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Pack Camping Gear Checklist

A recommended gear list for Scouts and families attending pack campouts. Share this with families when sending out campout announcements.


  • Tent
  • Duffel bag or backpack
  • Medication, if needed, with current dosage/instruction label and Scout’s name
  • Inhaler or bee-sting kit, if needed
  • Cub Scout Handbook
  • Sleeping bag (extra blankets are fine to supplement warmth if necessary)
  • Pillow
  • Mattress pad — foam or air pad
  • Folding chair
  • Poncho or rain suit
  • Insect repellent (no aerosol cans)
  • Sunscreen (no aerosol cans) and sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Paper and pen
  • Flashlight — check batteries and bring extras (headlamp works best but handheld is fine)
  • Mess kit — a plastic bowl, plate, and cup, plus fork and spoon
  • Water bottle (plastic or metal; no glass)
  • Hooded sweatshirt
  • Windbreaker
  • Pocket knife — only Scouts who have earned their Whittling Chip (Bears, Webelos, and Arrow of Light) may carry a pocket knife
  • Socks × 2
  • Underwear × 2
  • Short-sleeve shirts × 2
  • Shorts × 2
  • Long pants or sweatpants
  • Swimsuit
  • Hiking boots
  • Extra sneakers/shoes (no open-toed shoes)
  • Sleepwear/pajamas
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
  • Towel
  • Ice chest for food (if cooking as a family)
  • Hand sanitizer

  • Watch
  • Binoculars
  • Compass
  • Cards, games, frisbee
  • Personal first aid kit (the pack has a pack first aid kit)
  • Wagon to tow gear
  • Fishing pole
  • Hammock

  • All medications must be labeled with the Scout’s name, dosage, and instructions, and turned in to the designated adult at check-in
  • The pack provides a first aid kit — personal first aid kits are supplemental
  • Check the weather forecast before packing; add extra warm layers for cold-weather campouts
  • Aerosol cans are not permitted at Scouting events
  • Review the BSA pocket knife policy — only Scouts with their Whittling Chip may carry a knife
Resource Used InType
Program ChairRole
CubmasterRole