Backpacking for Scouts
Backpacking is one of the most important areas of Scouting. What to pack? Do I really need to carry this item with me? Anything that is put into your backpack is added weight. For longer trips of two weeks or more, the weight of your gear is the most important consideration. The content of your pack and your conditioning will determine your enjoyment of the itinerary.
Day Trips and Short Hikes
For shorter hikes, a small day pack will be adequate. On a short hike, where the stay will not be overnight, a change of socks, water, a snack and a small first-aid kit may be all you need. Other items that maybe needed as a group are usually decided on and distibuted evenly among the members of each Patrol. A map and a compass are generally included in any trip, no matter the length.
Overnighters and Longer Itineraries
For longer extended pack trips, you may have to carry all of your food, clothing, and shelter. These types of itineraries require careful planning and preparation. Longer trips require physical stamina and physical training. In Scouting these are called Shakedowns. At a Shakedown, all of your gear for a trip is layed out for an inspection. These inspections are to insure that every piece of gear is proper and needed. To find out that you forgot to pack an important item 4 days and maybe 100 miles into a trek is not acceptable and may even be life threatening. The inspection is followed by a practice hike of 5-10 miles to prepare the Scouts and their Leaders for the extended hike. A few sore muscles now will be worth it when you actually get out on the trail for real. Never has the Scout Motto ( Be Prepared) been more important. Backpacking is really about putting many of the camping and safety skills into action. The Boy Scout Handbook and the Fieldbook are great references for anyone who is planning a trip of any kind. From Summer Camp to Philmont, these books are a wealth of information. Also, Merit badges are offered in many skills including Backpacking. The Backpacking Merit badge book contains the requirements to obtain the merit badge for Backpacking.
