Gear breakdown for new Scouts.

Scouting is such a blast, but it can be hard to know where to start if you're new to outdoor life. Whether you're backpacking, kayaking, or camping with your troop, make sure you've got the right equipment to have a fun and memorable experience (for all the right reasons) while making your life a little easier and more comfortable when exploring the great outdoors!

To help you get started, we're running a SALE for 25% OFF on select gear from 02/28 until 03/27. So make sure to look out for some featured gear on our #AdventureOn checklist below ↓ 

P.S., new to Scouting? Don't forget to grab your Scout uniform and BSA handbook!

Although we teach Scouts to be thrifty, sometimes big purchases are necessary to ensure they have everything they need when away from home. Adding a backpack to your gear collection will most likely be a big purchase but an essential one if you want to navigate the outdoors successfully. It's best to think of a backpack as an investment—something you absolutely need time and again but not necessarily for every adventure.

Do you need help finding the right backpack for your Scout? Read our backpack guide!

A good backpack for those starting out is the BSA Ultralight 50L backpack. If you’re not planning on taking on a lot of hiking trips longer than 5 miles, this backpack is a super solid choice that doesn't break the bank. It's designed to feel lighter, making it ideal if you're carrying a heavy pack for miles on the trail. One of our favorite features is the adjustable torso strap that allows it to "grow" with your Scout. So, you can get this backpack when your Scouts are just starting, and it will still be in use when they're gearing up to go to college.

If you’re a more serious adventurer who plans on backpacking ALL the time, Osprey is the way to go. The Osprey Aether 85L Backpack is a medium frame pack featuring anti-gravity technology with the customizable fit of the backpack’s harness. The hip belt makes it feel like you're carrying less weight and seamlessly works to disburse weight, so you'll enjoy every mile of your journey.

Featured on our #AdventureOn promo: Osprey Viva 50L Backpack, Ladies Purple 

A mess kit will be your means of eating and preparing meals when you're outdoors. Featured on our promo is the BSA Mess Kit is a stainless-steel kit designed to be durable and lightweight, making it the perfect set to bring on any adventure for years to come. We like this kit because each piece strategically nests together and fits in the included stuff sack for easy packing! It eliminates one more hassle when you're trying to pack up camp. 

Most sleeping bags will display a temperature rating on the tag. The ideal temperature rating for cold weather is 20º, while 40º will help you feel cooler in the summer. We recommend the BSA 20 Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag (part of the #AdventureOn promo) or the Oversized BSA 20 Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag. Both sleeping bags are great options for cold weather. On the other hand, the Coleman Sleeping Bag is an excellent choice for camping in the summer. This sleeping bag isn't bulky like the mummy sleeping bag, but it still keeps you warm during chilly mornings. It's soft and lightweight, and it can be zipped into other Coleman® sleeping bags to add up to 12° of additional warmth. It's a great sleeping bag to have year-round because of how easily it can adapt depending on the time of year. 

Common injuries you may encounter on the trail include bug bites, blisters, and scrapes from falls. To minimize the risk of infection, make sure you stock your first aid kit with bandages, antibiotic ointment, and sterilized gauze pads (among other things) to prevent infection while waiting on medical attention.

If you're on the trail and a storm is fast approaching, your visibility quickly becomes limited. Pack a flashlight or keep a headlamp handy to improve the course's visibility or help you navigate your campsite at night. This ENO Moonbeam Headlamp is a versatile lamp that gives you plenty of visibility on the go. You can even detach the light and use it as a table lantern or inside your tent! 

Featured on promo: NEBO Einstein 400 Headlamp  

Pocket knives are some of the best tools you can bring in the outdoors. Multi-tool knives are also handy when you need scissors or tweezers when dealing with first aid. We recommend the Swiss Army Eagle Scout Pocket Knife for first-time pocketknife owners. This is a safe, compact knife equipped with up to seven different functions, including a flat head screwdriver, tweezers, and pair of scissors. It's a great choice because of its versatility when you're at the campsite. 

Backpacking, day hikes, field trips—no matter the adventure, make sure you stay hydrated for peak performance! You can go with a water bottle or a canteen (or both), but the most important thing you should keep in mind is getting something with a leak-proof or locking lid. The Nalgene BSA Water Bottle offers a leak proof-design, and it's dishwasher safe, while the BSA Canteen holds 1.75L of water (about half an adult's recommended daily intake) and a shoulder strap, so it's easy to carry on the trail. 

Fire building is a skill you’ll want to learn as soon as you start going on overnight campouts. To make your life easier, make sure you pack stormproof matches or a fire starter kit before hitting the trail. It's always a good idea to keep a pack of matches in your pack for a rainy day (literally). We recommend this 25-pack of UCO Titan stormproof matches. These matches give you the longest-burning, windproof, and waterproof option to keep you warm on a chilly night.

There's no such thing as being too warm when it comes to staying comfortable on your camping trip. Sleeping pads provide a nice layer of comfort and insulation when you’re sleeping on the cold, hard ground. If you’re looking to add a sleeping pad to your gear collection, we recommend the Klymit Static V Pad. This pad is lightweight and portable, meaning you can take it on any adventure!

Paracords are like the baking soda of the outdoors—many uses, and it's there when you need it. Paracord is highly versatile and durable. You can use them to suspend food high in a tree and away from camp or to help you build a shelter. We offer paracord in eight colors, and each is rated to hold up to 550 pounds of static load and measures 100 feet. It's best to always pack paracord in your backpack before a weekend campout or a long backpacking trip.

Thanks to the internet, almost everyone is used to finding the answers to their most pressing questions online. However, when traveling off-grid, phones and laptops can only go as far as your wireless connection takes you. Keep all the answers you need at your fingertips with a field book. From hiking and safety to gear, cooking, maps, and ropework, it's got all the information you need in the wilderness! 

Bringing a compass with you is essential in case you get lost. Not only does a compass help you locate your position on a map, but it can also help you take the shortest or fastest route possible, depending on how far you want to travel on your next hike. Although you may not need to use the compass to get around, especially if you're hiking on a well-known trail, it can be a lifesaver if you happen to take a wrong turn.

From hiking gear and camping equipment to cooking tools, fire starters, and Scout uniforms, ScoutShop.org has everything you need for a successful Scouting experience. Join our email list to be the first to hear about our latest deals on outdoor gear!