On the whole scouts will bring to camps, hikes and other expeditions clothes that they have already, but hopefully choose the most suitable items.

FASHION VERSUS FUNCTION

Because so much clothing these days is determined by fashion and is not meant for outdoors, here are some notes on clothing not mentioned elsewhere. In general, camp is not the place for white clothes (they will not be white for long). Older clothes are often good enough. Fashion should take second place to usefulness.

WARMTH IN CAMP

Young people are mostly not used to keeping themselves warm outdoors, and sufficient, suitable clothes are important. Scouts should bring plenty of warm, loose-fitting clothes. Several thin layers are better than one thick one, as they can be added or removed one at a time to keep warm.

A close-stitch, long-sleeved shirt stops wind cooling much better than a loose-knit jumper, and some should always be in a scout’s kit, whether a proper shirt or a rugby-type shirt.

Base layer. We highly recomend a long-sleeved base layer, made from man-made fibre - almost always 100% polyester. This provides quick -drying and wicking, so adding greatly to warmth at any time of year. Such base layers can be obtained for not more than 10 pounds, for example at sports clothing stores.

A windproof jacket of some sort is important for warmth.

HIKE CLOTHES

It is important that clothing for mountain walking can protect against the weather, which may be more extreme than at low level.

Cotton trousers, such as Denim jean,s become heavy and cold when wet and must not be worn. Ordinary trousers with at maximum 30% cotton (rest man-made) are much better and one pair should be brought, when we are going to include hiking in the programme. Scout trousers make good hike trousers, if nothing else is available.

The points above, about base layers and long-sleeved shirts, is particularly important here.

HOT WEATHER

It is a good idea to use T shirts as vests, so that if it gets hot, just the T shirt can be worn on top. Similarly, if thin shorts, such as football shorts are worn under long trousers on hikes etc., scouts can take off the long trousers if they get hot. These should be extra to any other shorts brought.

HAT AND GLOVES

A woolly hat and warm gloves are essential for any camp, even if only to wear if the temperature drops in the evening or if the scout is unwell. The gloves should be proper fingered gloves or mittens, not cut off at the fingers.

During the summer months a sun hat should be brought, which will shade the face and neck.

AROUND THE NECK

A little (and cheap) garment is a great addition to clothing to keep cold out. A buff, neck gaiter, neck roll, head roll are all names for similar things. It is just a tube of stretchy material that can be worn in lots of ways on the head and neck. Very cheap - available for as little as 5 pounds, but preferably get the thermal sort. It is also available in lots of bright patterns!

CAMP FOOTWEAR

This is generally what gets the wettest quickest at camp. Grass gets wet from either rain or dew; scout walks in grass; wet feet. Footwear is also one of the most difficult items to dry at camp. Most Scouts now have hiking boots to wear at camp, but if not, wellies are an alterative at camp but NOT for hiking. One hour’s wear in the morning, when the grass is wet from dew, saves a lot of bother later.

When the camp programmes includes water activities, an extra pair of old trainers is very useful, even if full of holes, or the various sort of "water" shoes now available. These can be used to paddle etc., leaving a pair dry for the camp site. Try to save such a pair for this.