Troop 71 - Winter Tenting Backpack List

General:
• Backpack (internal frame preferred for winter trips)
• Sleeping bag good at least down to 20 degrees.
• Foam sleeping (ground) pad - closed cell or ThermaRest

Wear: (NO cotton! - wear wool or poly/fleece)
• Loose long pants (no jeans, but insulated ski bibs are OK)
• Long sleeved shirt (wool or poly)
• Winter hiking boots or Sorrells, with wool or poly socks
• Poly liner socks (a good idea for comfort with wool socks)
• Wind-breaker jacket with hood (Wear or pack for easy access)
• Wind-pants sprayed with silicone or snow-pants or ski bibs (pack for easy access)
• Hat/Balaclava, wool or poly that will cover ears (Wear or pack for easy access)
• Wool or poly fleece mittens - TWO PAIR (Wear one, pack spare pair for easy access)
• Waterproof/snow-proof gaiters to keep snow out of boots
• Sunglasses and/or goggles - Ultra-Violet blocking lenses

Personal gear and extra clothing: (Pack in stuff sacks or zip lock baggies to keep dry)
• Trail snacks - high carbohydrate, low protein in a form that can be readily eaten while hiking
• Waterproof poncho
• Toilet Kit (Ivory soap, toothpaste/brush, comb, deodorant)
• Toilet paper, white, no perfume, partial roll with cardboard tube removed, in zip-lock bag
• 2 water bottles, 1 liter, with insulating covers (old wool socks)
• Socks, 2 extra pair, wool or poly
• Spare long pants/shirt if desired (wool or poly fleece)
• Long john tops and bottoms (Poly or wool)
• Wool sweaters or heavyweight poly fleece sweaters as needed (Wear or pack for easy access)
• Survival Kit
• Map and Compass
• Eating utensils (knife, fork, spoon, plate, bowl, cup)
• Pocket knife (If you have a Totin' Chip - NO axes)
• Trash bags, small, 4 or more (various uses including boot liners)
• Small (AA) flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
• Fire starting kit including matches in waterproof container
• Required daily/emergency medications
• Emergency sewing/repair kit (including for inflatable ground pad)
• First aid kit (small basic type)

Optional: (Depending on destination, route, weather and trail conditions)
• Nylon mitten over-mitts
• Frisbee (for games, digging in snow, and stove base)
• Sunscreen and UV-protective lip balm
• Small camera with film and batteries
• Pack cover, waterproof
• Sleeping pad (closed cell)
• Harmonica or other small musical instrument
• Snowshoes with good bindings pre-tested to fit boot, and poles
• Step-in crampons

Group Gear: (Generally by patrol. Leaders will assign gear to individuals at departure)
• Tent with vestibule and ground cloth
• Pack sleds, depending on route
• Cooking kit/utensils
• Backpacking stove with spare fuel bottles & snow board (Frisbee)
• Biodegradable dish soap (Camp Suds) (protect from freezing)
• Nylon scrubbies (soap-less)
• Adequate amount of paper toweling in ziplock bag - roll removed
• Food & trail snacks, meals pre-measured/packed - allow extra
• First aid kit, group type, pre-loaded for type of trip
• Gas Lantern, fuel, and spare mantles

If you don't really need it, leave it out. Ounces add up to pounds!
REMEMBER: NO COTTON CLOTHING ALLOWED ON WINTER BACK-COUNTRY TRIPS