I have seen many Scouts and families go to Academy or Walmart and buy the cheapest tent they can find, but this is the one item families should invest in. Too often, these cheap tents are bulky, difficult to put up and have a high rate of failure (especially in rain). I have seen the poles splinter the first time they are set up and the need for an extra tarp on top. They rarely last more than a couple of years, but it also hampers the quality of the camping experience.  I can say with almost 100% certainty that the only girl in our troop who has not bought a second (or third) tent has the REI tent. Some parents want to invest less in a tent, worried that their child may not stay with Scouting, but they can sell this tent to new families if their child doesn't stick with Scouting.  (Still not convinced it's worth investing in a decent tent, try reading this article, or this one, or this one)

The REI Trailmade replaces the model I have used for years (passage 2), and I recommend this tent for many reasons.

1. REI products in general are a good value for their price. The most highly recommended tents like Big Agnes will cost you $500, but with REI, you are approaching that quality for a fraction of the price (this model is $150). You will get a reliable product without spending too much. They also guarantee their products for a year.

2. the 2-man will pack small and light but gives you a little space, so it is perfect for sleeping alone. You can sleep with a buddy for a backpacking trip and then share the weight. Bigger than a 2 man creates more space, weight and complexity to set up than Scouts need for their regular weekend campouts. Being small and light, you can backback, canoe or bike with this tent as it will easily fit in the Scout's bag.

3. the x shaped pole design is super quick and easy to set up. I can set up this tent in the dark in about 5 minutes.

4. The vestibule allows you to store your shoes and gear outside of your tent (none of the lower-priced tents offer this option).

5. There are entrances from both sides. When I use it by myself, I use one side to store and access gear and the other to enter. With 2 people, no one has to climb over someone to reach their spot.

6. it includes a footprint. The footprint is the protective, waterproof sheet that you lay under your tent. Many tents require you to pay extra or do not have one at all so you buy other pieces of plastic and try to make them fit. Having a footprint is preferred because it is the precise size and shape of your tent and will attach to the tent so it will stay in place when you need it most.

7. It has pocket and loops to store small items and hang a light inside.

Make this the one purchase you splurge on!

Being a scout demands being always prepared for any situation, and one way of doing so is by carrying rain gear to keep dry. I have tried various types of rain protection, and I have found that my favorite is the inexpensively priced Frogg Toggs line. Despite being low-priced, I have found that these rain jackets keep me dryer and are more breathable than other high-end rain jackets that cost hundreds of dollars.

I have worn the pants and jacket suit for a 6-week trip where it rained almost every day, and my set is still holding up!

A poncho costs about $20, or you can get a jacket and pants set for $30.

In general, ponchos work better for camping and hiking because they can also cover the pack. Also, ponchos keep the legs dryer since they don't dump water on your legs like a jacket. Ponchos are easier to put on and can also be used as a ground cloth or something dry to sit on.

A note from Sawyer:

Fragrance-free topical insect repellent with 20% Picaridin — more effective at repelling biting flies than DEET; repels disease-spreading ticks (Lyme, tick-borne encephalitis) and mosquitoes (West Nile, Dengue, and Zika viruses), chiggers, and more!

Picaridin has been tested as one of the most highly effective insect repellents and is much safer to use than DEET. The Sawyer brand has come out on top on multiple tests, and I have used it for years to protect against ticks (my biggest concern) and mosquitoes.

I recommend the lotion over the spray because you get much better coverage.

This lotion lasts 14 hours, so I usually put it on when I wake up in the morning and again in the evening when bugs start to come out.

Did you know you could also spray your clothing and gear?

We have been hiking countless times and the girls have found ticks crawling on their clothes. By pre-spraying your clothes, you can help to limit problematic insects.

The trick is to spray your clothes before you put them on. The spray lasts for 6 weeks or through 6 washes.

I usually spray my clothes when going on longer trips, but if you are concerned about ticks on your clothes on a day hike, spray your clothes before heading out.

These large boxes with hinges and wheels allow the girls to pack all their gear in neatly stackable containers. I prefer the hinged lid as it allows for easier access with camping. I bought the one where you have to open all 4 latches and remove lids which makes it difficult to put things in and out as you need both hands to open it and you must open it all the way. These boxes are necessary for summer camp as they help keep gear contained, organized and dry.

What to look for:

• hinged

• with wheels

• 108 Quart

Personally, I hate air mattresses, but I don't recommend spending $200 plus for the kind of mattress I would recommend. 

Cons:

• Most air mattresses do not provide much insulation, but you can buy some with insulation. Since we are in Florida, it isn't usually much of an issue, but I have been camping in North Florida when temperatures dipped below freezing, and you want an insulated mat in that case.

• If they are punctured on a trip, the scout will be sleeping on the hard ground. You can buy repair kits for them to use on a trip, but chances are they won't be repairing and blowing up a mattress that runs out of air in the night.

• They are a pain to blow up, but there are some non-electric options out there that are small and lightweight.

Pros:

• There are some very affordable options (this one is only $32!! and very highly rated. Klymt is another reliable brand).

• The Scouts will be much more comfortable with a mattress, and I have found most girls prefer the air mattresses. 

• Additionally, they pack down very compactly and tend to be lighter to carry, so they are the only real option for backpacking.

It may seem strange to recommend a camp chair, but I have had to chase too many Scouts out of my own chair not to recommend one. I guarantee you, they will all want one at some point.

This style is my number one recommendation. In general, I recommend the REI brand as it gives you good quality at a mid-range price. For some items (like a tent) I find that especially important. This particular chair is just shy of $100, so it isn't cheap, but they are reliable.

You can find similar style chairs on Amazon for around $30, and that is fine for scouts. It should still last 1-2 years (I have used several of the cheaper ones with my kids)

I do recommend sticking with this style as they pack small and can fit in their trunks. They take a minute to set up, but they are quite comfortable.