Prepping with the Boy Scouts

This weekend, the local Boy Scout Troop is camping here at Camp Ponderosa and it got me thinking about their motto, Be Prepared. Out here in Rural America, the Boy Scouts are as they once were, an organization that takes boys out to learn outdoor skills and serve their community. They’ll be learning some winter skills and doing a couple of service projects for us.

The prudent sees danger and takes refuge, the fool keeps going and pays the penalty.

Proverbs 22:3

The Boy Scouts have a list of ten “Scout Essentials” that everyone must have before launching into the woods for any outdoor activity, and I thought I’d go over them with you all because they do apply to us in preparedness. Listen – this isn’t a political statement – Some troops are still like the old ways.

1. Pocket Knife – We all should be carrying at least a solid folding knife, if not a good fixed blade (both is better). Don’t overlook something like an old school Swiss Army Knife. A multitool can be a good supplement, but it is not a replacement for a knife.
2. First Aid Kit – The first aid kit is the one piece of preparedness gear that you might need to use at any given moment. We can never predict when an accident or injury, or, God forbid, a mass casualty event will happen in front of us. I’ve been able to assist in a lot of injury cases just by having a kit handy. At the very least, carry a small bleeding control kit of a pressure dressing and a tourniquet.
3. Extra Clothing – Having a warming layer you can toss on if it gets cold can be a life saver. In a civil distrubance context, having ability to change your appearance quickly can be an asset. In addition to an extra packable jacket, I keep an extra hat and a shemagh in my pack.
4. Rain Gear – This is in addition to the extra clothing. I keep both a rain shirt (Arktis) and a poncho in my pack. The rain shirt can also double as a windbreaker so it serves two purposes. Staying dry keeps you comfortable and healthy. A caution about GoreTex though – never wear it while moving. As good as GoreTex is at keeping water out, it also holds heat and vapor in, causing you to sweat. Then, you unzip the coat and defeat the purpose, ending up not just wet, but also cold.
5. Water & Water Storage – At least a quart of water in come type of refillable container (Nalgene or canteen – I use both). For longer trip, carry more water, but understand that you can never carry enough water. Water is heavy. If you are carrying water, carry a way to purify water as well.
6. Flashlight/Headlamp – You will always need the ability to throw light. I may need to see what I’m doing for some task, look for a trail, or just generally be able to see. Having a good flashlight, headlamp, or both can help. Remember, if you are looking for stealth, blue lenses are even better than red.
7. Trail Food – Some type of portable food is essential. It can be snack bars, dehydrated food, MRE’s, or (my favorite) SPAM sinlges – just have something. You mighht think you don’t need food for a 3 hour hike, but you might get lost, encounter weather, or some other calamitt that keeps you out longer than planned. Hiking also burns more calories so you might get HANGRY.
8. Matches and Firestarters – Since the dawn of mankind, fire has comforted man. It heats us, lets us cook food, and there is something magical and calming about sitting by a fire. If you are lost, you can use fire as a signal and to stay alive. Carry multiple methods. I know, all of us in prepping are all about primitive fire methods like ferro rods and such, but if Daniel Boone had known about the Bic lighter, he’d have carried one. Sure, it’s good to know the more primitive methods, but sometimes you need to start a fire RIGHT NOW, and lighters help. Any matches you carry into the field should be stormproof types.
9. Sun Protection – The Sun can burn you or make you a heat casualty. Carry a hat or a boonie to keep the Sun off you. Sunburn lotion is a also a plus. Eyes are very susceptible to damage from bright sunlight anda reflcetions off the snow, so carry sunglasses as well.
10. Map and Compass – You need a good orienteering or military (lensatic) compass for use while moving, paired with an accurate map. More important than just carrying these tools are the skills to use them. Take a land navigation course (like my Fieldcraft Course) and then practice the skills. A GPS is a supplement, not a replacement. Your phone GPS is a novelty, never bet your life on it.

As you can see, if you just start with the very basic 10 Scout Essentials, you will be well on your way to building a quality EDC bag or Get Home Bag.

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