A Scout’s weekend adventure is an exciting opportunity for young adventurers to explore, learn new skills, and bond with their unit. But to make the most of the experience, packing the right kit is essential. Whether it’s ensuring they’re prepared for all weather conditions, bringing the right gear for outdoor activities, or keeping their load manageable, this guide will help scouts (and their parents) pack smartly.
Factors to Consider When Packing Your Scout Weekend Kit
Packing for a scout weekend trip requires careful planning to ensure scouts are prepared for every situation. From unpredictable weather to the specific activities planned, thinking ahead can make all the difference in having a smooth and enjoyable experience.
It’s also important to pack smart, bringing too much can make a backpack heavy and difficult to carry while forgetting key items could lead to discomfort or inconvenience. Some equipment may be provided by the group, so always check with leaders before packing extra gear. Lastly, scouts should aim to be eco-conscious, keeping their impact on nature to a minimum by using reusable bottles and eco-friendly toiletries.
Here are the key factors to consider when packing for a weekend trip:
- Weather Conditions – The weather can change quickly, so it’s important to be prepared for anything. If it’s likely to be wet, waterproof jackets, extra socks, and quick-drying clothes are essential. If it’s warm, lightweight clothing and sun protection should be a priority.
- Activities Planned – Some camps involve watersports, hikes, or muddy obstacle courses. Make sure you pack clothing and footwear suitable for these. A pair of old trainers for muddy activities and a spare set of dry clothes are ideal!
- Weight & Space – Overpacking can make carrying a backpack difficult, especially for younger scouts. Stick to the essentials and pack efficiently. Rolling clothes instead of folding them saves space and reduces creases.
- Group vs. Individual Kit – Some equipment, like tents and navigation tools, may be provided by the group, so check with leaders before packing.
- Leave No Trace – Scouts should be mindful of their impact on nature. Reusable water bottles, eco-friendly toiletries, and avoiding excessive plastic waste help promote eco-friendly adventures.
Scouts Weekend Trip Checklist
Packing smart is key to a successful scouting adventure. The right gear ensures comfort, safety, and fun, whether it is a weekend camp or a longer trip. From clothing to personal essentials, this checklist covers everything scouts need to be prepared.
Here is everything scouts should bring for their adventure:
Clothing
Scouts will spend most of their time outdoors, so comfort, practicality, and weather readiness are key.
For daytime, lightweight and breathable clothing works best. T-shirts and trousers or leggings allow for easy movement, while shorts are great in warm weather. Early mornings and evenings can be chilly, so a warm layer is essential.
Evening activities might include campfires, games, or social events, so packing a fresh set of clothes is a good idea.
For sleeping, warmth and comfort matter. Pyjamas or thermal sleepwear will help ensure a restful night.
What to Pack:
- T-shirts (both short & long-sleeved)
- Trousers, leggings, or tracksuit bottoms
- Shorts (for warmer days)
- Plenty of underwear and socks (including extra pairs for wet weather)
- A set of evening clothes (jeans, t-shirt, shorts, etc.)
- Pyjamas or nightwear
Footwear
The right footwear can make or break a weekend trip. Sturdy shoes ensure comfort and safety across different terrains.
Hiking boots or trainers with good grip are essential for daytime activities. If watersports are planned, an extra pair of secure water shoes or old trainers, not flip-flops, will protect feet from sharp rocks and slippery surfaces.
For the evenings, a pair of dry and comfortable shoes will help scouts relax after an active day.
What to Pack:
- 1 pair of sturdy trainers or hiking boots for activities
- 1 pair of secure shoes for watersports
- 1 pair of clean, dry shoes for the evening
For Camping
A good night’s sleep is just as important as staying active so a quality sleeping bag is a must. Check its temperature rating to ensure it is suitable for the season. A pillow and a spare blanket add extra comfort, while a roll mat or sleeping mat helps insulate from the cold ground.
For mealtimes, scouts should bring their own reusable eating kit stored in a cloth bag. This should include an unbreakable plate, bowl, cup and cutlery.
What to pack:
- Sleeping bag or duvet
- Pillow and pillowcase
- Spare blanket
- Roll mat or sleeping mat
- Crockery (plate, bowl, cup, cutlery)
Washing & Toiletries
Personal hygiene is important when attending a weekend trip away from home.
What to Pack:
- 2 towels (one for showering, one for activities)
- Wash bag with soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, etc.
- Hair ties for long hair
- Insect repellent
- Sanitary products
- Comb or hairbrush
- Tissues
A wash bag with essentials like soap, shampoo and a toothbrush are essential. If space allows, Scouts should pack two towels, one for showering and another for activities. A quick-drying microfibre towel is a great space-saving option.Hair ties help keep long hair tidy during activities, and insect repellent is essential, especially in the summer. A bin bag for dirty or wet clothes will help keep the area tidy.
Personal Kit
A few extra items can make a big difference in comfort and convenience!
A reusable water bottle is essential for staying hydrated, and a flask is great for hot drinks. A small backpack is useful for carrying daily essentials.
A torch or headtorch with spare batteries is a must for nighttime navigation. Scouts might also want a book, small games like cards or a notebook to jot down their experiences during downtime.
What to Pack:
- Snacks (if permitted)
- Watch or alarm clock
- Reusable drinks bottle
- Flask for hot drinks
- Small backpack
- Torch or headtorch with spare batteries
- Notebook and pen/pencil
- Soft-back book or small games
What Not to Bring on Your Scout Adventure
While it is important to bring everything needed for a fun and safe trip, some items are best left at home. Certain things can be unnecessary, easily lost, or even cause issues for others. Leaders may have their own rules, but here are a few common things that should not be packed.
- Expensive Gadgets – Tablets, hairdryers, and straighteners are not needed on weekend or camping trips. A scout trip is all about enjoying the outdoors, and expensive devices can easily get lost, damaged, or stolen and there may not be anywhere to charge devices. Leaders will always have a way to contact parents if needed, but we recommend checking with your leader if mobile phones are permitted.
- Video Game Consoles – Video games are great at home, but a scout camp is the perfect chance to take a break from screens. Bringing a console, like a Nintendo Switch, can be a distraction from the activities and teamwork that make camping so much fun. Instead, a small reading book or a pack of cards is a great way to unwind during quiet moments.
- Food with Common Allergens (e.g., Nuts) – Some fellow scouts may have serious allergies, so snacks containing nuts or other allergens could put them at risk. It is always best to check with the leader before bringing any food, as residential trips often have their own rules on what is allowed.
- Jewellery and Valuables – Necklaces, rings, and other valuables can easily get lost or damaged during outdoor activities. It’s best to leave anything sentimental or expensive at home to keep them safe.
- Aerosol Sprays – Aerosol deodorants and body sprays can be an issue in shared spaces, as strong scents may trigger allergies or asthma in other campers. A roll-on deodorant is a more considerate and trip-friendly option.
By keeping these items at home, scouts can focus on the adventure ahead without worrying about losing valuables, causing disruptions, or bringing anything unnecessary.
What If I Don’t Have the Specific Scout’s Kit Needed?
Not everyone has specialist camping or weekend trip gear, and that’s okay! Scouts are all about resourcefulness and problem-solving, so there are plenty of ways to make do without having to buy new equipment.
- Borrow from Family or Friends – Before rushing out to buy anything new, ask around! Family members, friends, or even neighbours may have camping gear they’re happy to lend, such as a sleeping bag, waterproof jacket, or roll mat.
- Check with the Scout Unit – Many scout groups have a supply of spare kit for those who need them. Leaders may also know of past members who are willing to donate or lend equipment, so it’s always worth asking.
- Use Problem-Solving Skills – If borrowing isn’t an option, think creatively. Can a cheaper alternative work just as well? Even something as simple as layering clothes can help if specialist thermal gear isn’t available.
The key to scouting is adaptability, so even without top-of-the-range gear, a great adventure is still possible!
Get packing for your Scouts adventure!
We believe we’ve covered everything your unit needs to remember in their scout weekend bag! If you’re not already heading on a scouting adventure with PGL, then take a look at what we have to offer. We have some epic locations for scout residentials all over the UK. They’re a fantastic way to have some adventures with your unit, where they can also earn badges and develop new skills too!
At PGL, we have a range of group residential trips to choose from, including Girlguiding residentials, Youth Club & Trusts residentials, Other Uniform residentials and many more!
If you have any questions, get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today. They’ll be more than happy to help!
