During normal activities the scouts will require a certain amount of basic equipment.

Sleeping bag

This is essential for camp. It should offer good warmth, ideally 3 season, cheap 'festival' or single season sleeping bags are not warm enough.

Rucksack 

A 60-70 litre rucksack for camp. There are many different types on the market, each having various features. As long as it is comfortable and fits well any will do. Rucksacks larger than 70 litres will be too heavy once full for scouts.

Torch

This may sound obvious but a torch is essential. We do a lot of activities where a torch will be required. Like rucksacks there are many different styles available, and the choice is personal. Many scouts opt for an LED head torch as the battery life is longer than a traditional bulb. Maglites are also quite popular as they offer focusable strong beams. Don't forget spare batteries!

Daysack

A daysack is just a small rucksack for use when walking. Ideally around 20-30 litres in size. Any style will be acceptable, again a comfortable fit is most important. We have noticed that some scouts bring drawstring pump bags, these are no good for walking as just the weight of a drink and snack will make the strings dig into scout's shoulders after as little as an hours walking.

Waterproof Jacket

This is again essential. A decent waterproof layer will be required almost everywhere scouts go. Our wet weather programme is usually the same as the dry weather programme with a waterproof jacket. These do not need to be expensive, some of the cheaper brands, such as gelert have proven in tests to be just be as good as more expensive ones. Thin showerproof sports jackets are not sufficiently waterproof.

Walking boots

A scout MUST have. Ideally these will be leather walking boots to use on camp and when on most outdoor activities. A scout without strong walking boots will not be allowed to participate in knife, axe and saw work, or on expeditions or walking camps.

Gaiters

These are not absolutely necessary, but they do protect the bottoms of scout's trousers when the weather is wet or muddy.

Knife

This is a traditional part of scouting, which we take very seriously. A scout will only be allowed to bring a knife to camp once they have completed their knife and axe training to the leader's satisfaction. We do not allow swiss army type folding knives - the blade doesn't lock in place and can easily fold up onto fingers while in use. A fixed blade or locking knife under 4 inches in length is acceptable. ANY Scout misusing a knife will be SEVERELY dealt with!

Eating equipment

We do not provide scouts with plates and cutlery etc like some other groups. We find that if we do, scouts will often not wash it up and leave it for others to do. Scouts should have a full set of cutlery, plate, bowl and cup. We encourage the use of metal mugs and army style mess tins, as these can used for cooking when on survival camps.