Please note that previous gear problems have included some of the following: cotton coveralls that got wet and froze overnight, tennis
shoes, cotton socks with no extras, wet gloves, pants, jackets with no extras, no sleeping pads, open-cell foam sleeping pads, non-snow
proof boots. Winter snow boots should be insulated, waterproof, and tall. Sleeping pads should be closed-cell foam.
Expect that the scouts will be in contact with the snow 100% of the time. Nighttime temperatures could be 0° or less. Plenty of activity
during the day will keep them warm, but night time and slow time will be hard if they get wet and cold with no backup gear/clothing.
All clothing needs to be non-cotton. Use the layering approach: long underwear first, then fleece or wool, then outside breathable,
waterproof layer. Add in extra fleece or vest or winter coat for nighttime.

____ BACKPACK (or large sports equipment bag, or duffel bag). Line it with a large trash bag first, to keep contents dry.
____ WARM JACKET – could be the outside layer or could be in addition to an outside layer
____ 2 SYNTHETIC (I.E. POLAR FLEECE) OR WOOL HATS – to play in during day and sleep in at night. Large enough to roll down
over ears and neck. Neck warmers, helmet liners, ski masks, or snowmobile hats are also good. Hat for sleeping should stay on all night.
____ SNOW PANTS – waterproof, breathable. Extra pair if possible.
____ 1 EXTRA PAIR of PANTS or FLEECE LINERS – for sleeping or layering or backup
____ 2 WOOL or POLAR FLEECE SWEATERS/PULLOVERS/HOODIES
____ 2 WOOL or POLAR FLEECE LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS
____ 2 SETS of LONG UNDERWEAR – non-cotton; tops and bottoms
____ 2 EXTRA SETS OF UNDERWEAR (preferably non-cotton)
____ 2 EXTRA PAIRS OF HEAVY NON-COTTON HIKING SOCKS & LINERS (Make sure your Boots are NOT TIGHT!). Use
layering approach: thin liners plus outer heavier pair.
____ STURDY, INSULATED WINTER BOOTS (Rubber is much better than leather. Leather will freeze at night). Must be insulated!
No tennis shoes! Must be waterproof. Expect 100% contact with the snow for the entire trip.
____ EXTRA BACK-UP PAIR OF BOOTS – can just be hiking boots so your good ones won't get frozen during the auction.
____ PLASTIC BAGS – to line feet and hands if your stuff gets wet- this is a last resort! Newspaper or bread bags work well.
____ WINTER GLOVES or MITTENS (As many as you own and can borrow!) Should be insulated and waterproof. Bring multiple sets.
Layering approach also works well. No cotton.
____ WINTER SLEEPING BAG – (or 2 regular sleeping bags stuffed one inside the other; or a regular bag AND 2-3 blankets). Expect 0
degrees temperature! Some zero degree bags may still not be warm enough by themselves.
____ 2 CLOSED-CELL FOAM SLEEPING PADS (can be found at Walmart cheaply) no cots or inflatable pads. (We also recommend
bringing as many extra blankets or old comforters you have to put underneath your pad to act as a thermal barrier and keep you warmer.)
____ POCKETKNIFE – with Totin’ Chip card
____ MESS-KIT (BOWL, CUP, FORK, SPOON, PLATE) – heavy-duty plastic is warmer than metal
____ 2 ONE-QUART WATER BOTTLES, filled – Nalgene bottles can be filled with hot water for inside sleeping bag when going to bed
____ FLASHLIGHT & EXTRA BATTERIES – head lamps are especially convenient.
____ SMALL FIRST AID KIT – you can make your own, see BSA Handbook.
____ PEN, PENCIL, SMALL NOTEBOOK, BSA HANDBOOK – in a Zip Lock bag
____ COMPASS with a BASEPLATE – in a Zip-Lock bag
____ CLEAN-UP KIT – small toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, floss, fast-drying camp towel
____ TOILET PAPER – half a roll in a Zip-Lock bag
____ “HotHands or “Grabber” brand HANDWARMERS – will usually last 8-10 hours. Can be put in gloves, boots, and/or sleeping bag.
Should buy enough for 2 days and 2 nights.

DO NOT BRING:

TENNIS SHOES, RUNNING SHOES, OR ANY NON WATERPROOF, NON-SNOWPROOF SHOES
COTTON SWEATSHIRTS OR HOODIES
COTTON PANTS OR JEANS
COTTON JACKETS
COTTON SOCKS