This list is designed to cover the personal equipment we expect Explorers to bring with them to our various types of meetings / events. The lists work progressively so each table should also include the items from all preceding tables. If there has been no further guidance in the event invite, please assume that all the kit in the relevant tables is required.
e.g. A ‘Self Sufficient Camp’ would require the items from KL5, KL4, KL3, KL2 & KL1.
Medication
Inhalers – we recommend that Explorers are responsible for & carry their own inhalers so they have them on hand when required. We are happy to store (& recommend you supply) a spare in-case one gets lost, broken or runs out.
ALL OTHER MEDICATION must be documented and handed to a Leader at the start of the an event in a sealed plastic bag with the users name, dosage & any other instruction clearly available.
KL1 – Indoor Weekly Meeting Night
| Item | Description | Item | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Necker | Explorers must always have their necker with them at a scouting event | Shirt / Hoodie | Scout Shirt or Group Hoodie |
KL2 – Outdoor Meeting
| Item | Description | Item | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drinks bottle | A full, refillable & sealable drinks container. Ideally at least 800ml. | Waterproof coat | A waterproof coat with a hood. | |
| Warm clothing | Suitable warm clothing, consider including a Hat & Gloves | Suitable footwear | Walking boots are recommended but appropriate shoes for the event are acceptable. | |
| Torch | Head torches are very practical. Consider spare batteries. A red filter can help reduce the loss of night vision while map reading. | Personal first aid kit | This excludes ANY / ALL medications which must be handed to a leader before departure. | |
| Day sack | A small rucksack suitable to carry the items above when not in use, it should be also have space to carry a pack-up for lunch. | Waterproof Trousers | Often overlooked but hugely important to stay warm & dry. |
KL3 – Indoor overnight event
| Item | Description | Item | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sleeping attire | Pyjamas or similar to avoid sleeping in day time clothing. | Sleeping bag | We would suggest a 3-4 season so it’s suitable for all events. | |
| Roll Mat | A foam or self inflating camping mat. | Wash kit | Tooth brush & tooth paste, soap, shower gel, towel. | |
| Tea Towel | Cutlery | Knife, fork, spoon | ||
| Crockery | Mug, Plate & Bowl (a mess tin can be a useful all in one cooking pot, plate & bowl). | Jumper / Hoodie | t least 2 so there’s a reasonable chance of keeping one dry | |
| Outdoor trousers | Not jeans or thick jogging bottoms as these are difficult to dry and become uncomfortable when wet. | Rucksack / kit bag | 1 bag that can hold all your kit. At least a 65ltr although this can be tight if your packing for a full weeks camp | |
| Underclothes | T-shirts, socks, underwear etc. a fresh set for every day is usually the way to go. | Walking Socks | A couple of pairs of extra thick socks to go on top of your normal ones. | |
| Walking Boots | Waterproof boots with good soles. Please break these in before hand. Boots can often cause blisters etc. when being worn for a long time if new. | Hat & Gloves | Not just for winter!! | |
| Spare Shoes | Additional dry footwear | Slippers | An optional extra but outdoor footwear usually remains in a ‘boot room’ | |
| Sun Protection | (Season dependant) Sun cream & suitable hat / cap | Plastic bags | To separate dirty / wet clothing. (at least 1 large bin bag) | |
| Old trainers / plimsolls | Required for water activities such as canoeing / raft building | Water activity attire | Swimming shorts & t-shirt / costume. To be suitable for a pool or activities on a lake. |
KL4 – Outdoor Overnight Event
| Item | Description | Item | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tent | Adouble skin, lightweight tent. A 2- 3 man tent is usually a very comfy fit for 1 person & kit. Make sure all the parts are there & you know how to pitch, strike & pack it. Group can assist with tentage depending on the event. | Sleeping bag liner | This can make a huge difference during winter & in summer, it’s not uncommon to just sleep in the liner rather than the sleeping bag. (a single duvet cover can work perfectly as a liner) | |
| Bivvy / Survival Bag | While fancy gortex ones are available, the common bright orange plastic ones for around £3 are perfect for our requirements |
KL5 – Self-Sufficient Camp
| Item | Description | Item | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooker | A small, gas, spirit or solid fuel stove. | Fire lighting equipment. | Matches, lighter, cotton wool balls, flint & steel etc. | |
| Cooking equipment. | Pans, kettle, mess tin, cooking utensils, tin opener etc. | Food | A balanced, simple to cook set of ration to last for the duration of the camp. | |
| Emergency Rations | In addition to your planned meals. Some ready to eat, high calorie back up food. | Washing up equipment | A sponge / scourer & some washing up liquid. |
Additional Kit
This is not essential but can be a useful addition to anyone’s collection of personal equipment.
| Item | Description | Item | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaiters | Offer additional waterproofing between the boot and legs. Great for walking through long wet grass when full waterproof trousers aren’t wanted. | Flask | There’s always time for a brew when Scouting. Try and avoid the old glass style ones. They aren’t very activity friendly. | |
| Neck fleece / scarf | Can be a game changer in certain conditions. | Pillow | I’m always sad when I forget mine | |
| Map Case | A water proof case for carrying a map | Compass & Whistle | ||
| Red torch | They don’t offer much light but reduce the loss of night vision. An LED rear bike light is a handy option | Mobile Phone & Charger | Great for Emergencies | |
| Portable Power Pack | There’s not many sockets in the woods | Survival Blanket | Small foil blanket to help stay warm in an emergency. | |
| Wet wipes | Unbelievably handy when camping | Spare tent pegs & guy ropes. | Apart from the obvious these can have a lot of uses. | |
| Camping Chair or waterproof picnic blanket. | We’d strongly recommend one of these, even warm dry ground isn’t much fun for very long. | Spare Toilet Roll | Because it’s definitely better than not having any. (A few sheets in a plastic bag can be more rucksack friendly than a whole roll) | |
| Hand sanitiser | Spending Money | |||
| OS Maps | 1:25,000 (Explorer) map of the relevant area. |
Axes, Knives & Multi-tools
Additional advice will be coming regarding sharp implements once the Explorers have had an input to an appropriate safety scheme within our unit.