Personal Equipment
Proper equipment and clothing are essential for safe and enjoyable outdoor activities. Some equipment is owned and maintained by the troop. This usually includes equipment that must be shared such as tents and cooking equipment. Troop equipment is assigned to individual patrols. The patrols are responsible for the care of the equipment and bringing the appropriate equipment for each outing. The patrols work with the troop quartermaster when troop equipment needs servicing or replacing. Each individual Scout is expected to provide his own personal equipment and clothing. The list of suggested equipment and clothing is found on pages 224 and 225 of your Boy Scout Handbook. It is not necessary to purchase the best or most expensive camping equipment and clothing. However, the cheapest equipment may last for only one outing and will not be a bargain.
Backpacks (p. 228 - 231, Boy Scout Handbook) It is not necessary for a new Scout in Troop 374 to own his own backpack. On most monthly campouts a simple duffel bag or gym bag will suffice. When the time comes for a Scout to go on his first backpacking trip, he should borrow a backpack and see how he likes backpacking. A backpack is an expense that a new Scout can put off until later.
A Scout's first backpack should be an external frame that is adjustable to accommodate the growth in the early years. Many manufactures offer adjustable "youth" models. Do not buy a large backpack to "grow into". An ill-fitting backpack can cause a lot of discomfort and result in a miserable hiking experience. A rear loading pack such as the JanSport "Scout" is easier to pack than a top loading pack. A capacity of 2000 to 3000 cubic inches is sufficient for a beginning pack.
Sleeping system
(p. 240 - 241, Boy Scout Handbook) In Oklahoma, any type of sleeping bag
will suffice for most weather from March through November. If it becomes very
cold during that time, a sleeping bag can be supplemented by folding a blanket
in thirds and inserting it into the sleeping bag. A stocking hat may also be
needed for very cold weather. There will be information later on selecting the
right sleeping bag for winter camping. If you already have a
sleeping
bag, use it. You should not need to replace it. If you are going to purchase a
sleeping bag then go with a stuffable mummy or semi-mummy bag with a drawstring
hood, synthetic insulation, and nylon outer covering. Get a stuff sack when
purchasing the bag. A compression sack is an unnecessary expense.
A ground pad is an important part of a sleeping system. The pad is important for more than just your comfort. The pad provides vital insulation between you and the ground. A half inch thick closed cell foam pad is the least expensive and most durable choice. Self-inflating insulating foam sleeping pads are more comfortable and much more expensive. Avoid foam rubber or other open cell foam pads because they soak up water and do not insulate well. Avoid a simple inflatable vinyl air mattress like you would use in a swimming pool because it has no insulating value.
Foot Gear (p. 200 - 201, Boy Scout Handbook) Most boys wear athletic shoes everywhere: school, church, and during play. In good weather you may get by wearing them on a campout. However, a waterproof hiking boot will stand up better to the rain, mud, and other conditions encountered on a campout and will protect your feet better than an ordinary athletic shoe. Under some weather conditions, an ordinary athletic shoe may be a serious health risk.
Don't compromise the comfort and health of your feet by wearing cotton socks. Use polypropylene under a heavy wool sock whenever you are hiking or wearing boots. SmartWool socks are a more expensive alternative that combine the best of polypropylene and wool into a single sock.