A scout should always enter the woods with his day pack. Based upon decades of experience and a personal preference to be prepared for a scenario where a day hike could turn into an overnight stay, this is a list of the prepared boy scout 26 required essentials and survival gear you will need for a day hike. So to be a prepared man, pack everything on the REQUIRED gear list! And use the other lists (on the right side of the page) to help remind you of what to pack in special conditions!
A plan and route left with a reliable friend Hiking Boots (that fit you and are broken in) Handheld GPS receiver with spare batteriesA Daypack (lined with a plastic bag) holds: - 2 Water bottles or hydration system - Orienteering Compass - Map (with route marked & in plastic) - Pocket knife & totin chip card - Rain gear or poncho - Personal first aid kit (pg 289 in handbook) - Flashlight/headlamp with spare batteries - Firestarter Kit with waterproof matches - Fleece Wind-Proof hat - Insect Repellant (spring/summer) - Sunscreen (all year round) - High energy carbohydrate food - Extra set of clothes in waterproof bag - Toilet paper and wet wipes in a Ziploc bag - Pair of gloves Ski Goggles- Survival-style reflective blanket or bivvy- 9X12 .7 mil painters tarp- Small & large trash bag- Chemical Hand Warmers (3 pair)- Six to twelve feet of duct tape (rolled)- 25 feet of nylon shock cord - Small roll of florescent marking tape- Survival whistle
Cellphone
Handheld GPS receiver with spare batteries
Binoculars
Hiking or Trekking Poles
Camera
Sunglasses + Broad Rim Hat
Pen, pencil and paper
Small shovel/trowel
Bathing Suit
Warm but lightweight jacket
Hand warmers (3 more pairs)
Snow shoes
Crampons/stabilizers
Extra clothing layers
Face mask or ski mask
Emergency stove & pot – Jetboil Stove
Firestarter Kit includes ample amounts of dry paper, birch bark, small dry twigs, 20 matches wrapped in plastic, and a glow stick. May also include fire starter sticks or other tinder materials like cotton balls, dryer lint, wet-fire,etc.Extra set of clothes includes underwear, liner socks, hiking socks, lightweight hiking pants, wicking shirt (both short and long sleeve) and long underwear bottoms. Heat and Hiking
In good weather, hiking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. However, the warmer months bring an increased risk of heat injury. Hikers in hot and/or humid conditions can overheat quickly, which can lead to serious injury and even death.The signs of overheating are common and may be subtle—fatigue, thirst, sweating, irritability, or headache. However, while traveling with a designated buddy or in groups, inexperienced hikers often fail to recognize these symptoms as overheating and continue moving. As symptoms worsen, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite are common. Muscle cramps, dizziness, and confusion may set in with heat exhaustion, or even heart attack. When heat exhaustion is suspected, the person should sit in a shaded area to drink water and rest. Removing excess clothing and wetting the person’s skin and clothing will greatly speed the cooling process. If the person’s condition does not return to normal, they may have experienced heat stroke—a life-threatening illness in which the brain and other organs are damaged by heat.At least one person should be trained in first aid or wilderness first aid. If you fear someone may be experiencing heat stroke, get them immediate medical attention and start cooling. Communicate to others not on your trek your route, estimated trek length and when you leave. The BSA wants all outdoor activities to be safe and enjoyable. Help prevent heat injuries by · Staying hydrated. Consume water frequently in small quantities instead of all at once. Try sipping throughout the day and keep extra water on hand as needed or depending on the length of your trek. Drink before you feel thirsty. Make sure you eat, too. Small frequent meals will help maintain your energy. · Wearing appropriate clothing. Wear loose fitting clothes that absorb moisture and wick it away from the body. Dress in layers and avoid cotton fabrics. Dark clothing can also lead to overheating because it retains heat from the sun. Don’t forget to wear a broad brimmed hat to help block the sun and help keep you cool. · Avoiding mid-day and afternoon hiking. Temperatures tend to be highest during this time of the day. If hiking must be done then, walk in shade as much as possible. · Taking frequent breaks. The hotter and harder the hike, the more you’ll need to rest. Also, getting plenty of sleep prior and after a hike to keep you well-rested.· Acclimating to your surroundings. A gradual exposure to heat may help keep you from overheating or raising your body’s core temperature too quickly· Recognizing and responding. A person who has experienced heat injury before is at increased risk for getting it again. People visiting from cooler climates, heavier hikers, and those not accustomed to strenuous activity are also at increased risk. Certain medications and medical conditions can make you more susceptible to high temperatures. Exposure to high temperatures for multiple days in a row increases the risk of heat injury. Respond to a person’s symptoms by immediately stopping your activity.
