I am a new Boy Scout.....now what gear do I need?
- Relax, your uniform is first order of business. Get a full uniform.
- Go to our Pintrest page....no, not what your Mom is looking at...check out ours, lots of useful information. The gear page has recommended gear but is not all encompassing.
- A good sleeping bag - preferably rated to 0 to 15 degrees. Recommended is down bag with a good water bag (when it gets wet it will lose all loft and ability to maintain warmth)
- A Sleep Pad (for under your sleeping bag) There are many on market. Do your own research.
- You DO NOT need a backpack in your first year. You will have time for this later
- Compass. Please do not buy a Wal-Mart or Made in China compass. SIlva Scout compass is recommended. Other brands are Suunto or Brunton.
- A Duffel Bag to carry your clothes.
- Everything else you can obtain slowly. You do not need the latest water filters, backpacking stoves, fire starters, or the latest whizz-bang gear.....this will come in time based on your interests and seeing what works for others. Save your money for a knife at summer camp. Skymont has LOTS and LOTS of knives. You first have to earn your Whittlin Chip to get a knife.
- For Dads: it's time to put away that giant Cub Scout Camping tent.....minimizing the footprint is the LNT and Boy Scout way. Smaller backpacking tents is recommended for you.