About the only thing you don't need when you become a Boy Sout is a tent. Most Boy Scout troops have their own set of troop tents that they take with them. The boys will have to learn to set them up and take them down, but they remain with the troop at the end of the trip.

For all the rest of the essentials and recommended gear, stock up now as a Webelos scout and before you know it you'll be equipped for any adventure whether it's at a local camping spot with full amenities or out in the forest with minimal supplies except what you bring on your back and the natural resources from the land.

Listed below are the ten essentials that every scout should have with him on any camping outing.

The essentials and a few extras shown below are those items that my scout currently has and takes with him on most outings. Sometimes he uses all the items and sometimes he may leave home the bulky stuff if he's going backpacking.

In 1884, Master Cutler Karl Elsener started his cutlery factory in the small village of Ibach, Switzerland. In 1897, he crafted the Victorinox Original Swiss Army Knife. Since that time, the Elsener family has continued to craft tools in the Victorinox tradition of in genious design, durability, and quality. This is why all Victorinox multi-tools, made of first class stainless steel, are guaranteed a lifetime against defects in material and workmanship. REMEMBER, If it doesn't say Victorinox, it's not the Original Swiss Army Knife.

It's always a parents nightmare to worry about a young boy carrying a knife. The only comfort is knowing that by the time he reaches the Webelos level and then bridges to a Boy Scout, he has had numerous training opportunities and he knows how to treat his knife with respect.

The Swiss Army knife below has just enough extra gadgets to meet the needs of any scout during a weekend outing or a week stay. There are many other knives out there that all have so many extras that you really shouldn't call it a knife anymore. My son has several knives that he uses. He usually takes a regular pocket knife such as the one shown below, and then he takes a multi-tool knife in case he needs to do other things.

My scout carries the multi-tool set around in his pocket whether he is on a scout outing or not. I can come out of a store and the clear hard unbreakable package that holds batteries or some other electronics is usually so hard to open that I have to wait until I get home to grab some scissors and open it.

However, if my son is with me, he takes out his multi-tool set and cuts the package open right then and there. He is the living the Scout Motto of always Be Prepared.

The Scout must always be prepared for the change in weather. A rain suit or rain gear is recommended even if the activity is local and there is no sign of rain or inclimate weather. Things can change in a minute and it is important to remain warm and dry in any climate or setting. Days turn to nights and the temperatures drop. Keep warm and dry.

Having a hand cranked flashlight provides comfort and security knowing that you'll never run out of batteries. All you do is hand crank the lever and the flashlight works.

This hand cranked flashlight has it all. I strongly support the hand cranked philosophy especially in a remote area. You never know when your young scout could get into a life-threatening situation and may need to have a flashlight as a source of light for longer than originally anticipated.

This flashlight also has a source to charge a cell phone.

When my son said he bought a fire starter from a fellow scout when he went off to camp one summer, I couldn't help but think he would turn into a pyro and I would find him one day behind the garage trying to start a fire.

I talked to him about what he knew about fire safety and what he had learned as a scout about the dangers of uncontrolled fires. He was well aware of the consequences. He said he was going to use the fire starter only in an emergency, if he should ever get into a bad situation where it required that he start a fire for food or safety. I trusted him, because I knew he meant what he said about only in emergency and/or of course, supervised by an adult. He has already learned about starting a fire for cooking purposes.

He also has a set of matches that he takes with him to scout camping outings and he has those in his backpack in a water tight container.

My son learned how to use a basic compass and map as a Webelos scout. However, in Boy Scouts, he learned even more when earning his 2nd Class Rank. He is now a First Class and is once again learning in greater detail the value of working with a map and compass.

My son had a habit of leaving his eating utensils behind and forgetting to pack them up when he returned from a scouting trip when he was a Webelos scout. So, instead of continually purchasing the little three piece set which has a fork, spoon and knife that all hook together in a comapct row, I sent him with a few sets of plastic eating ware. I told him to be sure to bring them back so he doesn't litter or affect the environment. He is more responsible now and he does bring home his stainless steel eating utensils and messkit. Remember to label everything with a black marker.

