Camping Gear Suggestions

Getting ready for your first Scouts BSA campout is an exciting milestone for every new Scout—and the right gear makes all the difference. Whether your child is just crossing over from Cub Scouts or beginning their Scouting journey for the first time, having the proper camping essentials ensures comfort, safety, and fun in the great outdoors. From sleeping bags and backpacks to headlamps and mess kits, this list of must-have camping gear for new Scouts is designed to help families feel confident and prepared. With the right equipment, new Scouts can focus on building skills, making friends, and enjoying adventure while developing a lifelong love for camping and the outdoors.

Scouts who are just starting don't need a ton of expensive gear. A scout will need a basic mess kit, a 3-4 season sleeping bag and sleeping pad, and a basic pocket knife.

Here is a list of starter gear for new scouts or upgrades to existing gear:

NOTE: There are many different options but these have been tested and used by my scouts for many years.

Mess Kits:

Sleeping Bags

Sleeping pads

Pocket knives

While swiss army knives are iconic for camping, a simple locking knife is preferred when learning basic knife skills like whittling. Fixed blade knives are not allowed in scouting:

Headlamps / Flashlights

Summer essentials:

Other "nice to have" gear: 

These are some scout gift ideas to round out there gear:

Other ideas: