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Cub Scouts learn about the necessary gear to safely hike and camp outdoors. For this, we look to the Six Essentials...
What are the Cub Scout Six Essentials?
The Six Essentials are items every Cub Scout should carry in their personal gear when going on hikes, campouts, and other activities:
First-aid kit: adhesive bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, etc.
Water bottle: filled and large enough to last until it can be filled again.
Flashlight: for emergency use only.
Trail food: can be bought; or, made as a den activity prior to hike or campout.
Sun protection: sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater and a hat.
Whistle: for emergency use only.
Scroll down for some ideas, along with additional suggestions and ideas...
How should a Cub Scout carry these items?
For convenience — and to make sure no item gets lost — each Cub Scout should carry his or her Six Essentials in a backpack.
Cub Scout leaders and Scouts should emphasize that these are tools - not toys - and should be used only when needed.
Here are some ideas for essentials to start your kit:
Shop around for similar ideas, better prices, etc.
🔗https://amzn.to/3oMFJTA - small and essential.
🔗https://amzn.to/3HriEfF - keeps cold drinks cold in the summertime.
This is especially valuable as Pack 101 practices 🔗leave no trace principles. Use of a water bottle like this one saves Pack 101 from supply and disposal of single-use paper or styrofoam cups.
Make sure to fill your water bottle before leaving home!
🔗https://amzn.to/3LHj4kH - rechargeable via USB-C and very bright. (comes with a charging cable but no AC/DC wall plug).
🔗https://amzn.to/3Hn6vbG - headlamp option.
🔗https://amzn.to/3ngXni4 - runs on 3 AAA batteries. Remember to bring extra AAA's!
Find something that tastes good - any trail mix or other snacks will do. Stay away from candy and other sugary treats. Keep it healthy!
🔗https://www.kroger.com/p/gourmet-nut-power-up-protein-packed-trail-mix/0085746800617 - check ingredients before eating.
🔗https://amzn.to/42bm7qJ - similar option. Check ingredients before eating.
Sun protection is useful in the Winter as well as in the summer, as sunlight can reflect off snow and ice.
🔗https://www.kroger.com/p/simple-truth-kids-mineral-based-spf-50-stick-sunscreen/ - simple and safe, easy to apply, and not messy. Check ingredients before using.
🔗https://amzn.to/44iYUoz - similar option. Check ingredients before using.
A good hat is essential to keep the hot sun off your head.
🔗https://www.scoutshop.org/nsearch/?q=hat - and, the 🔗Iott Scout Shop has BSA hats as well as rank level hats. Always double check sizing prior to purchase.
🔗https://amzn.to/3AIujTy - Or wear something outdoorsy. Always double check sizing prior to purchase.
🔗https://amzn.to/3LI3ghJ - a low price option with some bonus features. To be used for emergency only.
🔗https://amzn.to/44rhkn8 - lightweight and economical, multiple sizes available.
🔗https://amzn.to/3oZnhXV - larger size for older scouts.
Additional Items to consider:
(and shop around for similar ideas, better prices, etc.)
This is especially recommended as Pack 101 practices 🔗leave no trace principles. Use of a mess kit like this one along with your water bottle saves Pack 101 from supply and Mother Nature from disposal of single-use paper plates, single-use styrofoam cups, and single-use utensils.
🔗https://amzn.to/41Xc5tO - this kit has all the pieces a scout needs for camping and eating at winter weekend. Use your water bottle to drink.
🔗https://amzn.to/3oYXBLm - Cub Scouts Lunch Kit.
🔗https://amzn.to/3oY9sZO - these are a good substitute for the official BSA pants. Always double check sizing prior to purchase.
🔗Cub Scout Switchback Uniform Pant II, Youth - requires alterations to the inseam.
https://amzn.to/41RsG44 - this is a a good substitute for the official BSA belt. 1" wide is perfect to display belt loops.
Lions through Bears should use the official 🔗Cub Scouts blue belt to display belt loops.
🔗https://amzn.to/427EoFp - these are a good substitute for the official BSA pants. Always double check sizing prior to purchase.
🔗Scouts BSA Switchback Uniform Pant - requires alterations to the inseam.
https://amzn.to/3nmYWeo - this is a a good substitute for the official BSA belt. Always double check sizing prior to purchase.
🔗https://www.scoutshop.org/nsearch/?q=handbook - for electronic/PDF copies.
Print handbooks are also available at the 🔗Iott Scout Shop.
🔗https://amzn.to/425QHlj - also for electronic/PDF copies.
🔗https://amzn.to/420Ko34 - for sewing patches on to your uniform and clothing repair in the field.
🔗https://amzn.to/48OxqJN - more compact.
Always use a thimble!
🔗https://amzn.to/42NxJkF - instantly attach badges to uniforms. Cut, peel, and stick. No sewing required, but watch out after a few trips throught the washing machine.
🔗https://amzn.to/3ItQgua - for a comfort grip on your hiking stick project. 550 paracord mixes the right combination of durability and strength. You'll need at least 17 feet to wrap a handle on a hiking stick. Many other uses, as well.
The Ten Essentials:
Four more items to round out the BSA Ten Essential List (which includes the Six Essentials)
These items are not required for Cub Scouts although Rain Gear is always a great idea to have in your kit.
Make sure to get rain gear with an attached hood. Rain gear can make the difference between happy and cold.
🔗https://amzn.to/44kJxMg - rain coat only. make sure to check sizing and try to size up a bit for layering underneath.
🔗https://amzn.to/3LNj5n4 - rain pants. make sure to check sizing and try to size up a bit for layering underneath.
🔗https://amzn.to/44nHgA4 - poncho option. Always double check sizing before purchase.
🔗https://amzn.to/3oKghhx - this transparent model is good for laying on top of a topo map to measure distances. Good for orienteering lessons.
Map is dependent on your hiking plans.
Cub Scouts must earn a 🔗Whittling Chip Card prior to owning, carrying, or using a pocket knife.
Links provided here are for reference only. Shop around to find a knife that suits you. Always abide by the 🔗Pocketknife Pledge.
🔗https://amzn.to/3noPG9o - Swiss Army Style - with tools for camping.
🔗https://amzn.to/449pcJP - simple folding knife - comes with whetstone.
🔗https://amzn.to/3nf3bbI - small multi-tool with a blade.
Webelos learn fire starting as a part of the Cast Iron Chef Advancement. Never play with fire!
🔗https://amzn.to/426b0zX - Ferrocerium Drilled Flint Fire Starter with Paracord Lanyard Handle and Striker.
🔗https://amzn.to/3nis4U2 - Camping & Emergency Fire Starter Tinder.
🔗https://amzn.to/3ALomFm - Stormproof Match Kit with Waterproof Case.