Gift Ideas for Scouts

Looking for that perfect gift for the Scout in your life? We’ve complied a rank-by-rank guide of gear, apparel, books, and games that they’ll actually use.

Most of these recommendations are based on equipment they’ll need or skills they’ve acquired. In most cases the brands and specifications are based on those that Troop 333 Scouts and leaders have tested in the field. For expensive items, we’ve tried to provide some economical alternatives.

If you’re really stumped, a gift card is always a great option. Plus, if you buy a card through our Flipgive, the troop receives between 1–10% cash back—at no additional coast to you!

Even if you’re not giving a gift card, shopping online via Flipgive earns cash for the troop. Shop Instacart, Airbnb, Southwest Airlines, REI, Northface, Lululemon, and more. Just access your favorite sites via Flipgive, or install their browser extension and make the earnings automatic.

Featured
First Aid Pouch
First Aid Pouch

The best first aid kit is one a Scout assembles themself. A conspicuously colored and labeled pouch will make it easy to find when seconds count. The pouch can be anything from a waterproof dry bag to a purpose-built option with lots of organization which you fill with supplies that match your personal needs and activities.

$6.50 at Walmart

Day Pack
Day Pack

For day hikes and everyday urban adventures, Osprey’s Daylite pack is one of our favorites. It’s sized right for an all-day hike, and its high-quality construction will handle years of wear and tear. The pack has a well-ventilated back and comfortable shoulder straps that include a sternum strap with integrated whistle. It’s well-organized, with a sleeve for a hydration bladder, exterior pockets for a headlamp, notebook, map, and compass, a side water bottle sleeve (perfectly sized for a Nalgene), and room inside for some trail snacks, a camera, and rain gear. The Daylite Plus offers two additional exterior pockets, and padding inn the hydration sleeve so it can safely tote a laptop around town.

$65 from Osprey

Base Layers
Base Layers

The right base layer can help keep a Scout dry, warm (or cool), and better smelling. Wool is by far the best choice. Silk and synthetics work too. Base layers should be close-fitting (their job is to wick moisture and provide insulation next to the skin). Smartwool and Patagonia are top-rated but pricey brands. REI’s Midweight line is a more affordable and high-performing option. Because younger Scouts will outgrow their clothes quickly, we recommend Uniqlo’s Heattech line. It gets favorable reviews from many experienced backpackers.

Under $25 at Uniqlo

First Aid Kit
First Aid Kit

The best first aid kit is one a Scout assembles themself, but for readymade kits one of our favorites is the Adventure Medical Kit .7 ultralight. It’s compact, lightweight, and waterproof. We’d recommend adding in an Ace Bandage, some electrolyte packs, and some Steri-Strips to round it out. The smaller .5 version is a solid choice too. The vintage first aid kit pictured here isn’t practical for actual outdoor use, but they make cute desk accessories for the Scout in your life and can be found on ebay.

$35 at REI

Headlamp
Headlamp

Headlamps are great alternatives to flashlights, leaving your hands free to for other tasks like cooking, carrying trekking poles, etc. Black Diamond and Petzl are two quality brands. Black Diamond’s Astro 300 is a bargain at $20. As you go up in price you’ll get brighter lights and more features—like rechargeability and night vision saving red light options.

Tip: Opt for an orange casing and headband to make your headlamp easier to find in your pack

$20 from REI

Waterproof Pen
Waterproof Pen

A Scout should have pen and paper on them at all times. This compact, highly visible, waterproof pen from Rite in the Rain should be staple in any pack.

$7 from Rite in the Rain

Solar Lantern
Solar Lantern

Safe for tents, lightweight, and sustainable, these slim, collapsible lanterns are convenient—but not essential—upgrade to your camping experience. And they let you save your more powerful battery-powered lights for when they’re really needed.

