BACKPACKING

REQUIREMENTS REVISED January 1, 2003
are highlighted by bold underlined text.
Deletions in 2003 are shown struck through in red italics, like this text.

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  1. Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while backpacking, including hypothermia, heat reactions, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, frostbite, dehydration, sunburn, insect stings, tick bites, snakebite, and blisters, and hyperventilation.
  2. Do the following:
    1. List 10 items that which are essential to be carried on any overnight backpacking trek and explain why each item is necessary.
    2. Describe 10 ways you can limit the weight and bulk to be carried in your pack without jeopardizing your health or safety.
  3. Do the following:
    1. Define limits on the number of backpackers that should be on a backpacking appropriate for a trek crew.
    2. Describe Explain the reason for the upper limit and the lower limit in a backpacking crew how a trek crew should be organized.
  4. Tell environmental considerations that are important for backpackers and describe five ways to lessen their impact on the environment. Describe proper methods for disposing of solid and liquid wastes.
    Do the following:
    1. Describe the importance of using Leave No Trace principles while backpacking, and at least five ways you can lessen the crew’s impact on the environment.
    2. Describe proper methods of handling human and other wastes while on a backpacking trek. Describe the importance of and means to assure personal cleanliness while on a backpacking trek.
  5. Demonstrate two ways to purify water and tell why water purification is essential.
    Do the following:
    1. Demonstrate two ways to treat water and tell why water treatment is essential.
    2. Explain to your counselor the importance of staying well hydrated during a trek.
  6. Demonstrate that you can read topographic maps. While on a hike, use a map and compass to establish your position on the terrain at random times and places.
    Do the following:
    1. Demonstrate that you can read topographic maps.
    2. While on a trek, use a map and compass to establish your position on the ground at least three times at three different places, OR use a GPS receiver unit to establish your position on a topographic map at least three times at three different places.
  7. Do the following:
    1. Tell how to prepare properly for and deal with inclement weather while on a backpacking trek.
    2. Tell how to properly prepare for and deal with the human and environmental hazards you may encounter on a backpacking trek.
  8. Do the following:
    1. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of three different types of backpacking stoves using at least three different types of fuel.
    2. Demonstrate that you know how to operate a backpacking stove safely and to handle liquid fuel safely.
    3. Prepare at least three meals using a stove and fuel you can carry in a backpack.
    4. Demonstrate that you know how to keep cooking and eating gear clean and sanitary while on a backpacking trek.
  9. Do the following:
    1. Plan Write a plan for a patrol backpacking hike that includes a time control plan.
    2. Properly Show that you know how to properly pack your own personal gear and your share of the crew’s gear equipment and food. Protect it against inclement weather. Show that your pack allows you to get quickly to items you may need on the trail and provides for comfort, balance, and neatness. Show how to use effectively a pack frame and hip strap to distribute the weight on your body.
    3. Show you can properly shoulder your pack and adjust it for proper wear.
    4. c. Conduct a prehike inspection of the patrol and its equipment.
    5. d. Carrying While carrying your pack, complete a hike of at least 2 miles.
  10. Using Leave No Trace principles, participate in at least Take three backpacking treks of at least three days each and at least 15 miles each, and using at least two different campsites. Each must consist of at least 3 days duration with two different overnight campsites, and each must cover at least 15 miles. Carry everything you will need throughout the trek.
  11. Do the following:
    1. In addition, assist in planning and take a Write a plan for a backpacking trek of at least 5 five days with using at least three different campsites, and covering at least 30 miles. Your written plan submitted to your counselor must include a description of and route to the trek area, schedule (including a daily time control plan), list of food and menus, equipment needs, safety and emergency notification plan, and budget. Prepare lightweight, reasonably priced trail menus. Carry everything you need throughout the entire trek.
    2. Using Leave No Trace principles, take the trek planned and, while on the trek, complete at least one service project approved by your merit badge counselor.
      On returning, tell what you did to get in shape for this trek and how you might do it differently again.
    3. Upon your return, write a report about the trek that includes a day-by-day description of what you did or what happened, and what you might do the same and what you might do differently on your next trek.

BSA Advancement ID#: 26
Pamphlet Revision Date: ????
Requirements last updated in 2003

Page updated on: November 18, 2021

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