Troop 60 > Resources > Gear and Equipment > Scoutmaster Gear

Scoutmaster Gear

For safety reasons, the Scoutmaster and all other Adult Leaders on Outings need to be properly outfitted.  This often means that they will need to pack extra gear beyond what the Scouts and Troop will need to pack. 

10 Essentials

Mylar Blanket

A mylar blanket isn't the end all for all survival needs and don't work as well as many think they do.  They do work as a vapor barrier and can keep you somewhat warm for a short period of time.

Mylar blankets come in to major forms:

Uses:

Emergency Coms

Our main job is to keep our youth out of trouble and to handle emergencies should they arise.  To be successful, we need solid coms on outings. 


Cellphone

As a minimum, all Adult Leaders need a functional Cellphone.  Don't forget to charge it and pack charger and battery pack if needed.

A cellphone can also work as an excellent GPS.  Make sure you download all maps so you can use them offline.  Google Maps isn't perfect for trails, but you can easily download maps for the entire state of Washington and always have them available if needed. 


Satellite Messenger

Not every adult leader needs to carry one of these, but one needs to be carried on every remote outing by at least one adult leader.  This allows us to call for help and communicate from remote areas where Cellphone don't work. 

First Aid Kit

You don't need a comprehensive First Aid kit on you at all times, but you do need a basic kit to take care of emergencies that occasionally arise. 

Pro tip - have Scouts use their own kits or the troop kit when they have minor issues.  That way you don't need to pack everything for everyone, they will be more likely to pack their own gear next time and maybe they won't bother you with minor issues.

An adult First Aid kit should include:

Personal Stove

A personal stove is important for several reasons.  For one, you don't want to depend on Scouts for a stove or to have to wait for your turn to use it.  Second, a functional stove can mean the difference in you having a delicious hot meal or no meal at all if the troop gear becomes non-functional.  Why would troop gear become nonfunctional?

On winter outings, a stove is a critical piece of gear.  You must have a functional backup just in case. 

Morakniv Gerberg with Leather and Plastic Sheath

Safety Tool

Sometimes you need to resort to woodsman skills to survive an outing.  Carry the proper tool and know how to use it.  The most versatile Wilderness Survival tool is a fixed blade knife.  We recommend something simple like a Morakniv Companion.  For under $20, you have an excellent survival tool.  And if you aren't into the survivalist look with the knife on your belt, you can pack it away in your pack. 

Safety Flare

Firestarting Kit

Our part of the world can get pretty wet and cold, so much so that it is easy to cross the line of miserable cold to life-threatening cold.  All Scouts should have a firestarting kit, but you can not depend on them to save the crew when they and everything around them is wet and cold.

Adults must have solid firestarting skills and firestarting gear.  A safety flare is one item that can be used for emergencies.  They should not be used on a regular basis or to show off.  But if you are truly cold and need a fire immediately to signal for help or to avert a life-threatening event, pull it out and keep your crew safe.  This tool is for adult use ONLY and serious harm is possible if used without great care. 

Sanity Gear

In order to keep everyone safe, it is vital that Adult Leaders maintain their sanity.  This gear may seem like luxury items, but understand that an adult leader who losses it on an outing is a danger to anyone around them!

The Chair

The Chair

The chair is vital for camp survival.  Sitting on the ground isn't dignified and will get the bottom of your pants wet.  And who wants to stand up all day?

There are many models to choose from.  Some come with tables and some don't.  Features such as built in shade and rockers can also be considered but the 2 most important considerations are durability and comfort.

Hot Brew

Hot Brew

The Hot Brew helps you relax and enjoy the day.  The liquid hydrates your tissues while the wonderful aroma and taste soothes your mind. 

There are several components to your Hot Brew Kit:

The Brew