$20 from Goal Zero

32oz Water Bottle
32oz Water Bottle

One of the 10 Essentials. Nalgene brand water bottles are cheap and durable. They come in a range of colors, have tethered caps that won’t get lost, measurements on the side to make cooking easy, and a wide mouth for easy filling. They can even be personalized. If your Scout is a minimalist, their Ultralite line is one of the few times an ultralight version is cheaper than the standard version.

$18 from Nalgene

Hammock
sale
Hammock

Kids love hammocks. At summer camp, some of our Scouts set up hammocks inside their platform tents. Our Scoutmaster camps in a hammock shelter whenever possible. Ultralight hammocks can be expensive (and to camp in one you’ll want an under quilt), but the Covacure Double Hammock can be found online for around $25 and is a great choice for 1st and 2nd Class Scouts.

$25 on Amazon

Hydration Bladder
Hydration Bladder

The importance of hydration can’t be stressed enough. The rule of thumb while hiking is ½ liter of water per hour—meaning a 32 oz. water bottle will last your Scout about 5 miles. For anything longer, adding a hydration bladder is key. These expandable bladders are suspended inside your pack and have a flexible straw that attaches to your shoulder strap. Some brands have bladders sized specifically for their packs, but by and large they are universal. CamelBak and Hydrapak are reliable choices

$35–$55 at REI

Knot Tying Guide
Knot Tying Guide

$7 at REI

Waterproof Notebook
Waterproof Notebook

A Scout should have a notebook with them at all times. We took Field Notes brand expedition notebooks with us on our 50-Miler. They’re pocket-sized and made of durable, waterproof paper that you can write on in even the harshest conditions. Rite in the Rain is another maker of waterproof notebooks that has even smaller and less expensive versions you can stash in your survival kit.

$14 from Field Notes

Wool Beanie
Wool Beanie

Keep your head warm with toasty with a merino wool beanie. Minus33 makes a highly-rated and very affordable version for just $22. Available in 26 colors but we like Blaze Orange to make head counts easier! Smartwool is another high-quality brand.

$22 from Minus33

Featured
Backpacking Pack
Backpacking Pack

The right pack can be the difference between an enjoyable trek and a laborious one. Troop 333’s High Adventure Trekkers like the lightweight Osprey Atmos AG 65 for its capacity, organization, and ultra-comfortable suspension. Younger or smaller Scouts will probably do better with the The experts at REI can help you select the right pack for your size and activity. It’s best to get fitted in person, but if you know a few critical measurements they can help you out.

$315 at REI

Stormproof Matches
Stormproof Matches

Scouts need a way to start fire on any wilderness outing or camping trip. Waterproof, windproof matches in a watertight case are a reliable way to do that. This inexpensive set is highly-rated and includes some tinder and extra strike pads (stored safely inside). Tip: fill a second, empty case with regular matches to save your pricier stormproof ones for an emergency.

$9 at REI

Compass
Compass

Every Scout should have and know how to use a compass. The most useful design is one with a clear baseplate and ruler. These are the easiest to use with a map, they’re slim, and they’re durable. A small button compass or one that is basically an add-on to another tool is a good backup, but just not practical for typical use.

$40 from Brunton

Rain Gear
Rain Gear

Quality rain gear should be waterproof, breathable, and durable. It shouldn’t necessarily be expensive. You can easily spend $300 and up for a good, technical jacket, but there are sensible options for half that, half that, and half that. REI Co-op and Columbia are two reliable brands; each offers jackets for about $80. For growing kids, you might consider Frog Toggs, an ultra-cheap brand that swirls up fierce debate among hiker’s of the Pacific Crest Trail.

$80 from Columbia

Day Pack
Day Pack

For day hikes and everyday urban adventures, Osprey’s Daylite pack is one of our favorites. It’s sized right for an all-day hike, and its high-quality construction will handle years of wear and tear. The pack has a well-ventilated back and comfortable shoulder straps that include a sternum strap with integrated whistle. It’s well-organized, with a sleeve for a hydration bladder, exterior pockets for a headlamp, notebook, map, and compass, a side water bottle sleeve (perfectly sized for a Nalgene), and room inside for some trail snacks, a camera, and rain gear. The Daylite Plus offers two additional exterior pockets, and padding inn the hydration sleeve so it can safely tote a laptop around town.

