What are the camping essentials?

[Riprorin]

My son's in the cub scouts and we'll be doing some camping this summer.

I just bought a tent and some sleeping bags.

What other gear should I get?

 

[minendo]

Pots and pans. Pocket knife. Canteen.

 

[TheBoyBlunder]

bug spray, flashlights/lanterns.

 

[MystikMango]

Cooler, shovel and firewood (can never have enough).

 

[GasX]

camping next to the car or backpacking?

 

[Czesia]

Not exactly an essential, but it's nice to bring some fishing rods and tackle if there's a chance to go fishing.
Oh, and don't forget your toothbrush!

 

[DeadByDawn]

Coleman stove, good boots, hat

 

[gistech1978]

nalgene bottles are a must.
in addition to whats listed

 

[freakflag]

:beer::camera:


Well, maybe not for the Boy Scouts.

 

[Ogg]

The older you get the more you need a sleeping pad to go under your bag. Especially anwhere cold!!!
A closed cell foam pad (like the Z Rest) is standard for our family and even better is a self inflatable pad that gives you two inches or so of fluffy comfort




Text


:beer:

 

[acemcmac]

For a cubscout... I'd send him with a sleeping bag, two complete warm changes of cothes, an extra pair of underwear and socks, LAYERABLE warm clothing (fleeces, heavy socks), a flaslight, pillow, toothbrush, toothpaste a bag of candy, his gameboy, fresh AA's and a new game. He'll love you when he's warm and happy and nobody else is in this MISERABLECOLD.

 

[blackdogdeek]

water filter if you need to filter your own water
freeze dried food(just add boiling water)
sunglasses
sun tan lotion
rain gear(i have a hat and poncho that fits over pack)

 

[acemcmac]

oh, nm... didnt see that it was for summer. lol.

cubscouts like bug netting and OFF and as much candy and gameboy crap as they can carry

 

[acemcmac]

Originally posted by: blackdogdeek
water filter if you need to filter your own water
freeze dried food(just add boiling water)
sunglasses
sun tan lotion
rain gear(i have a hat and poncho that fits over pack)

the kid is freaking 11 at the oldest?!??! youre gunna send him with a 120$ water filter??? this list is even heavy for the most seasoned boyscout! I didnt even bring my own water purifier when I went through Philmont....

 

[blackdogdeek]

Originally posted by: acemcmac

Originally posted by: blackdogdeek
water filter if you need to filter your own water
freeze dried food(just add boiling water)
sunglasses
sun tan lotion
rain gear(i have a hat and poncho that fits over pack)

the kid is freaking 11 at the oldest?!??! youre gunna send him with a 120$ water filter??? this list is even heavy for the most seasoned boyscout! I didnt even bring my own water purifier when I went through Philmont....

if i was going to send my son into the woods for an extended period and they weren't hauling their own water, $120 is the least i would pay to make sure he had a clean water source, no matter what his age.

every multi-day backpacking trip i've been on we've needed a water filter.

 

[rky60]

A digital camera so you can share the adventure with ATOT

 

[GroundZero]

try looking on the cubscout book that he has...
look at the camping badge and see what the book says he will need.

 

[GoSharks]

Originally posted by: acemcmac

Originally posted by: blackdogdeek
water filter if you need to filter your own water
freeze dried food(just add boiling water)
sunglasses
sun tan lotion
rain gear(i have a hat and poncho that fits over pack)

the kid is freaking 11 at the oldest?!??! youre gunna send him with a 120$ water filter??? this list is even heavy for the most seasoned boyscout! I didnt even bring my own water purifier when I went through Philmont....

i bought my filter (msr miniworks) for something like $60. the katadyn hiker filter is also in the same price range as well as the sweetwater guardian. i dont really suggest the SW though, was quite disappointed with its performance one time out. purifiers are unecessary in the united states and canada - but in other parts of the world they are suggested more often than not.

along with the water filter i suggest at least a 1 liter water container, more if you are not hiking along a water source. if you can shell out ~$15 more, the camelback type hydration systems are very useful and convienent to have - you dont have to break rhythm in order to hydrate and therefore will drink as you need it, instead of waiting until you REALLY need it. i use a 2 liter platypus system.

dont forget sunblock, deet (aka bug repellent), and a good wide-brimmed hat. also a pair of light camp sandals are sometimes nice to have. dont forget toilet paper if he is going out backpacking.

i dont hike in boots - good tennis shoues with support will do him fine, and will be more comfortable.

feel free to pm me if you have any other questions...

 

[Spamela]

it's all about comfort: good hiking boots & socks, wide & warm sleeping bag,
ground pad.