Most sons use an internal frame pack and it basically fits him fine. The frame is adjustable and grows with him as his shoulders start to broaden and his torso grows larger. We made a great investment and paid a little more, but this backpack will last him his entire scouting years.

Amazon.com Backpack Guide
Finding the Right Backpack
For extended trips into the backcountry, there's no getting around the fact that you'll have to carry life-sustaining supplies on your back. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a backpack:

Internal vs. External
Up until late 1970's, external frame packs--which consist of an exposed, lightweight metal frame attached to a fabric pack-bag--were the only thing going. In recent years, though, packs that place the support structure of the pack inside the pack, known as internal frame packs, have boomed in popularity.

The good news about internal frame packs is that they hold the weight of your load close to your body, making it easier to maintain your balance on uneven terrain. Meanwhile, internals provide stiffness and support, but they are not completely rigid, which makes them more flexible when you're doing active sports. With the added flexibility comes a high degree of compressibility, meaning you can use the pack's compression straps to cinch down your load and keep items from shifting and throwing you off balance. Internals also sport slimmer shapes that allow for more arm movement in all directions--another big plus for off-trail bushwhackers, skiers and climbers. Last but not least, internal frame packs offer a greater range of adjustability in the shoulder harness and hip-belt than external frame packs.

There are some negatives for internals. First, once packed, it can be difficult to grab needed items out of them quickly. And because internal frame packs consolidate the load into a single, body-hugging unit, proper packing is very important. To distribute the weight properly, you should pack your heaviest items close to your back and in the middle portion of the pack-bag. Plan on getting a sweaty back with an internal, too, given the fact that they are pressed right against you. Finally, internal frame packs are priced higher than external models.

External frame packs are very good at focusing the weight of a load directly to the right place: your load-loving hips. While internals, when properly packed, do this effectively, too, you can always rest assured that an external will distribute the load evenly, no matter how unevenly packed it may be. Externals also offer easy access to your gear via multiple, easily-accessible compartments. Plus, because externals don't situate the load directly against your back, you'll enjoy far more air flow. Finally, if you're on a budget, or you're buying for a growing child, externals are more affordable.

If you plan on hiking on easy to moderate trails and you don't need a lot of body movement, you'll probably be fine with an external. But because externals are so rigid and inflexible, challenging trails or any kind of off-trail pursuit can become painful and frustrating. Also know that your balance is far more compromised with an external frame pack during activities like stream crossings and hops through talus fields.

Packs for Shorter Trips
In addition to backpacks designed for overnight trips, rucksacks are great for day-trips, warm-weather one-nighters, single-day ski trips, or fast alpine assaults. Some rucksacks blur the line between backpack and rucksack with integrated internal supports and sophisticated hip belts and shoulder harnesses. Choose a pack in this category based on your intended use. Short day hikers don't need an internal frame, while climbers and skiers with heavier loads likely do.

Sizes and Capacities
Packs in the 3,000 cubic inches and lower category are good for day hikes or overnighters in warm weather with minimal gear. Packs in the 3,000 to 4,000 cubic inch range are good for one- or two-night trips in colder weather. If you're going to be out for up to three days, look for a pack in the sub-4,000 cubic inch range. Choose a pack with 5,000-6,000 cubic inches for week-long outings. And finally, for trips lasting a week or more, you'll need something in the 6,000-plus cubic inch category. Keep in mind, though, that bigger packs weigh more, and since every ounce counts, you'll want to choose a pack that offers just enough space for your outings and no more.

The shovel and pick are equipment that every scout should include in their backpack. It may not be an essential, but it's right up there. My son has used his shovel many times when it is rugged out there and they are away from any civilized form of a restroom. He says he has to find a spot, dig a whole, then go. He said the other boys borrow his when they have to go, too. The folding shovel goes right into his backpack.