Day Hike at Pere Marquette - Troop 86

What To Bring On A Hike

Whether it’s a quick afternoon hike or one involves camping overnight, there are some key essentials our Scouts should always remember when packing and preparing for their next hiking event.

The term “hike” can mean a lot of different things to different people. The same is true within our troop.

Some hiking events are simple…and almost relaxing! Local hiking events are an easy way for us to get outdoors without requiring a lot of preparation or time commitment from the Scouts. They usually involve a trip to a local park or a public hiking trail. There are also other local areas that offer hiking opportunities, such as Cahokia Mounds Historic Site.

Other events are a little more involved. They may include an overnight campout or a route that covers an extended distant. Some events are even more extreme, such as Philmont high-adventure trips that span a week or more!

When preparing for a hike, it’s always good for our Scouts to prepare for the event accordingly. Doing so can make the event even more enjoyable for the Scouts because, if they are prepared, they don’t have to worry about whether or not they have what they need. This is especially true if any unexpected problems or complexities come up during the event. It’s always good to BE PREPARED.

Consult The Handbook

Scouts often forget that, when preparing for events such as a hike, they already have a great resource available to help them out. No, I’m not talking about the internet, even though it is an excellent source of info. I’m talking about the “Boy Scout Handbook”. There is an entire section dedicated to hiking in the Scout Handbook. It does an excellent job of covering the basics of what’s needed. Whether you want to know what to bring, what to wear, or what to do when problems come up, it’s a great resource.

The Scout Basic Essentials

The first few pages in the “hiking” section of the handbook cover some of the basic items that Scouts should consider bringing whenever they go on a hike. Each event is unique, and our Scouts should adjust what they bring to fit the situation. That said, this is a great starting point for anyone’s packing list.

  • Pocketknife
  • Rain gear
  • Trail food
  • Flashlight
  • Extra clothing
  • First-aid kit
  • Sun protection
  • Map and compass
  • Matches and fire-starters
  • Water bottle

Be sure to check out the handbook for more details.