fire — waterproof matches or lighter + fire starter
- Repair kit and tools — multitool, duct tape, paracord
- Nutrition — extra food beyond planned meals
- Hydration — full water bottles (we bring our own drinking water)
- Emergency shelter — emergency blanket or bivy
Personal packing list
Label everything with your name. Pack it yourself so you know where it is.
- Class B or C uniform per the campout plan
- Moisture-wicking base layers (no cotton in cold/wet weather)
- Insulating mid-layer (fleece or puffy)
- Rain jacket and rain pants
- Sturdy broken-in hiking boots + camp shoes
- Wool or synthetic socks (2-3 pairs)
- Warm hat and gloves (cool seasons)
- Change of clothes in a dry bag
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Biodegradable soap (small bottle)
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Bug spray
- Any medications in original containers, given to a leader if required
- Hand sanitizer
- Small pack towel
- Toilet paper in a zip-top bag
- Plate or bowl, cup, spork
- Dish towel and small scrubber
- Mesh bag for drying
- Sleeping bag rated for the forecast low (with 10°F to spare)
- Sleeping pad (closed-cell foam or inflatable)
- Ground cloth or footprint
- Small camp pillow or stuff sack with clothes
- Backpack sized to the trip (day pack or backpacking pack)
- Pack cover or contractor-bag liner for rain
- Two 1-liter water bottles or a hydration bladder
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Notebook and pen
- Bible
The patrol brings universal gear for the whole group, and we have loaner gear available for any Trailman who needs it.
Universal — brought for the patrol
- Stove and fuel
- Cook pots, utensils, and shared mess gear
- Patrol food, sorted by meal in labeled bags
- Patrol drinking water supply (we bring our own)
- Patrol first-aid kit (in addition to personal)
- Lantern or area light
Available — borrow if you need it
New to camping or missing a piece? Ask a leader — we have gear to loan so cost is never a barrier.
- Tents, tarps, or hammock setups
- Sleeping bags and sleeping pads
- Backpacks for the trip
- Mess kits and headlamps
- Electronics, phones, tablets, video games (leaders carry comms)
- Knives or hatchets unless the Trailman has earned the Trail Skills award and the leader has cleared it
- Valuables or anything irreplaceable
- Annual health form on file with the troop
- Campout permission slip signed and turned in
- Confirm arrival, departure, and meeting point
- Check the forecast the night before and adjust layers
- Hydrate the day before — start the trip already topped up
- Eat a real meal before arrival
- Buddy system at all times — never wander alone
- Knife and axe yard rules are non-negotiable when tools are in use
- Fire safety: only in approved rings, attended at all times, drowned cold before bed
- Leave No Trace: pack out everything we pack in, including micro-trash
- Quiet hours respected — others are sleeping too