Packing: City trips

What to pack for our annual urban scavenger hunts and other city trips.

The Ten Eight Essentials

Since we are not camping, and many museums and other buildings have safety regulations (especially in Washington, D.C.), knives and lighters can actually be a hindrance on city trips.

Hydration (1–2 quart/liter-sized water bottles or Camelbak-style reservoir)
Nutrition (2–3 granola bars, energy bars, candy bars, GORP, whatever)
Navigation (compass, copy of map)
Illumination (headlamp or flashlight)
Insulation (extra clothing, fleece, warm hat, and rain jacket under “clothing” all count)
First-aid kit (the crew brings a kit, but carry a small one of your own, including personal medications—and you must advise adult leaders about any meds)
Emergency shelter (space blanket/poncho)
Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, UPF lip balm, hat with an all-around brim, long pants and long sleeves)

Other personal gear

Backpack or duffel
Day pack (tiny)
Sleeping bag (in a waterproof stuff sack or trash bag)
Sleeping pad (not an air mattress; foam pad or Therm-a-Rest-type self-inflating)
Sleeping bag liner (optional)
Trash bags (3)
Ziplock bags (6)
50 feet of thin rope
Pencil and paper
Whistle and mirror/CD (for signaling)
Cup
Bowl/plate
Spoon or spork
Bandana (this can be cotton)
Small camp towel
Personal toilet paper (in zip lock bag)
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Gold Bond (for feet and, well, useful if you choose not to wear underwear)
Personal medication
Camp soap (biodegradable liquid)

Clothing

Remember: COTTON KILLS! All clothing should be polyester or wool (that includes socks and underwear). No jeans. No cotton T-shirts. No cotton socks or undies.

2 pair zip-offs or long pants (1 pair)
Short sleeve shirt (2)
Long sleeve shirt (1)
Nice shirt (1)
Required: Scout shirt (1)—Class B for crew
Underwear (2–3 pair; optional)
Socks (3–4 pairs)
Fleece or sweater
Jacket (this is December, after all)
Skull cap / warm knit hat
Gloves
Brimmed hat (suggest all-around brim, for sun protection)
Rain jacket (waterproof)
Hiking boots or sturdy shoes (waterproofed)

Optional

Camera
Book
Spending money (for snacks, souvenirs, and to supplement your meal allowance)
Cellphone (but you cannot use it to call, text, play games, or use Internet; it is for emergencies only—or as a camera)
Deodorant