$65 from Osprey

Backpacking Bandana
Backpacking Bandana

Made from lightweight microsuede, the Nomadix Bandana towel isn't your average bandana. It's a sweat absorber, sun shielder and mess cleaner upper (for long days (or weeks) outside. Bandanas have a multitude of uses, including water pre-filter, dust mask, tourniquet, trail marker, bandage, sling, sweatband, wash cloth, pot holder, signal flag, makeshift hat, towel, fire building tinder, ankle wrap, cold compress, improvised bag, and more…

$25 at REI

Compression Sacks
Compression Sacks

Compression sacks help organize gear and keep it compact—essential for longer treks. Most Scouts are familiar with using these for sleeping bags, but they can be used for clothes as well. Keep dirty clothes separate, an emergency base layer set dry and handy, or that insulator compact and stowed away until it’s needed.

$19–$25 at REI

Base Layers
Base Layers

The right base layer can help keep a Scout dry, warm (or cool), and better smelling. Wool is by far the best choice. Silk and synthetics work too. Base layers should be close-fitting (their job is to wick moisture and provide insulation next to the skin). Smartwool and Patagonia are top-rated but pricey brands. REI’s Midweight line is a more affordable and high-performing option. Because younger Scouts will outgrow their clothes quickly, we recommend Uniqlo’s Heattech line. It gets favorable reviews from many experienced backpackers.

Under $25 at Uniqlo

Socks
Socks

Yes socks. They may not be exciting, but a backpacking adventure is—and nothing will ruin that faster than cold feet or blisters. Quality wool socks will help take your Scout far. Wool is naturally moisture wicking and anti-microbial. They can be worn for days without smelling or irritating, and they’re quick-drying so you can wash them on the trail. Smartwool is one of our tried and trusted brands. Darn Tough socks live up their name and have an unbelievable lifetime warranty.

$25 at REI

First Aid Kit
First Aid Kit

The best first aid kit is one a Scout assembles themself, but for readymade kits one of our favorites is the Adventure Medical Kit .7 ultralight. It’s compact, lightweight, and waterproof. We’d recommend adding in an Ace Bandage, some electrolyte packs, and some Steri-Strips to round it out. The smaller .5 version is a solid choice too. The vintage first aid kit pictured here isn’t practical for actual outdoor use, but they make cute desk accessories for the Scout in your life and can be found on ebay.

$35 at REI

Headlamp
Headlamp

Headlamps are great alternatives to flashlights, leaving your hands free to for other tasks like cooking, carrying trekking poles, etc. Black Diamond and Petzl are two quality brands. Black Diamond’s Astro 300 is a bargain at $20. As you go up in price you’ll get brighter lights and more features—like rechargeability and night vision saving red light options.

Tip: Opt for an orange casing and headband to make your headlamp easier to find in your pack

$20 from REI

Waterproof Pen
Waterproof Pen

A Scout should have pen and paper on them at all times. This compact, highly visible, waterproof pen from Rite in the Rain should be staple in any pack.

$7 from Rite in the Rain

Solar Lantern
Solar Lantern

Safe for tents, lightweight, and sustainable, these slim, collapsible lanterns are convenient—but not essential—upgrade to your camping experience. And they let you save your more powerful battery-powered lights for when they’re really needed.

$20 from Goal Zero

32oz Water Bottle
32oz Water Bottle

One of the 10 Essentials. Nalgene brand water bottles are cheap and durable. They come in a range of colors, have tethered caps that won’t get lost, measurements on the side to make cooking easy, and a wide mouth for easy filling. They can even be personalized. If your Scout is a minimalist, their Ultralite line is one of the few times an ultralight version is cheaper than the standard version.

