If you’re a Scout, buying camping gear is one of the most important investments you’ll be making. With your troop, you’ll be using this item over and over, and relying on it to work. By picking quality gear, you’ll avoid the risk and hassle of having your item fail and needing another.
My article is here to help you choose the right Scout gear! When I joined Scouting, some of the gear I started with broke after just a few months! That was when my parents and I learned an important lesson. It’s actually MORE EXPENSIVE to buy cheap gear.
Almost 10 years later, some of my Scouting gear has withstood the test of time – and is still holding up strong! Now that I know what types of gear are worth choosing, in this article, I’ll be giving you my top picks for great-looking, dependable camping gear that’s also really well-priced. 🙂
The Best Headlamp For Nighttime Activities
The best headlamps are ones that can handle a wide range of situations without sacrificing comfort. That’s why I recommend the Victoper headlamp! This headlamp is absolutely awesome. It’s extremely bright. It’s rechargeable. Plus, It’s even waterproof!
One of this headlamp’s most remarkable features is its 8 separate light modes! This makes it perfect to use as a headlamp/flashlight, a reading light, an overhead tent light, or even a red emergency signal light.
The battery life on a single charge is six hours, which should last you an entire weekend camp. BUT, it also comes with two EXTRA rechargeable batteries. This headlamp is what I wish I was using when I was in Scouting.
My #1 Tent Recommendation (For Scouts)
My overall top pick for 2-3 person tents would have to go to the Coleman Sundome Camping Tent. This tent is durable, well waterproofed, and comes at a great price point. I’ve used quite a few Coleman products in the past, and have to say that I have no complaints about their quality standards!
As for the floor sizing, this can be bought as a 2, 3, 4, and 6-person tent. For most troops, the 2 person tent will likely work best as this tent is super roomy. Its dimensions are 7 x 5 feet with 4 feet of center height, which frankly could fit 3 Scouts pretty comfortably.
If you and your family are looking for a reliable and affordable tent, this one definitely gets my recommendation. Also, P.S., If you getting wet during sudden downpours, or have your tent blow around like it’s made of construction paper, this one isn’t for you. 😛
The Last (And Best) Sleeping Bag You’ll Ever Need
A quality sleeping bag is the difference between a fun night of camping and freezing your toes off. My top sleeping bag pick will be perfect for most weather conditions above 50°. This is why I highly recommend picking the Oaskys sleeping bag.
Seriously. This sleeping bag is warm, durable, waterproof, and will make for cozy tent sleeping! Plus, it’s pretty lightweight for the warmth it provides, making it perfect for Scout backpacking trips where you’ll need to hike your gear in. (For self-inflating sleeping mats, I recommend Venture)
The Camp Cooking Tool I Swear By
I don’t know about you, but sometimes my patrol’s food turned out pretty gross. Luckily, scouts are prepared! I’d always make backup food if things went south, and I’m urging you to do the same.
I recommend scouts get this awesome grill basket. It’ll help you perfectly cook over campfires or stoves. Whether dinner is chicken, a burger or veggies, grill baskets are great for getting a perfect sear.
I picked this one specifically because it’s easy to carry when camping. You won’t even notice it in your backpack! It’s also durable and heat resistant. While some other models out there don’t work on open flames, the Acmetop grill basket does!