Hike Kit List
The following list is a guide to what is generally required when going on a hike although more specific information may be given at the time by the leader. It is strongly recommended that the section members are encouraged to find out from handbooks what is necessary and to pack their own kit.
The following is required for all hikes whatever the duration
| Rucksack | Small for day hike, 65 litre for overnight. Don't forget the thick plastic liner, in case of rain. |
| Clothing suitable for the time of year | Generally long trousers are better than shorts |
| Spare mid-layer - e.g. fleece | |
| Socks | Very good quality, 1 or 2 fresh pairs per day. |
| Walking Boots | |
| Hat and gloves | With so much body heat lost through the head in winter a woolly / fleece hat is essential. To help prevent heat stroke a peaked baseball style is best for summer |
| Waterproof jacket and trousers | |
| Gaiters | If muddy |
| Water | In leak proof container |
| Food as appropriate | E.g. lunch and snacks. Make sure any equipment required is also included such as a tin opener, eating kit or stove. |
| Watch | |
| Torch, spare batteries and bulb | Night hikes or if risk of returning after dusk |
| Compass, map and mapcase | |
| Suncream/sunglasses | Depending upon time of year |
| Notebook/pencil | |
| Spare money | Including coins for phone |
| First Aid Kit | Small personal kit |
| Emergency rations | E.g. chocolate bar, not to be eaten! |
| Whistle | |
| Survival bag | |
If the hike is overnight or longer then the following will also be required (although some of these can be split between members of the team).
| Sleeping bag | Stuffsac based type. Sealed in a strong bin liner. |
| Pillow | Air pillows are good. You can always take an empty pillow case and fill it with clothes at night! |
| Roll mat | Keeps you off the ground at night, and therefore warmer |
| Eating kit (unbreakable plate, bowl, cup) | Mess tins or compact plastic or metal |
| Cutlery (knife, fork, spoon) | Camp sets are best as they link together and can include tin openers etc. |
| Tea Towel | |
| Drawstring bag | Simply keeps all your canteen stuff together |
| Spare clothes | Sealed in plastic |
| Spare shoes | E.g. for wearing when around the tent in the evening |
| Nightwear | Even in summer it can get cold at night. It is important that day clothes are not worn at night |
| Wash kit (flannel, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste) | Keep in a waterproof bag. Using soap and toothbrush containers is a good idea to keep everything separate. |
| Towel | |
| Hankies/tissues | Small packs are ideal |
| Personal hygiene products | If required |
| Medication | |
| Plastic bags or sacks for dirty washing/boots | |
| Tent | |
| Water containers | |
| Cooking pans, cooker and fuel | In suitable containers |
| Matches | Protect/waterproof |
| Washing-up kit | |
| Tin opener | If required by menu |
| Food | |
| Thermos Flask | Optional |
| Spare string/rope | Do record your holiday if you have a camera. Expensive cameras are, however, not recommended. |
| Trowel | If no public toilets |
| Clothes pegs | |
| Cards/book | For the evening |
Notes
- Most of this kit is also required for any other outdoor activities
- You are reminded that electronic equipment is generally not allowed during Scouting activities. The only notable exception is during a Hike, when Patrol Leaders are allowed to have a mobile phone for emergency use only.
- The Scout Group cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to any personal effects and the Scout Association does not provide automatic insurance for such items.
