Hikes
If you only do the occasional hike with the Scouts you can get away with minimal equipment but if you do lots of hikes and overnight expeditions you will benefit from getting slightly better gear. As with all kit it is not necessary to buy the most expensive, top branded gear - it will likely get dirty, muddy, snagged on barbed wire etc. Every item should be clearly marked with your name. The lists below are divided into "essential" and "optional".
Please bear in mind that for organised events there may be extra, compulsory kit required.
At the bottom of the page you will find a check list that you can print off to help you pack.
Essential items
Walking boots (we do not recommend trainers for hikes although at a pinch they will do for walks in woods and country parks - boots MUST be worn for more advanced hikes),
Suitable clothing (light weight, fast drying clothes are best as are "wicking" items - make sure wicking items don't get washed with fabric conditioner - it ruins the wicking properties!),
Waterproofs (a jacket/top is essential, pants are optional),
Spare layer (eg a fleece),
A hat (keeps the sun off if it is nice, keeps the rain off if it is not),
Small personal first aid kit. If you need any medications ensure you bring them with you and let a Scout Leader know as soon as you arrive at the event,
Rucksack (if you do lots of outdoor events you may find it best to get a smallish "daysack" for hikes in addition to a bigger pack for expeditions or camps),
A drink (fizzy drinks are not a good idea),
Snacks/pack lunch.
Binbag (for keeping dry gear dry or separating wet gear from your dry stuff)
Optional items
Walking poles can be very useful on uneven terrain,
Hydration systems (a drinks reservoir that sits in your rucksack with a pipe that you can easily drink from on the move) are really useful. Make sure you clean it out well after use or you will be ill next time you use it!
Waterproof phone case. If you insist on bringing your phone it is best to get a waterproof case for it.
Please bear in mind that for organised events there may be extra, compulsory kit required.
At the bottom of the page you will find a check list that you can print off to help you pack.
Essential items
Walking boots (we do not recommend trainers for hikes although at a pinch they will do for walks in woods and country parks - boots MUST be worn for more advanced hikes),
Suitable clothing (light weight, fast drying clothes are best as are "wicking" items - make sure wicking items don't get washed with fabric conditioner - it ruins the wicking properties!),
Waterproofs (a jacket/top is essential, pants are optional),
Spare layer (eg a fleece),
A hat (keeps the sun off if it is nice, keeps the rain off if it is not),
Small personal first aid kit. If you need any medications ensure you bring them with you and let a Scout Leader know as soon as you arrive at the event,
Rucksack (if you do lots of outdoor events you may find it best to get a smallish "daysack" for hikes in addition to a bigger pack for expeditions or camps),
A drink (fizzy drinks are not a good idea),
Snacks/pack lunch.
Binbag (for keeping dry gear dry or separating wet gear from your dry stuff)
Optional items
Walking poles can be very useful on uneven terrain,
Hydration systems (a drinks reservoir that sits in your rucksack with a pipe that you can easily drink from on the move) are really useful. Make sure you clean it out well after use or you will be ill next time you use it!
Waterproof phone case. If you insist on bringing your phone it is best to get a waterproof case for it.
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