2026 BACKPACKING TRIP ITINERARY AND PACKING LIST

***NEW DATE & TIME*** Wednesday - May 13th

• 7:00 - 9:00 PM – Gear Shakedown | Troop 65 Scout Hut - THIS IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR NEW/BEGINNER BACKPACKERS
  • Adult leaders will be available  for anyone that would like a shakedown of their backpack. If you've talked to any older scouts about backpacking, they will tell you the value in a shakedown. It eliminates unnecessary items/weight and ensures you have what you need for the adventure. If your planning on participating, please arrive with your completely packed backpack. We will remove all items and repack during this time.

Departure from Scout Hut - Friday, May 15th

• Please arrive at Hut at 5:00 pm to drop gear, eat and load vehicles. We need to depart by 6:00 pm as it is a 2:50 to 3:00 hour drive to the trail head
  • Scouts do NOT need to class A uniforms for backpacking departure. Please wear a Scouting shirt or a Class B shirt
  • If you are not ordering a Chick-fil-a meal through the Troop, please eat dinner before arriving or bring dinner with you. We will not be stopping for dinner on the drive

Arrival back at Scout Hut - Sunday, May 17th

• Estimated arrival back at Hut is 1:00 pm. Updates on ETA will come through Band and Text via Scoutbook. This is not when Scouts are cleared to leave.
  • Scouts need to help unload gear and clean up vehicles before being dismissed

Backpacking Location: 

• Starting Location: Carvers Gap | Ending Location: Beginners - Yellow Mountain Gap; Experienced - US 19-E
• Cell signal is spotty when backpacking, but there are some spots along the router where signal is strong enough for a call or text. Mr. Hall's cell phone is 770-601-1044 should you need to reach the Troop for emergencies. In a case of a true emergency when the Troop is out of cell service, you should contact the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest via phone: (828) 689-9694

Payment:

• The cost of the trip is $25 per person (additional $10 for a Chick-fil-a meal).
• We need payment before they depart on Friday. 

Weather

• Forecast: We are too far out for a true forecast. The below is based on historical averages. (Note - the forecast below is for the elevation at which we will be camping - around 5,800'):
  • Friday Night:
    • When we start hiking: Temps in low-to-mid 50s 
    • Overnight: Temps in low-to-mid 50s (feels like temps in low 50s)
    • Precipitation: None expected; Clear skies
  • Saturday:
    • Highs: Temps in low 60s
    • Overnight: Temps in upper 50s (feels like temps in mid 50s)
    • Precipitation: None expected; Partly cloudy skies
  • Sunday:
    • Morning Lows: Temps in upper 50s (feels like temps in mid 50s)
    • Precipitation: None expected; Clear skies
• We are getting a better confidence in the forecast now that we are just a week out, but always be prepared as the weather in the mountains can change at a moment's notice so be sure to Be Prepared!

Gear:

• Backpack – needs to be an internal or external frame backpack. If you don’t have one, please let Mr. Hall know ASAP
• Rope / Paracord (50')
• Tent w/ footprint - this must be a backpacking tent. It is encouraged for Scouts to tent with a buddy to share the weight. The troop owns plenty of backpacking tents, so if you don't have one, no need to buy one!
• Ground Pad
• Sleeping Bag (30 degree rating or colder. Remember - bag temperature ratings are survivability ratings, not comfort)
• Backpacking Pillow
• Proper Clothing (weather dependent) - shorts/pants & shirts. Pack an extra pair in case of getting wet. Moisture wicking or Cotton recommended
  • Hiking Boots with hiking socks
  • Light-to-medium weight Jacket
  • Base layer top and bottom
  • Thin Gloves (probably won’t need for this trip, unless you are cold-natured) and lightweight hat
  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Rain Gear / Poncho (Definitely need for this trip)
  • 2 Trash Bags (1 is to line your pack, the other is for YOUR trash)
• ​Backpack Stove (if you don’t have one don’t worry, we have enough to share)
• Headlamp/Flashlight with spare batteries
• Food (Highly suggest backpacking meals. Can be purchased at WalMart, Academy, REI)
• Mess Kit & Utensils (you can backpacking meals/freeze dried food eat right out of the bag. Need Spork only)
• Hand Sanitizer
• Water Filtration - if you do not have a water filter, you should buy water sanitizing tablets. These can be purchased at Walmart (camping section), Academy, REI or Bass Pro/Cabela's
• Deodorant
• Personal Wipes
• Pocket Knife (Totin' Chip Required)
• Hand Towel
• Canteen / Nalgene (you need to have 2 Nalgene’s...no exception)
• Snacks (Trail Food such as energy bars, trail mix, or dried fruit. Leave the Cheetos at home!)
• Dry Bag (Sea to Summit makes a great one)
• Small Lightweight Tarp (optional)
• Whistle
• Map
• Compass (we will have the opportunity to work on compass skills)
• Sunscreen
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste
• Toilet Paper (1/2 roll)
• Personal First Aid Kit
• Cat Hole Shovel
• Scoutbook
• Pen / Small Notebook
• ​Backpacking Chair – needs to be lightweight