$18 from Nalgene

Analog Watch
Analog Watch

Though not officially one of the Ten Essentials, a reliable watch is an indispensable tool on any outing. They work after your phone runs out of juice and can be used to help calculate distance, note the time of an injury, and just generally stay on schedule. In an emergency, an analog watch can be used as a compass. Timex’s Expedition watch is a solid option—with a secure NATO-style band and water resistance to 50 meters.

$45 from Timex

Hammock
sale
Hammock

Kids love hammocks. At summer camp, some of our Scouts set up hammocks inside their platform tents. Our Scoutmaster camps in a hammock shelter whenever possible. Ultralight hammocks can be expensive (and to camp in one you’ll want an under quilt), but the Covacure Double Hammock can be found online for around $25 and is a great choice for 1st and 2nd Class Scouts.

$25 on Amazon

Bushcraft 101
Bushcraft 101

For the curious reader in your life, this guide is jam packed with useful wilderness knowledge. From knots to shelters to first aid to hunting to navigating without a compass or map, Bushcraft 101 is thoughtfully organized and well illustrated with 100s of tips for surviving and thriving in the wild.

$17 at Bespoke Post

Waterproof Notebook
Waterproof Notebook

A Scout should have a notebook with them at all times. We took Field Notes brand expedition notebooks with us on our 50-Miler. They’re pocket-sized and made of durable, waterproof paper that you can write on in even the harshest conditions. Rite in the Rain is another maker of waterproof notebooks that has even smaller and less expensive versions you can stash in your survival kit.

$14 from Field Notes

Swiss Army Knife
Swiss Army Knife

If your Scout has their Totin’ Chit they’ve been trained to safely use and care for a knife. A pocket knife is one of the Ten Essentials and a right of passage for many young men. A genuine Swiss Army knife will last a lifetime and get near daily use. We like the Fieldmaster model; it has all the tools a Scout will need (and no corkscrew).

$52 from Victorinox

Wool Beanie
Wool Beanie

Keep your head warm with toasty with a merino wool beanie. Minus33 makes a highly-rated and very affordable version for just $22. Available in 26 colors but we like Blaze Orange to make head counts easier! Smartwool is another high-quality brand.

$22 from Minus33

Featured
Analog Watch
Analog Watch

Though not officially one of the Ten Essentials, a reliable watch is an indispensable tool on any outing. They work after your phone runs out of juice and can be used to help calculate distance, note the time of an injury, and just generally stay on schedule. In an emergency, an analog watch can be used as a compass. Timex’s Expedition watch is a solid option—with a secure NATO-style band and water resistance to 50 meters.

$45 from Timex

Backpacking Bandana
Backpacking Bandana

Made from lightweight microsuede, the Nomadix Bandana towel isn't your average bandana. It's a sweat absorber, sun shielder and mess cleaner upper (for long days (or weeks) outside. Bandanas have a multitude of uses, including water pre-filter, dust mask, tourniquet, trail marker, bandage, sling, sweatband, wash cloth, pot holder, signal flag, makeshift hat, towel, fire building tinder, ankle wrap, cold compress, improvised bag, and more…

$25 at REI

Compression Sacks
Compression Sacks

Compression sacks help organize gear and keep it compact—essential for longer treks. Most Scouts are familiar with using these for sleeping bags, but they can be used for clothes as well. Keep dirty clothes separate, an emergency base layer set dry and handy, or that insulator compact and stowed away until it’s needed.

$19–$25 at REI

Socks
Socks

Yes socks. They may not be exciting, but a backpacking adventure is—and nothing will ruin that faster than cold feet or blisters. Quality wool socks will help take your Scout far. Wool is naturally moisture wicking and anti-microbial. They can be worn for days without smelling or irritating, and they’re quick-drying so you can wash them on the trail. Smartwool is one of our tried and trusted brands. Darn Tough socks live up their name and have an unbelievable lifetime warranty.

$25 at REI

Waterproof Pen
Waterproof Pen

A Scout should have pen and paper on them at all times. This compact, highly visible, waterproof pen from Rite in the Rain should be staple in any pack.

