Responsibility
It is the responsibility of the Leader to ensure that Scouts are properly equipped before they set out on any hike or walking expedition.
Have you checked their route? There cannot be any short cuts.
Basic Equipment
 | Tent |
| Boots |
| Waterproof Coat & Pants |
| Gloves, |
| Hat, |
| Spare clothes |
| Maps |
| Compass |
| Whistle |
| Survival Bag (Emergency shelter) |
| Food and drink |
| Cooking equipment |
| First Aid Kit |
| Flashlight (Torch) (Spare batteries and bulb) |
| Rucksack |
Boots
| Need not be expensive nor heavy, but should have a composition sole. |
| Ensure a good fit - too small will cramp - too big will blister. |
| Best fitted with one pair of Hill Socks. |
| Choose the lightest boots to do the job. |
| Modern boots require little or no breaking in - but traditional boots do. (leather ones). |
| DO NOT attempt a walk in new boots. |
| When wet, allow to dry naturally in an airy place. DO NOT use direct heat. |
| Wear your boots at home for a few hours each day so that you get used to them, and them to your feet! |
| If they feel uncomfortable when walking, apply a plaster (moleskin) BEFORE the blister forms. |
Clothing
| Outer garments should be water-resistant. They must also have an added factor of being windproof also. Rain gear must be shower-proof. |
| Wear insulating clothing next to your skin. |
| Clothing to be strong but light, and must allow your body to breath. |
Tents
This must be the correct tent for the conditions that could be expected. Lightweight for carrying, with flysheet and sewn in groundsheet. Items can be split between the Patrol. Preferably in bright colors: orange, etc.
1. Tunnel Tent. 2+ persons. Low wind factor.
2. Dome Tent. 2 person. Can be unstable in high winds.
3. Mountain Ridge Tent. 2 person. Low wind factor.
Map and Compass
| Ensure that your Scouts are familiar with the Maps and compass you issue them with. |
| Provide a good quality liquid filled compass with plastic base-plate and rotating bezel. |
| Are your Scouts able to use them together and separately? |
| Provide a waterproof holder for the maps. |
| Ensure instructions/directions are precise, clear, and are understood by all who take part. |
| Issue a spare map and compass in case of emergency. |
Emergency Equipment
| First Aid Kit. Well equipped and serviceable. |
| Whistle. Pea type best. (Football) |
| Flashlight/Torch. Issue with full set of spare batteries/bulbs. |
| Survival Bag. To act as an emergency shelter, as well as for suspect cases of hypothermia. |
Backpacks/Rucksacks
| Correct type for the job |
| Well packed - nothing hanging from it. |
| Framed (inside or out) with hip straps. |
| Line with plastic bag to make extra waterproof. |
| Pack soft items against your body. |
| Small items - knife, gloves, whistle, sweets, etc., in pockets or under lid. Note that squirrels will eat though pack to get at snacks if left unguarded. |
| Waterproof clothing near to top when packed. |
| Fuel and stoves away from food in strong NYLON bags in an outside pocket. (fuel, etc., can penetrate polythene). |
GOOD PACKING IS AN ART - PRACTICE IT.
"With careful packing and a sensible route, time given for rest, rhythmic pace, carrying a Rucksack can be a satisfying experience."
TO AVOID PROBLEMS.
| Too Heavy. |
| Attempting too much before mind and body are ready for it. |
| Walking too fast. |
| Going downhill too fast. |
| Wearing too many clothes. |
| Straps badly fitted. |
| Unstable or unbalanced load. |
Packing Suggestion
- Sleeping Mat.
- Anorak.
- Tent.
- Packed Lunch.
- Thermals if required.
- First Aid Kit.
- Cooking pots.
- Food.
- Spare clothing.
- Sleeping bag.
- Clothes.
- Framed rucksack.
- Hip strap
- Stove.
- Fuel.
Winter or Cold Weather/Mountains
2 Thermal Top.
3 Shirt
4* Pullover (Not too heavy)
5* Fiber pile jacket (This
could replace 3 & 4)
8 Thermal trousers.
7 Breeches/trousers
10 Heavy loop pile socks worn over thinner socks.
11 Waterproof boots.
12* Balaclava
13* Waterproof jacket, trousers.
14 Thermal
Gloves/mitts.
15 Gaiters.
* Critical Items.
Traditional
Training Handbook
©2003 Baden-Powell Scouts Association
