This section is meant for a “standard” hike camp in the Troop programme: low level, with Scouts in a small group carrying all their their equipment, hiking to a camp site, camping over night, then finishing the hike on the second day. This does not require that scouts have high tech, specialized gear, but it does need some common sense and thought to get that load as good as possible.

WHAT TO TAKE

There are lists of a Scout’s own equipment (e.g. sleeping, clothes) and of shared equipment (e.g. tent, cooking) here as a pdf.

The list may need to be adjusted for weather e.g. very hot or cold. The Personal kit must be provided by each scout. The group Equipment is provided by the Troop and shared by the scouts.

Line your backpack with a large plastic bag. All kit, including your share of group equipment, should be firmly in the backpack (except if tent or sleeping bag are tied to outside). Nothing dangling. Tent poles and pegs secure. Check all equipment before setting out.

Weight and volume are important. If going on the hike camp from a Troop Camp (e.g. Summer Camp), then THINK SMALL, THINK LIGHT. It may be sensible to pack a few extra, smaller versions of items, specifically for the hike camp (e.g. a large towel for the main camp, a tiny towel for the hike camp). The following makes some specific points, but think about every item.

Backpack: Only a framed backpack is suitable and there is some advice here. The Troop has a few that may be borrowed, but first priority for use of these is for Scouts going on their first hike camp. These will probably not be allocated until at Summer Camp, if that is when the hike camp happens.

Towel and wash kit: THINK SMALL, THINK LIGHT. A small, hand towel, or even a flannel to use as a towel, could be packed for the hike camp: a clean, dry flannel, not the soggy flannel already used to wash with. …. that flannel should be left behind. Small toothpaste and “manual” toothbrush, rather than large superfamily size and electric brush! Perhaps a very small container of soap gel or small bar of soap could be used. Is it possible to last for 24 hours without deodrants, . antiperspirants etc.?

Black bag(s): At least two large, strong plastic bags should be taken to the main camp: one to leave behind, containing the rest of the kit, and the other to provide waterproofing for the carried kit for the hike camp.

Boots: Hiking boots are MUCH better for walking, when carrying a heavy load. Some advice is here. Again, the Troop has a few available for borrowing, but these must be sorted out before leaving St Albans.

Sleeping: At least for hike camps in summer, mat and sleeping bag should be sufficient. However, straps are needed to keep the rolled mat tight. A stuff sac for the sleeping bag is the best solution for packing this into a small volume. Advice on these items is here.

A thousand page reading book: ….hard back, of course. The remains of last Saturday’s lunch. …and, so on. Clear out the backpack, including pockets so it is empty, before starting to load up for the hike camp. Then try to include ONLY items on the list.