$7 from Rite in the Rain

Solar Lantern
Solar Lantern

Safe for tents, lightweight, and sustainable, these slim, collapsible lanterns are convenient—but not essential—upgrade to your camping experience. And they let you save your more powerful battery-powered lights for when they’re really needed.

$20 from Goal Zero

Lifestraw
Lifestraw

Scouts know that the lake and river water we depend on while camping is unsafe to drink untreated. Normally we boil or bulk filter these natural water sources, but in an emergency a portable water filter like Lifestraw could save your life. There are several varieties to choose from. The Peak series is small, lightweight, and affordable. Make one a part of your survival kit.

$22 from Lifestraw

Insulating Puffer
Insulating Puffer

A warm insulating layer isn’t just the difference between cold and comfort—in certain conditions it can be a matter of life and death! Patagonia’s Nano Puff jacket is one of the best on the market. It’s pricey, but if it’s in your budget and your Scout is at an age where their clothes are likely to fit them for a while, a quality insulator is a worthwhile investment. For a more budget-conscious option, Uniqlo has an Ultra Light Down Jacket for around $70. That sounds too good to be true but backpacker forums actually give it good reviews.

Tip: Torrey Pine Green and Seabird Grey look great with a Scout uniform.

$239 at Patagonia

Backpacking Pack
Backpacking Pack

A quality backpack is not a small investment; but choosing the right one can be the difference between an enjoyable trek and a laborious one. Our Troop’s High Adventure Trekkers favor the Osprey Atmos AG 65. Its 65-liter capacity carried all our gear and supplies for a 50-mile trek. It’s relatively lightweight, but has adjustment and organization options that ultralight packs lack. Best of all, it might have the most comfortable suspension system ever. We tested a fully-loaded pack against its nearest competitors and the Atmos AG felt ten pounds lighter! The experts at REI can help you select the right pack for your size and activity. It’s best to get fitted in person, but if you know a few critical measurements they can help you out.

$150–$350 at REI

Morakniv
Morakniv

Most “survival” knives are absolute garbage. Swedish-made Morakniv is the exception. Suitable only for older Scouts, this fixed blade knife has an exceptionally sharp 4" blade and comes with one of the best ferrocerium fire-starting rods we’ve used. This is the knife our Scouts used to start their “flint and steel” fires.

$75 from Korakniv

Bushcraft 101
Bushcraft 101

For the curious reader in your life, this guide is jam packed with useful wilderness knowledge. From knots to shelters to first aid to hunting to navigating without a compass or map, Bushcraft 101 is thoughtfully organized and well illustrated with 100s of tips for surviving and thriving in the wild.

$17 at Bespoke Post

Waterproof Notebook
Waterproof Notebook

A Scout should have a notebook with them at all times. We took Field Notes brand expedition notebooks with us on our 50-Miler. They’re pocket-sized and made of durable, waterproof paper that you can write on in even the harshest conditions. Rite in the Rain is another maker of waterproof notebooks that has even smaller and less expensive versions you can stash in your survival kit.

$14 from Field Notes

Wool Beanie
Wool Beanie

Keep your head warm with toasty with a merino wool beanie. Minus33 makes a highly-rated and very affordable version for just $22. Available in 26 colors but we like Blaze Orange to make head counts easier! Smartwool is another high-quality brand.

$22 from Minus33

 
 

 Food & Drink

Dehydrated Sriracha
Yes, it exists.

Titanium Spork
Two ultralight utensils in one

Ultralight Mug
Same titanium. Half the price

Gourmet Trail Meals
Kimchi. Venison, Turkish granola…

Maple Energy
Not from Vermont!

Nalgene Cap
Makes a wide-mouth Nalgene drinkable

 
 
 

Organization

Pack Pack
Pack a pack in your pack

Stuff Sacks
Ultralight, ultra cheap. Ultra organized.

3oz Pack Liner
Waterproof your pack

Ditty Bag
Independent, inexpensive alternative to overpriced dopp kits.

