• Top tips
• Kit list: section meeting
• Kit list: camping
• Kit list: day trips
• Kit list: hiking
• Kit list: water activities
• Bags
• General clothing
• Footwear
• Sleeping bags, mats, etc.
• Waterproofs
• Miscellaneous

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Gear Guide

General clothing

Make sure that your clothes are comfortable to wear and don't restrict your movement. Whether it's a camp or a day trip, you can guarantee that you'll be active so you want clothes that won't chafe or prevent you from running, reaching or stretching! 

If we're camping you'll need more/warmer clothing than you might wear at home especially in the evenings when it gets cooler and we tend to be running around a bit less.

In general synthetic fabrics are lighter and feel warmer than pure cotton.  Cotton soaks up sweat and adsorbs moisture from the air and, once it's wet, takes longer to dry.  Synthetic fabrics (like polyester sports shirts) or polyester-rich blended fabrics soak up less water and dry more easily.  This means that they feel warmer, especially when wet.

We've said it before, but we'll say it again! Please don't wear/bring your favourite clothes or brand new expensive/designer gear - clothes worn for Scouting activities are likely to come home wet, muddy and possibly with the odd hole or singe mark!  

Please note: most of the guidance on this page about quantities is written with camps in mind as this is generally when you'll be packing lots of spare clothes.  

Socks, underwear & thermals

Pack plenty of these for camp, especially socks!  If we’re planning water activities, bring extra as you can guarantee they will get wet. 

A pair of thick socks, worn over your normal socks, can help prevent blisters when you're wearing walking boots, as well as giving extra cushioning and warmth. The thick socks move with the boot and slide over the thin sock which moves with your foot, so you get less rubbing.  It's important to make sure that both pairs of socks are the right size though, otherwise they can bunch-up and make your boots less comfortable.

Thermals are strongly recommended for the colder months; we'd recommend packing at least one and ideally a couple of pairs (so if one set gets wet, you can change into a a dry pair).  Even in the summer it's worth having one pair packed, especially if the forecast is a little unsettled.  

T-shirts, hoodies/jumpers & fleeces

As a general rule of thumb bring at least one set of layers for every couple of days plus one or two spare sets.  Don’t forget that it can get very cold in summer as well as winter.

It's worth bringing at least one long-sleeved t-shirt.  In the summer long sleeves can help stop the midges from biting whilst being more comfortable to wear than a hoody/jumper or fleece.

As we explained above, synthetic fabrics dry faster and often feel warmer.  Several thin layers are generally warmer than a single thick layer, and make it easier to keep yourself comfortable as your activity levels and the outside temperatures changes.

For water activities (or land based activities where you know you're going to get wet), we strongly recommend synthetic t-shirts such as sports shirts, cycling tops or rash vests.

Trousers & shorts

Bring enough for the duration of camp (at least 1 pair for every couple of days plus 1 or 2 spares).   Even if you normally exist in shorts, please bring a couple of pairs of trousers, even in the summer.  When we're camping it can get cold in the evenings and our tents aren't as warm as a house, so changing into trousers is the only way to stay warm and comfortable!  (Plus trousers will stop the midges from biting your legs!) 

Activity or tracksuit trousers are recommended; as we've said above synthetic fabrics or polyester rich blends will be warmer and faster drying than pure cotton jogging bottoms.  

We generally discourage wearing jeans/denim because when they get wet they are heavy, feel cold and chafe.  They also take ages to dry – making you cold and uncomfortable. 

If you’re buying activity trousers we’d suggest buying navy as they can double as uniform trousers.

Warm hat

A simple beanie hat or similar will help keep your head warm when it gets cold – even in summer! (For cold weather camping we recommend wearing them when you go to bed).  For cold-weather camps it’s work packing a spare in case one gets wet.

Gloves

A basic pair of gloves will keep your hands warm when it’s cold and windy.  Make sure they're made from a synthetic material and they'll still provide some comfort when wet. 

Water resistant gloves will feel warmer for longer if it's wet and windy.  Be aware that the ones with multiple layers can be hard to take off and put on again once they get wet or if your hands are damp.