10 Essentials
Prepared For Life
It’s more than a motto for Scouting; it’s a way to plan and execute each outing, even if it’s just a Saturday morning hike.
In the woods, the 10 Essentials can keep you comfortable, warm, hydrated, safe and, most of all, prepared to face what nature puts in your path.
The 10 Scout Essentials MUST be carried on all outdoor outings.
For Winter Outings, the 10 Essentials are even more important. Please see our Winter 10 Essentials Page for more about what you need.
These are the Scouting 10 Essentials:
Pocket Knife
First-Aid Kit
Extra Clothing
Rain Gear
Water Bottle
Flashlight or Headlamp
Trail Food
Matches and Fires Starters
Sun Protection
Map and Compass
Gear Examples
1. Pocket Knife
A knife is a very personal and special piece of gear for a Scout
A giant survival knife is generally not necessary or desired in a mixed group
More on Scout Knives in our Knives Section
These are reasonable options
Traditional Scout Style Folding Knife
Multiple blades with different functions
Example: Spartan Swiss Army Knife
A locking-blade is much safer for whittling and carving wood
Examples
BRK Avispa with AUS-8 Blade
Mora Companion Fixed Blade Knife
A fixed blade knife like this will enhance a Scout's outdoor experience
We allow the use of fixed blade knives on outings but discourage use at regular troop meetings
Discussed on our Bushcraft Knives Page
2. First-Aid Kit
A homemade kit placed in a Freezer Bag
See First Aid Kits
Covers the basic needs likely encountered by Scouts
Good starter Kit
Small and compact
You can add what you need for a specific outing
Ultralight / Watertight .9 Medical Kit
Nicer kit for older scouts
Fox 40 Classic Whistle
3. Extra Clothing
Your choice of warm gear
Cotton is NOT acceptable as it absorbs water and loses its ability to insulate when wet
Fleece or puffy jacket/vest
Beanie Hat
4. Rain Gear
If you can't see Mount Rainier, pack Rain Gear
If you can see Mount Rainier, pack Rain Gear
Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Waterproof Breathable Protective Rain Suit
Affordable option that's light weight
Not very durable - so expect to replace it
Not recomended for Winter Use
Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Poncho
Reasonable alternative to Jacket
May NOT be used on canoe outings
See our Clothing Page for more about this gear
5. Water Bottle
An empty water/drink bottle works fine and will likely weigh less than other options
Klean Kanteen Water Bottle
Wide Mouth Preferred
Metal container is durable and can be heated with a campfire
Nalgene Water Bottle
Wide Mouth Preferred
Metal and plastic versions
Metal versions can be used to boil water on a fire or stove
6. Flashlight or Headlamp
A good Flashlight or choice of Headlamp
Fresh batteries
Extra batteries should be packed for overnighter outings
7. Trail Food
Something enjoyable to consume
Trail mix is a common favorite
8. Matches and Fires Starters
A scout should have 2 different types of fires starters
These will burn underwater
If you can't start a fire with these, you can't start a fire.
LMF Swedish FireSteel BIO scout 2in1
Good Ferrorod
Great for honing basic survival skills
These are further discussed in our Firestarters Page.
9. Sun Protection
Sunscreen
Broad spectrum sunscreen (both UVA and UVB protection)
SPF of at least 15
Choice of brimmed hat
Wrap around style preferred for side protection
10. Map and Compass
A good functioning compass
SUUNTO A-10 Compass
Made in Finland
Quality Compass
Discussed on our Compass Section
Map of area in freezer bag or map case
Sources are discussed on our Maps Page