Flash Bags
Color code your kit

 
 
 

Books & Games

Home Skills
From Good Housekeeping

Survival Playing Cards
Get lost in the fun, not on the trail

Scout Fieldbook
The other half of the Scout Handbook

FM 21-76
US Army Survival Manual

How to Stay Alive in the Woods
All the skills. None of the gear.

The Call of the Wild
Dogs. Canada, Survival.

 
 
 

Hygiene

Soap Leaves
Tiny, light, biodegradable soap

Dr. Bronner’s
Cleans bodies, floors, dishes, and teeth

Unpaste
Dehydrated toothpaste tabs

Backpack Bidet
No more hiking out TP

Body Glide
Anti-chaffing balm

Camp Towel
Super absorbent fast-drying microfiber

Survival

SOL Mylar Blanket
Life-saving shelter in an emergency

Signal Mirror
With built in compass and whistle

TinderZips
Emergency fire starter zipper pulls

Hurricane Whistle
122dB. Bright Orange. Built in Clip

SurvivorCord
With fire starter, fishing line, snare wire

 
 

Fire

Pocket Bellows
Take fire starting to the next level

Fire Striker
No matches? No problem!

 
 

Comfort

Inflatable Pillow
Like sleeping on air…because you are

Mosquito Head Net
Save your face

Rechargeable Hand Warmers
Rechargeable. Magnetic.

Lights!

Waterproof Flashlight
A lantern, flashlight, and strobe in one

Micro Lantern
Use inside or outside your pack or tent

Chem Lights
Military grade glow sticks

 
 

Other Stuff

Duct Tape
Little bitty rolls of it

Firebiner
Utility carabiner with fire

Pocket Starfinder
A map of the night sky

 
 
Featured
Power!
Power!

While we encourage unplugging on outings, older Scouts have the maturity and responsibility to care for things like cameras, smart watches, and other gadgets that are useful on and off the grid.

GoalZero’s Nomad 10 Portable Solar panel is hard to beat for price and function. We use one to ensure critical devices like emergency GPS always have power.—and we like that its folding design helps protect the solar cells. A weather-resistant power bank can be used on it’s own, or paired with a solar panel for unlimited recharging. Avid backpackers may prefer a slimmer, lighter weight option from BioLite.

$60 from GoalZero

Technical Base Layers
Technical Base Layers

The right base layer can help keep a Scout dry, warm (or cool), and better smelling. Wool is by far the best choice. Silk and synthetics work too. Base layers should be close-fitting, since their job is to wick moisture and provide insulation next to the skin. Smartwool and Patagonia are top-rated but pricey brands. REI’s Midweight line is a more affordable and high-performing option.

Around $50 at REI

Ultralight Chair
Ultralight Chair

Camp chairs are a bit of a luxury, but for some the comfort of having a soft place to sit off the ground is worth the extra weight. REI’s $79 Flexlite Camp Chair weighs 1 lb., 11 oz. Helinox’s Chair Zero weighs an even pound but is twice the price.

From $79 at REI

Socks
Socks

Yes socks. They may not be exciting, but a backpacking adventure is—and nothing will ruin that faster than cold feet or blisters. Quality wool socks will help take your Scout far. Wool is naturally moisture wicking and anti-microbial. They can be worn for days without smelling or irritating, and they’re quick-drying so you can wash them on the trail. Smartwool is one of our tried and trusted brands. Darn Tough socks live up their name and have an unbelievable lifetime warranty.

$25 at REI

Waterproof Notebook
Waterproof Notebook

A Scout should have a notebook with them at all times. We took Field Notes brand expedition notebooks with us on our 50-Miler. They’re pocket-sized and made of durable, waterproof paper that you can write on in even the harshest conditions. Rite in the Rain is another maker of waterproof notebooks that has even smaller and less expensive versions you can stash in your survival kit.

$14 from Field Notes

Waterproof Pen
Waterproof Pen

A Scout should have pen and paper on them at all times. This compact, highly visible, waterproof pen from Rite in the Rain should be staple in any pack.

