This is just a guideline for what you should bring backpacking for a fall weekend!  This is only a guideline for you, if you want to add stuff, or omit others, feel free.

It might be a good idea to print this out and before you pack everything run down the checklist to make sure you didn't forget anything!

1.__ Internal or External Frame Pack

2.__ Sleeping Bag (even though it may be "warmer" I suggest you bring a good warm one)

3.__ Foam or Inflatable Sleeping Pad (to insulate you from the ground, they're not very expensive you can pick one up at Ramsey)

4.__ Pair of lightweight hiking  boots.

5.__ Extra pair of running shoes/moccasins to wear around camp (optional if you have extra room in your pack)

6.__ 2-3 pairs of lightweight/polypropylene/synthetic liner socks (these help prevent blisters as the friction will be between the socks and not your feet.)

7.__ 2-3 pairs of wool hiking socks (keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable. DO NOT BRING COTTON SOCKS I was once told, "there's nothing worse than having wet or cold feet.")

8.__ Underwear as needed

9.__ 1pair long pants, loose fitting, most likely of a synthetic blend (NO blue jeans or cotton sweat pants)

10.__ 1 lightweight polypropylene long underwear bottoms (highly recommended by yours truly)

11.__ nylon pants or rain pants (if you want them but i suggest your bring at least a rain jacket)

12.__ 2 T-shirts (The Troop cool-max is preferred but not required)

13.__ lightweight polypropylene shirt

14.__ wool sweater, or fleece jacket ( I love fleece, it keeps you warm, even when wet, Troop 17 jacket is perfect if the Trip Guy ever gets them out :-P)

15.__ Rain jacket/poncho (ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY REQUIRED!!)

16.__ baseball cap (optional.....you can be sure I'll be wearing one)

17.__ wool, synthetic, fleece hat (I like to wear mine to bed to keep from catching a cold)

18.__ Two 1-quart bottles or canteens (MUST HAVE!!)

19.__ Mess Kit (or whatever you plan to eat in)

20.__ Flashlight with new alkaline batteries and spare batteries. (Alkaline last longer)

21.__ toilet kit (I suggest you bring this)

22.__ pocket knife

23.__ heavy duty garbage bags (don't bring the whole box because it is extra weight....just get a few and stick them in your pack....I always line my pack with them to keep what's inside from getting wet.

24.__ sunglasses (optional)

25.__ notebook and pen/pencil (optional)

26.__ camera and film (optional)

27.__ Backpacking stove (If you have one please bring it to the November 16 meeting. I need to make sure we have enough for every patrol.)

28.__ Tent 1-2 man (these are the lightest. If you only have a larger tent, no sweat, just split up the poles, tent, and ground tarp between the guys in your patrol.

29.__ Yourself prepared to have an awesome weekend of being outdoors and away from the TV!!

Again, this is just a guideline. A good rule is to pack to what you think you will need. Remember, if you don't need it, it's just extra weight you have to carry with you.