Posted by Andrew Breslin | Posted in News, Scout News, Venture News | Posted on 04-04-2021
To ensure your scout gets the maximum enjoyment out of their hikes and camping trips it’s very important that they have the right kit with them. Thankfully here in Ireland we don’t usually get huge weather extremes, but we do get a lot of rain. A good rain coat will help keep the rain out and boots will help prevent a twisted ankle.
Below is a basic list of items they should have. If you have any questions please speak with the leaders.
Clothing + Footwear
- Hiking Boots with ankle support + spare laces <Click for boot info>
- Light weight waterproof raincoat with hood
- Waterproof pull-ups – ideally with zips and Velcro fasteners along the legs.
- Warm Hat and gloves
- Light fleece jacket.
- Buff / neck warmer
- Hiking pants
- Warm hiking socks – woollen are best.
- Sun hat
- Gaiters
- For Winter Hiking
- Thermal skins
- Ice grips for boots
- 2nd warm hat
- 2nd pair of gloves
- Do not bring scarves or cotton trackies as they just soak up the rain.
Kit
- Rucksack 65ltrs that has waist band – Can be used for all hiking and camping, does not need to be filled!
- Large bin bag for lining the rucksack.
- 2ltr Water bottle – When hiking it is very important your scout keeps well hydrated.
- Head torch + spare batteries – Scouts need both hands free on night hikes and for putting up tents in the dark.
- Best place to carry spare batteries is in a spare torch!
- Whistle – 6 Blows for help needed – 3 to respond
- Compass – Long bodied is best for map reading, route planning and navigation.
- Sleeping bag – 3 season. <Click for bag info>
- Ground matt – Foil backed has best combo of insulation and light weight.
- Travel pillow – Do not bring regular pillows.
- Pillow alternative, empty pillow case. Can be stuffed with clean clothes or towel at night.
- Wash gear.
- Small pocket notebook and pencil
- Bivvy bag
- Metal flask – Hot drinks are always welcome on a cold day.
- Cup / bowl / plate / knife / fork / spoon / t-towel / j-cloth
- Walking poles
- Pen knives and fire starters – Only permitted when an equipment safety course/test is undertaken.
First Aid
- Face masks x 2
- Small bottle of hand sanitiser
- Personal 1st aid kit – Can be a small zippo bag with waterproof plasters.
- Insect repellent
- Sun lotion
NB: All kit should be labeled or etched with the scouts name.