$7 from Rite in the Rain

Solar Lantern
Solar Lantern

Safe for tents, lightweight, and sustainable, these slim, collapsible lanterns are convenient—but not essential—upgrade to your camping experience. And they let you save your more powerful battery-powered lights for when they’re really needed.

$20 from Goal Zero

Lifestraw
Lifestraw

Scouts know that the lake and river water we depend on while camping is unsafe to drink untreated. Normally we boil or bulk filter these natural water sources, but in an emergency a portable water filter like Lifestraw could save your life. There are several varieties to choose from. The Peak series is small, lightweight, and affordable. Make one a part of your survival kit.

$22 from Lifestraw

Insulating Puffer
Insulating Puffer

A warm insulating layer isn’t just the difference between cold and comfort—in certain conditions it can be a matter of life and death! Patagonia’s Nano Puff jacket is one of the best on the market. It’s pricey, but if it’s in your budget and your Scout is at an age where their clothes are likely to fit them for a while, a quality insulator is a worthwhile investment. For a more budget-conscious option, Uniqlo has an Ultra Light Down Jacket for around $70. That sounds too good to be true but backpacker forums actually give it good reviews.

Tip: Torrey Pine Green and Seabird Grey look great with a Scout uniform.

$239 at Patagonia

Backpacking Pack
Backpacking Pack

A quality backpack is not a small investment; but choosing the right one can be the difference between an enjoyable trek and a laborious one. Our Troop’s High Adventure Trekkers favor the Osprey Atmos AG 65. Its 65-liter capacity carried all our gear and supplies for a 50-mile trek. It’s relatively lightweight, but has adjustment and organization options that ultralight packs lack. Best of all, it might have the most comfortable suspension system ever. We tested a fully-loaded pack against its nearest competitors and the Atmos AG felt ten pounds lighter! The experts at REI can help you select the right pack for your size and activity. It’s best to get fitted in person, but if you know a few critical measurements they can help you out.

$150–$350 at REI

Morakniv
Morakniv

Most “survival” knives are absolute garbage. Swedish-made Morakniv is the exception. Suitable only for older Scouts, this fixed blade knife has an exceptionally sharp 4" blade and comes with one of the best ferrocerium fire-starting rods we’ve used. This is the knife our Scouts used to start their “flint and steel” fires.

$75 from Korakniv

Wool Beanie
Wool Beanie

Keep your head warm with toasty with a merino wool beanie. Minus33 makes a highly-rated and very affordable version for just $22. Available in 26 colors but we like Blaze Orange to make head counts easier! Smartwool is another high-quality brand.

$22 from Minus33

Featured
Insulating Puffer
Insulating Puffer

A warm insulating layer isn’t just the difference between cold and comfort—in certain conditions it can be a matter of life and death! Patagonia’s Nano Puff jacket is one of the best on the market. It’s pricey, but if it’s in your budget and your Scout is at an age where their clothes are likely to fit them for a while, a quality insulator is a worthwhile investment. For a more budget-conscious option, Uniqlo has an Ultra Light Down Jacket for around $70. That sounds too good to be true but backpacker forums actually give it good reviews.

Tip: Torrey Pine Green and Seabird Grey look great with a Scout uniform.

$239 at Patagonia

32oz Water Bottle
32oz Water Bottle

One of the 10 Essentials. Nalgene brand water bottles are cheap and durable. They come in a range of colors, have tethered caps that won’t get lost, measurements on the side to make cooking easy, and a wide mouth for easy filling. They can even be personalized. If your Scout is a minimalist, their Ultralite line is one of the few times an ultralight version is cheaper than the standard version.

