The 10 Essentials

Troop 525 teaches self-reliance in the outdoors and lives by the Boy Scout Motto "Be Prepared".  This is a discussion of the 10 Essentials found in your Boy Scout Handbook and required by this troop to be with you on every outing.  These items could save your life.

Merriam-Webster defines Essential as:
a: of the utmost importance :basic, indispensable, necessary

1.  Pocketknife
2.  First-aid Kit
3.  Extra Clothing
4.  Rain Gear
5.  Water Bottle
6.  Flashlight
7.  Trail Food
8.  Matches and Fire Starter
9.  Sun Protection
10.  Map and Compass

Insect Repellent and a Whistle are to be considered a part of this list depending on the type of outing we are planning.

1.  Pocketknife (Must have and carry TotinChip)
A small folding type or Multi tool.  A simple Swiss Army knife is a wonderful bridging gift for your new scout.

2.  First-aid Kit (Requirement for Second Class)
Made up of Bandages, 3x3 Gauze pads, Adhesive tape, Moleskin, Antiseptic wipes and Latex gloves.  You can put this together at home and keep in a small zip lock bag or start with a basic Adventure Medical Personal Kit available at most stores.

Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight / Watertight .3

3.  Extra Clothing
Dress in layers and bring one more layer than what you think you will need.  The mountains can get hot in the day and very cold at night and may storm at any time.  More discussion on clothing to follow.

4.  Rain Gear
A minimum of a emergency rain poncho is required.  Lightweight windproof / waterproof jackets and pants like the Marmot Precip series are a blessing!  A couple of 33gal garbage bags can also be used in an emergency and are great to cover your backpack.

5.  Water Bottles
Staying properly hydrated is key to existing outdoors.  Every Scout must carry 2 liters of water.  Many adult leaders carry pumps to refill your scouts bottles on the trail.

6.  Flashlight
Small AA type with extra batteries.  You may need to find your way in the dark or use as a signal.

7.  Trail Food
Food is energy.  Always carry an extra meal.  You never know when you will be out longer than anticipated.  Healthy, non-perishable and calorie dense is the best. More discussion on food to follow.

8.  Matches and Fire Starter (must have and carry FiremChit)
Being able to start a fire can ward off Hypothermia and can be used as a signal if you are lost.

9.  Sun Protection
This includes a wide brim hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.  A light long sleeve hiking shirt and convertible pants help in sun protection as well as keep the mosquito's off your skin.

10.  Map and Compass (Requirement for Second Class)
A map not only tells where you are and how far you have to go, it can help you find campsites, water, and an emergency exit route in case of an accident. A compass helps you find your way through unfamiliar terrain.  Purchase a baseplate compass that can be used with a map.

11.  Insect Repellant
Scouts can only use 30% DEET or less.  Small travel size in a seprate zip lock bag.  Dont pack the 2lb spray can you used family camping.

12.  Whistle
Most backpacks have whistles built into the straps.  This is an essential tool to help locate a person that is seprated from the group.

13.  Duct Tape
Nuff Said!  A couple of wraps around a water bottle or hiking pole is all you need.