Gear & Equipment

Gear typically needed for outings is as follows. This is not an all-inclusive list, and at times outing attendees will need special items not on this list. The outing registration form will specify any items that are out of the ordinary which will need to be brought to the outing.

• • Mess Kit (or plate, cup, bowl) and silverware

  • Rain gear

  • Day pack (book bag)

  • Water bottle (Nalgene brand is ideal, especially for winter use)

  • Toiletries

  • Sleeping bag (preferably 0º or 20º for cold weather camping)

  • Pillow (optional)

  • Ground mat (optional)

  • Flashlight

  • Outerwear (appropriate to the weather)

  • Boots – broken in hiking boots are recommended for most trips, or extra shoes

  • Clothing – recommended to dress in layers. Remember, we are outside the entire time on most trips.

• https://www.rei.com/ (Please note there are physical stores in King of Prussia or Mechanicsburg)

• https://www.enwild.com/ (This is a local business)

• https://www.campmor.com/

• https://www.campsaver.com/

• https://www.cabelas.com/

• https://www.hikerdirect.com/

Each Scout who attends an outing is expected to help in the cleaning of equipment used. It is the Scout’s responsibility, under the guidance of a parent, to clean and/or dry out assigned equipment and return to the Troop at the next meeting. In some cases, a week may be needed to return the equipment (for example, if tents are excessively wet from an outing). Equipment is returned to the Patrol Quartermaster for inspection. (If the Patrol Quartermaster is unavailable, the Scout should see his Patrol Leader.) The Patrol Quartermaster will then turn the equipment over to the Troop Quartermaster. If

the equipment fails the Quartermaster’s inspection, it will be returned to the Scout to be cleaned and returned properly. If a Scout has equipment in his possession and it is damaged (beyond normal wear and tear) or stolen, he is responsible for the fees required to repair and/or replace the equipment as determined by the Troop committee.

Tents and Ground Cloths: Either hang the tent on a clothesline or set it up to dry. If there are areas of mud, please use a damp cloth to clean or hose the entire tent down. Sweep out the tent to remove any leaves, sand, dirt, or other materials in the tent. Inspect the tent, and check the tent for tears or rips in the fabric, missing parts (such as stakes), damaged parts (for example, zippers, clips on the corners), and record the information to turn in to the Patrol Quartermaster. Each tent bag should contain the tent, its rainfly, poles, and stakes (all pieces and parts), put properly in the correct, corresponding numbered bag, and returned in a timely manner. These tents should be re-folded and rolled, and then placed into their bags once dry.

Please remember to note any problems or missing parts and attach to the tent bag.

Ground Cloths: Ground covers need to be cleaned off and dried. Once dry, they should be refolded, with the number of the ground cloth facing out.

Coolers: Wash and dry thoroughly, both inside and outside. Dish detergent and hot water work best. Leave open to air for several hours.

Water Jugs: Rinse with a solution of hot water and bleach to kill all germs and bacteria. Rinse thoroughly and drain. Be sure to clean the white valve as well. Leave open until completely dry.

Chuck Boxes: The pots, pans, and other cooking utensils should be washed and dried, preferably in a dishwasher (if possible). Dish cloths and towels should be washed as well. Check the inside of the lid for chuck box inventory. Note any items missing or damaged, and attach the note to the box. In addition, verbally report missing or damaged items to the Patrol Quartermaster. The numbers on the cookware should match the box number. Also, make note of duplicate items.

Coleman Stoves: Stoves should be cleaned with dish soap and warm water. Some areas may require a Brillo or SOS pad to clean. Do not submerge in water. Dry completely before closing.

Dutch Ovens: Dutch ovens should be cleaned as soon as possible after an outing. Dutch ovens should be scraped clean and scrubbed with water (no soap and no detergent!) to remove all food remnants and ash residue. Do not scrub the Dutch Ovens with any metal pads (such as a Brillo or SOS pad) or metal brushes. Use a plastic brush and hot boiling water. Dutch ovens must be dried COMPLETELY with a towel, or in the oven, immediately after cleaning. Do not use paper towels to dry Dutch ovens, because paper towels will leave paper towel remnants behind. The Dutch oven should then be re-seasoned, inside and out, by applying a very light coating of vegetable oil and heating in the oven.

• • Written - https://www.learnscoutsbsa.com/keeping-your-cast-iron-cookware-good-to-go/

  • Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5NbQwzwUTw

Food Boxes: Wash the Rubbermaid container, inside and out, with warm water and dish soap, and dry thoroughly. Nonperishable items (for example: oatmeal, hot chocolate, cereal, salt and pepper) should be placed back in the Rubbermaid container (once it is completely dry) and returned.

Orange Drinking Coolers: Wash inside and out with warm water and bleach. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel. Be sure the spigot is clean. Leave open to dry completely.