What to Pack Beyond the Six Essentials

Q: I have my Six Essentials. What’s the next most important thing to bring on an outing?
— Isaiah, Puyallup, Washington

A: Cub Scouts should pack six essentials for hikes and campouts. These essentials include a first-aid kit, a flashlight, a filled water bottle, trail food, sun protection and a whistle. These items keep you protected, hydrated and fed in the outdoors. Plus, they help you be prepared for certain emergencies. You can store this gear in a fanny pack or a daypack. You can find several types of daypacks at the Scout Shop.

In addition to these items, older Scouts should pack a pocketknife or multitool, extra clothing, matches and fire starters, rain gear, and a map and compass. Altogether, these are called the Scout Basic Essentials.

Beyond the basics, the next most important item is up for debate, especially since it depends on your outing. For a long hike, you might want to pack a hiking stick or cushioned socks. For a winter campout, consider bringing hand warmers or an extra pair of gloves in case your first pair gets wet.

We asked some adult Scout leaders about this, and here are their recommendations:

• Scouts BSA Handbook
• Toilet kit with hand sanitizer
• A cellphone with a power bank
• Emergency shelter
• Duct tape
• Insect protection
• Paracord