Troop 187 Winter Camping Equipment Checklist

 

Clothes

First (wicking) layer:

q       Thermal underwear, tops and bottoms (polyester-based, NOT cotton) – 3 pairs: 2 for day; 1 for sleeping

 

Second (first warmth) layer: 

q       Long pants (wool is best, not cotton) –- 2 pairs, for when case one gets wet

q       Long-sleeved shirt, preferably with a long tail (wool or polyester fleece is best, NOT cotton)

 

Third (fluffy warmth) layer: 

q       Fleece or wool sweater/pullover (NOT cotton)

 

Fourth layer: 

q       Down or similar vest (NOT cotton)

 

Top layer: 

q       Wind/water proof pants with leg openings to fit over boots  (wind-proof material, NOT cotton) – 1 pair

q       Snow pants – a must if you’re working or playing in the snow – 1 pair

q       Winter parka, windproof and water resistant, with polyester fleece lining (NOT cotton), with a hood

 

Other clothes

q       Socks:  At least five pairs (1 per day, 1 for sleeping, 2 for when day sox get wet), NOT cotton ­– 5

q       Pac boots with removable liners (an extra set of liners is a good idea)

q       Stocking caps, preferably wool or polyester; one for day, one for sleeping – 2

q       Face mask or ski mask (NOT cotton)

q       Water repellent mittens with fleece or wool linings and long gauntlets

q       Scarf or neck gaiter

q       Sunglasses or snow goggles

Gear

 

q       One winter-rated sleeping bag or two medium-weight bags

q       At least one sleeping pad (The best system is a bottom closed-cell foam pad a ThermaRest inflatable on top.)

q       Large backpack, external or internal frame

q       Small closed-cell pad to kneel and sit on

q       Matches in a waterproof container, or lighter

q       Flashlight with new batteries (cold saps batteries)

q       Extra batteries and bulb

q       Emergency sewing kit with large safety pins

q       Lip balm

q       Toilet paper

q       Pocket knife

q       Dining kit: mug and bowl (plastic is best) and spoon.  (Foam “huggies” can keep drinks hot longer)

q       Small towel, preferably not cotton

q       Pre-moistened towelettes or soap in a Zip-lock bag

q       Comb and mirror

q       Toothbrush and tooth powder (baking soda works great – toothpaste may freeze)

q       A hank of cord or small-diameter nylon rope (if it’s too small, it’s hard to tie in the cold)

q       Scout handbook

q       Personal first aid kit

q       Medications

q       Nalgene or other unbreakable water bottle (hot water at night warms the sleeping bag!)

q       Pee bottle

q       Compass

q       Sled, unless you’re using the troop’s community sleds

q       Reference books (optional)

 

[The troop has some loaner equipment for Scouts; check with the quartermaster.]

Revised January, 2005