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Scouting equipment, gear, supplies, and other products are the primary concern of this part of our web guide.

There are several hundreds of Scouting organizations around the world, many of which are not affiliated with the Scout Movement founded by Robert Baden-Powell in the early 1900s. Further information and resources on scouting can be found in the corresponding category within our Sports & Recreation section.

Since this is the shopping area of our guide, we will focus on Scouting products here, whether officially associated with one of these movements or not.

In its many forms, Scouting is an enriching program that fosters skills, camaraderie, and a strong appreciation for the outdoors among participating youth. Whether part of the traditional movement founded by Robert Baden-Powell or another Scouting organization, the right equipment and supplies are crucial for a successful and enjoyable experience.

While Scouting involves much more than camping and other outdoor activities, 50-75% of Scouting activities can be classified as such. These include camping, hiking, orienteering, canoeing and kayaking, nature study, outdoor cooking, and service projects related to conservation and the environment. However, the precise percentage can vary depending on a specific Scouting organization, region, and the preferences of individual troops or units.

Most Scouting organizations also feature other activities, such as personal finance, photography, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, music, coin collecting, leadership development, and public speaking. For example, Scouting America (formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America) currently supports more than 130 merit badges, many of which are not outdoor activities.

Nevertheless, outdoor activities are a large part of Scouting, camping being a cornerstone of most Scouting programs. As applied to camping gear and other outdoor products, there is room for a great deal of overlap between this and some of our other outdoor categories, but camping gear suitable for Scouting is an appropriate resource for this category. Official Scouting camping gear is a perfect fit.

Reliable and weather-resistant tents are a must. When I was a Boy Scout, troops generally used military surplus tents, the traditional khaki canvas ones. However, that was sixty years ago. While khaki tents may still have a place, today's Scouts are more likely to use modern, more lightweight, and waterproof tents, ones that don't leak if you happen to touch the inside surface of the tent. Brands like Big Agnes, Coleman, Diamond Brand Gear, and REI are commonly used.

Similarly, while Scouts commonly used military surface sleeping bags sixty years ago, numerous better options are available today, such as Kelty, Marmot, and North Face, although several other options exist.

Hammocks are also used by Scouts today, which was not, as far as I was aware, the case sixty years ago. Popular brands include Dutchware, Eagles Nest Outfitters, Hennessy, Kammok, and Warbonnet.

Although khaki options are still available and popular, Scouts don't necessarily use heavy khaki-colored canvas backpacks today. Deuter, Gregory, and Osprey are popular among Scouts for their ergonomic designs and durability.

Outdoor cookware is another integral part of Scouting. Although Scouts still cook over open fires, that is not always possible or practical. Lightweight and efficient Camp Chef, Jetboil, and MSR stoves are often used. Compact and durable cookware sets from GSI Outdoors and Stanley are ideal for preparing meals outdoors, and multi-functional utensils, collapsible bowls, and other accessories are good choices. Guidecast, Escape, GSI, Lodge, and Pioneer are popular brands.

Of course, Scouts frequently use compasses, GPS devices, first aid kits, multi-tools, and knives.

Typically, Scout clothing consists of uniforms that the Scouting organization dictates and makes available through official organizational outlets, such as Scout Shops. However, local brick-and-mortar shops in areas with a strong Scouting presence may also carry official Scouting supplies.

Official Scout Shops, such as those affiliated with Scouting America, offer a wide range of Scouting-specific gear and uniforms. Outdoor retailers provide a broad range of outdoor equipment, including those suitable for Scouting.

Ideal resources for this category are official Scout shops or other retailers of official or designated Scouting products. However, there is room for overlap in this category.

 

 

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