Clothing for the Outdoors

Being comfortable in the outdoors will make or break your scouting experience.  Conditions can go from hot to cold, windy and raining in a matter of minutes on the trail.  No matter our event, sweating during a long days hike, digging a snow cave to sleep in or canoeing and swimming we need be properly clothed for all of these extremes.

Troop 525 advocates dressing in layers!  Layers can be added and subtracted during the day to keep your core temperature in check and stay comfortable.

In the outdoors, cotton is NOT your friend.  It gets wet, stays wet, gets heavy when wet, and never dries.  Synthetic materials are lighter and dry faster.

The basic layering system consists of three layers:

1. Base Layer
2. Insulation Layer
3. Outer Layer

The Base Layer or Wicking Layer is designed to be worn close to the skin and wick the moisture away from your skin to the outside of your clothing.  If you stay dry next to your skin you will be warmer and more comfortable.

Examples of Base Layer Clothing are:

1. Shirts (long sleeve or short sleeve)
2. Boxer Briefs (under ware)
3. Long under ware
4. Socks

The Insulation Layer is the middle layer and the layer that keeps you warm.  This is the layer that is added and subtracted the most during the day depending on the amount you are sweating.  This can be as light as a long sleeve hiking shirt or as heavy as a fleece pull over.

Examples of Insulation Layer Clothing are:

1. Shirts
2. Jackets
3. Pants

The Outer Layer is designed to keep the wind off, the rain out and the snow off.  It can as light as an emergency poncho and as heavy as a snow parka.

Examples of Outer Layer Clothing are:

1. Wind and Rain Jackets and pants
2. Shoes and Boots

Here is a list of the clothing your scout needs for most outings other than snow camping.  The amount and type will vary depending on the length, type of the trip and the weather.

Clothes to Pack

Underwear - Boxer briefs will not chafe as much

Top Long Sleeve (Base Layer) (Can be used to sleep in)

Long Underwear (Base Layer) (Can be used to sleep in)

Hiking Socks (Min Crew Lgth to prevent blistered ankles)

Troop T-Shirt Class C (Wicking Style)

Fleece Long Sleeve Shirt (Insulating Layer)

Rain Jacket / Windbreaker (Outer Layer)

Rain Pants (Outer Layer)

Water Shoes (must be closed toe)

Warm Beanie Hat

Clothes to Wear

Wide Brim Hat

Convertible Hiking Pants

Underwear

Hiking Socks Crew Length

Troop T-Shirt Class C (Wicking Style)

Light Long Sleeve Hiking Shirt

Boots for hiking (no tennis shoes or vans)