Camping Gear

Preparing for your first Cub Scout campout is easier with a practical checklist. Pack what your family needs to sleep comfortably, spend time outdoors, and handle changing weather.

Every campout is different. Check the current Pack 807 events calendar for meal plans, uniform guidance, weather updates, and anything specific to your destination. Contact your den leader if you need help or equipment recommendations.

Equipment Checklist

Camping Equipment

• A tent large enough for your family, including poles, stakes, rainfly, and a footprint or ground tarp
• Sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, and sleeping pads or cots
• Clothesline and garbage bags for wet or dirty clothing
• Flashlights or headlamps with extra batteries
• A portable power bank for phones or other necessary devices

REI's family camping tent guide, sleeping bag guide, and sleeping pad guide can help families choose suitable gear.

Allow tents to air-dry completely after returning home to help prevent mold and odors.

Clothing

• Pack 807 activity shirt and any uniform requested in the event listing
• Long pants or shorts with long socks for protection from brush
• Pajamas or warm sleepwear
• Extra socks and underwear
• Comfortable, closed-toe outdoor shoes or boots
• Sunglasses or a hat
• Warm layers, a jacket, beanie, and gloves for cold weather
• A poncho or raincoat when rain is possible

Family Gear

• Camping chair for each person
• Refillable cups or water bottles
• Water jugs when requested
• Cooler and ice for your family's food and drinks

Personal Care

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, washcloth, towel, and soap
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Required medications
• Extra toilet paper and garbage bags

Optional Extras

• Lantern
• Safety pins, zip ties, and duct tape
• Adult-managed multitool or pocketknife
• Camera, binoculars, or telescope
• Football, flying disc, or glow sticks

Cub Scout Six Essentials

Each Scout should carry these six essentials in a small backpack or waist pack during hikes and campouts. These are tools, not toys, and should be used only when needed.

• First-aid kit: Adhesive bandages, moleskin, gauze, and antibiotic ointment
• Water bottle: Filled and large enough to last until it can be refilled
• Flashlight: For emergency use
• Trail food: A simple snack suitable for the outing
• Sun protection: Sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater and a hat
• Whistle: For emergency use

What to Leave at Home

• Guns, tobacco products, alcohol, and fireworks
• Portable entertainment electronics such as tablets and gaming devices

Follow the current event listing and leader instructions for any additional restrictions.