$18 from Nalgene

Hydration Bladder
Hydration Bladder

The importance of hydration can’t be stressed enough. The rule of thumb while hiking is ½ liter of water per hour—meaning a 32 oz. water bottle will last your Scout about 5 miles. For anything longer, adding a hydration bladder is key. These expandable bladders are suspended inside your pack and have a flexible straw that attaches to your shoulder strap. Some brands have bladders sized specifically for their packs, but by and large they are universal. CamelBak and Hydrapak are reliable choices

$35–$55 at REI

Backpacking Bandana
Backpacking Bandana

Made from lightweight microsuede, the Nomadix Bandana towel isn't your average bandana. It's a sweat absorber, sun shielder and mess cleaner upper (for long days (or weeks) outside. Bandanas have a multitude of uses, including water pre-filter, dust mask, tourniquet, trail marker, bandage, sling, sweatband, wash cloth, pot holder, signal flag, makeshift hat, towel, fire building tinder, ankle wrap, cold compress, improvised bag, and more…

$25 at REI

Technical Base Layers
Technical Base Layers

The right base layer can help keep a Scout dry, warm (or cool), and better smelling. Wool is by far the best choice. Silk and synthetics work too. Base layers should be close-fitting, since their job is to wick moisture and provide insulation next to the skin. Smartwool and Patagonia are top-rated but pricey brands. REI’s Midweight line is a more affordable and high-performing option.

Around $50 at REI

Compass
Compass

Every Scout should have and know how to use a compass. The most useful design is one with a clear baseplate and ruler. These are the easiest to use with a map, they’re slim, and they’re durable. A small button compass or one that is basically an add-on to another tool is a good backup, but just not practical for typical use.

$40 from Brunton

Stormproof Matches
Stormproof Matches

Scouts need a way to start fire on any wilderness outing or camping trip. Waterproof, windproof matches in a watertight case are a reliable way to do that. This inexpensive set is highly-rated and includes some tinder and extra strike pads (stored safely inside). Tip: fill a second, empty case with regular matches to save your pricier stormproof ones for an emergency.

$9 at REI

Rain Gear
Rain Gear

Quality rain gear should be waterproof, breathable, and durable. It shouldn’t necessarily be expensive. You can easily spend $300 and up for a good, technical jacket, but there are sensible options for half that, half that, and half that. REI Co-op and Columbia are two reliable brands; each offers jackets for about $80. For growing kids, you might consider Frog Toggs, an ultra-cheap brand that swirls up fierce debate among hiker’s of the Pacific Crest Trail.

$80 from Columbia

First Aid Pouch
First Aid Pouch

The best first aid kit is one a Scout assembles themself. A conspicuously colored and labeled pouch will make it easy to find when seconds count. The pouch can be anything from a waterproof dry bag to a purpose-built option with lots of organization which you fill with supplies that match your personal needs and activities.

$6.50 at Walmart

Headlamp
Headlamp

Headlamps are great alternatives to flashlights, leaving your hands free to for other tasks like cooking, carrying trekking poles, etc. Black Diamond and Petzl are two quality brands. Black Diamond’s Astro 300 is a bargain at $20. As you go up in price you’ll get brighter lights and more features—like rechargeability and night vision saving red light options.

Tip: Opt for an orange casing and headband to make your headlamp easier to find in your pack

$20 from REI

Swiss Army Knife
Swiss Army Knife

If your Scout has their Totin’ Chit they’ve been trained to safely use and care for a knife. A pocket knife is one of the Ten Essentials and a right of passage for many young men. A genuine Swiss Army knife will last a lifetime and get near daily use. We like the Fieldmaster model; it has all the tools a Scout will need (and no corkscrew).

$52 from Victorinox

Base Layers
Base Layers

The right base layer can help keep a Scout dry, warm (or cool), and better smelling. Wool is by far the best choice. Silk and synthetics work too. Base layers should be close-fitting (their job is to wick moisture and provide insulation next to the skin). Smartwool and Patagonia are top-rated but pricey brands. REI’s Midweight line is a more affordable and high-performing option. Because younger Scouts will outgrow their clothes quickly, we recommend Uniqlo’s Heattech line. It gets favorable reviews from many experienced backpackers.

Under $25 at Uniqlo