Backpacking Merit Badge
The first thing you should do when starting a merit badge is download the workbook. This is where you’ll keep all your notes and what you will show your merit badge counselor when you want to have requirements signed off.
These are the current requirements for the Backpacking merit badge. Over the course of five meetings and two outings we’ll get you about 90% of the way through this badge. All that will remain is for you to take three backpacking trips. Find and sign up for those here.
What is Backpacking?
Backpacking is hiking with overnight camping. It’s a great way to venture deeper into the wilderness and explore places you can’t get to in just a day trip. Most importantly, it’s an opportunity to connect with nature and each other.
Because you’ll be far from services like bathrooms, running water, medical help and cell signal, it’s critical that you have the right skills and supplies to keep yourself safe and comfortable.
Basic First Aid
Knowing what to do in an emergency can be the difference between life and death. Basic first aid knowledge is a must, and at least one person on your trek should be trained in wilderness first aid.
Revisit the “Basic First Aid “lesson
Let’s talk about Poop
Improperly buried human waste (and soiled toilet paper) is the most common form of pollution in the wilderness. The principles of Leave No Trace, detail the importance of disposing of human waste to avoid polluting water sources and spreading disease.
Remember, people don’t eat as naturally as animals. The processed foods we eat contain chemicals not found in nature. When we poop in the wilderness we’re adding those chemicals into the environment, which in turn can end up in animals.
Rain and snowmelt will also carry improperly disposed of waste into nearby waterways and groundwater. Human waste is a a major contributor to the prevalence of Giardia in wilderness groundwater.
Also, camping near or accidentally discovering someone else’s poop is just disgusting.
Fortunately, going to the bathroom in the great outdoors is easy with just a little care and planning.
Revisit the “How to Poop in the Woods” lesson
How to Pack
Packing for a backpacking trip is different than just going camping or taking a day hike. Everything you need (or might need) you’ll have to carry on your back. This includes your food, clothing and sleep system, as well as your shelter, fuel, stove, and a way to purify water. You’ll also need to pack out any trash you produce (and maybe even your used toiled paper!). Food and smellables will need to fit in a bear canister. That not only adds bulk, it adds weight (about 2.5 lbs).
Even with all these things to consider, packing for a backpacking trek doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how to do it:
[this section will be updated with packing tips shortly]
Check out these related posts:
Schedule:
January 23 (Meeting)
Intro. What is backpacking and how do we do it safely?
Requirements 1, 2a
March 6 (Zoom)
Wilderness first aid (intro) and how to 💩 in the woods!
Requirement 1 (continued), 4a, 4b, 4c
February 13 (Meeting)
Bring your fully packed packs to the meeting. Pack everything you think you will need for a 4-day/3-night summer backpacking trip in Yosemite. You do not need to include troop gear (stoves, tents, etc.) but leave room for it.
Requirements 3a, 3b, 3c
February 21 (Meeting)
Bring your fully packed packs to the meeting (again). Revise your packing items and technique based on what we learned at the last meeting. Use this 50-Miler packing list as a guide (but remember the original parameters of the assignment). There will be a weigh-in to see how close you got to your 20% target.
Requirement 2b
February 25 (Hiking)
Bring your properly packed and adjusted pack to the recruiting hike. Unless you are going on the 50-miler you don’t have to hike with it. We will do a pack inspection and an inspection fo patrol equipment (supplied).
Requirements 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d
If you carry your pack on the Webelos hike you will also sign off requirement 9e!
March 12 (Meeting)
How to read topographical maps. This is an outdoor activity. Dress accordingly. Bring a headlamp.
Requirement 6a
March 22 (Camping)
Cooking, water treatment, navigation.
Requirements 5a, 5b, 6b, 6c, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d
+ option for requirement 10
