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Scouting magazine > Outdoors > Camping > Outdoor Gear and Equipment

Outdoor Gear and Equipment

Study up to make sure you have the best gear for your next outdoor activity.

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Waterproof the contents of your backpack using these expert tips

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SCMayJune13_GroundRPack

Heading out on the trail for a couple days—or weeks? Make sure your backpack is waterproofed with these techniques for keeping your stuff dry.

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Pro fisherman Tom Redington shares how to hook Scouts on fishing

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Catch-It-If-YouCan

Get your Scouts hooked on fishing—especially when it comes to the science, technology, engineering, and math involved in the pastime—with tips from professional fisherman Tom Redington, father of a Tiger Scout.

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Boy Scout 10 essentials: Items every Scout needs in the outdoors

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ScoutingEssentials_2

Don’t leave home for the outdoors without these basic items. They could save your life.

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Choose a good knife with tips from an experienced hand

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MarApr13_GroundR_Knives

What’s the most important tool to take on a camping trip? If you said a good, sharp knife, you agree with the experts. Here’s some tips on how to pick the best knife for the job at hand.

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Eight winter gear items to help keep you warm

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Winter Gear

Stay warm during your next winter camping trip with one of eight great gear items.

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A quiz to test your knowledge of winter camping

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Cold Weather Quiz Homepage Banner

Take this quiz to see how much you know about winter camping.

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Gift ideas for the savvy outdoors enthusiasts on your list

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BioLite Stove

Gear items, including the new BioLite stove (shown at left), on this list make excellent holiday gifts for your favorite Scouting and outdoor enthusiast.

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Defy gravity with durable rock-climbing gear

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Rock-Climbing Gear

Check out the latest in rock-climbing gear (suitable for beginners and experts alike) that will help elevate your climbing abilities during your next trip.

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An expert’s tips for avoiding accidents in the wilderness

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Ground Rules Safety Weather

Equip your Scouts with these expert-approved safety and accident-prevention tips before heading out into the wilderness.

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Ten reasons why you should try hammock camping

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Hammock

What is hammock camping all about, and should your troop really take it seriously? Author and hammock-camping enthusiast Derek Hansen shares his top 10 reason why you should try hammock camping.

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HELPFUL LINKS FROM SCOUTING.ORG

Camping

  • The Sweet 16 of BSA Safety
  • Conservation Good Turn
  • Beginning Cold-Weather Camping
  • Resources for Boy Scout Troops and Varsity Teams
  • How to Use Geocaching to Promote Scouting
  • Leave No Trace

Aquatics

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High Adventure

  • Florida Sea Base (Islamorada, Fla.)
  • The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve (Beckley, W.Va.)

Health

  • The Sweet 16 of BSA Safety
  • National Agreement Between the BSA and the American Red Cross
  • How to Plan and Conduct a Safe Scout Outing Training

Shooting Sports

  • Shooting Standards for Shooting Sports

Outdoor Awards

  • Conservation Good Turn
  • World Conservation Award Requirements
  • 50-Miler Award Requirements
  • National Outdoor Badges Requirements

Outdoor Forms & Applications

  • 50-Miler Award Application

Videos

Pro fisherman Tom Redington discusses his partnership with the BSA and how he aims to help leaders hook Scouts on fishing.

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Cub Scouts

Take the panic out of planning your Webelos’ activity badges.

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Boy Scouts

Learn how to help your Scouts earn the brand-new (and wildly popular) Game Design merit badge.

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Venturers

Start planning a summer hike along Michigan's Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

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Outdoors

Learn how to prevent—and survive—a bear encounter.

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Life Skills

Advice for parenting a strong-willed child or Scout.

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