Note for a Backpacking equipment list see: Backpacking Gear List

When it comes to purchasing items, getting the gear can be a big one-time expense.  There are many ways to reduce the costs.  Think of getting the essentials, making due as much as you can with what you have, and then slowly purchase as you try out new and other gear and learn what works for you.  Here's some general ideas:

1. Share at tent with another person who has one.  The same can be said of backpacking stoves (see the backpacking list above).
2. Purchase at Wal-Mart - and number of outdoor items (Ozark, Coleman, etc.) that at very reasonable prices.  
3. Purchase online at Wal-Mart, Amazon, and Campmor.com and look for sales.  Amazon has a great selection of mid-range items at good prices.
4. Sign up to be an REI member and their credit card.  Their items are the best and they have a great 1-year return policy on anything.  You'll receive discounts, cash back at the end of the year, and a significant % off coupon at then end of the year that can be spent on the big ticket items.  These discounts and cash back together can make their top of the line items (at top of the line prices) very affordable.

Personal Equipment List / Weekend Camping Packing List 

Uniform

Troop Uniform (Currently the correct, collared, colored, program shirt - not the Class A shirt worn to Court of Honor.  The shirt is always worn while traveling to/from outing):

_______ Shirt

_______ Pants (shorts or long)

_______ Belt

_______ Socks

_______ Tennis Shoes or (preferred) Hiking Shoes/Boots, waterproofed

One note about hiking shoes or boots, be sure to spend some time breaking in the new footwear before utilizing them all weekend.  Studies show that stiff, new, hiking boots are a leading cause of blisters in young men in outdoor programs between the ages of 11 and 18.

Clothes (always check the weather and both dress and bring appropriate gear):

_______ Pants, shorts &/or long

_______ T-shirts, short &/or long sleeved

_______ Underwear 

_______ Socks (at least 2 pair)

_______ Hat

_______ Rain gear (poncho, raincoat, or rain suit as appropriate for conditions) - a $2.00 Coleman emergency poncho usually suffices for a weekend trip.  These are typically one use items.

_______ “Windbreaker”/Coat (appropriate for conditions)

We've more than once had Trailmen wear shorts on fall campouts only to get very cold when they learn that the temperature was going to drop into the mid 40's...  Don't let that happen to you!

Gear:

_______ Backpack or duffel bag to carry your gear.

_______ Sleeping bag (20 degree or lower or appropriate for the season)

_______ Sleeping pad (air, foam, or self-inflating (ex. “Therm-a-Rest” but note, more affordable brands exist))

_______ Tent (optional, typically shared with another Scout).  A three person tent works best for two + gear.  

_______ “Tent footprint” or “ground-cloth” (a "blue tarp" or durable plastic sheeting also serves well as a ground cloth under a tent)

_______ ZipLock bags for storing toiletries, eating kit, extra trash, etc. 

_______ Personal First Aid kit (see Contents of a Personal First Aid Kit)

_______ Pocket Knife (After completing Woods Tools)

_______ Headlamp and/or Flashlight.  

_______ Length of paracord/thin nylon rope for hanging items if necessary.

Note: Hammock camping has become more popular the last few years.  Besides needing a campsite that has trees, :-) hammock camping typically requires extra rope, straps, and a tarp or integrated rainfly to protect from morning dew or rain.  Some boys use plastic over an Eno style hammock, while others work up to affording a Hennessy hammock with the integrated rainfly, mosquito net, straps, etc.

On Tenting, we prefer to tent in groups of 2-3, but we occasionally allow more if the situation demands it.   We prefer not to use 4 person tents or greater, but understand that's what families may own and many aren't in the position to buy another specifically for their son(s).  We do try our best to make due with what we have. 

Toiletries Kit:

_______ Sunscreen

_______ Toothbrush & Toothpaste

_______ Soap (generally not needed for a weekend campout)

_______ Towel

Eating Kit:  

_______ Water bottle (1Liter ‘Nalgene’-type preferred)

_______ Cup (plastic or metal)

_______ Bowl (plastic or metal), Plate (optional)

_______ Utensil set: Spoon &/or Fork, Knife (optional)

As mess kits go, the "Light My Fire" brand mess kit is a great upgrade when you're ready to spend the money.  It's compact lightweight and packs together into a single unit.  Light My Fire unfortunately charges extra for a "harness" which is handy for keeping the mess kit strapped together and easily "strappable" to gear.

Books:

_______ Navigator and Adventurer's Handbook and pen for sign offs.

_______ Bible (New Testament or Old & New Testament)