Kit Lists

This page is designed to give a complete novice some idea of what clothing and equipment is required for CUSAGC events - day walks, Rally, and trips. It is only offered as advice and we aren't claiming that there are no omissions! If you are a complete novice, it is a good idea to talk to somebody such as the AAC(aac [at] cusagc.org.uk) or the Chairman (chair [at] cusagc.org.uk) about what equipment and skills you need for the particular trip.

For experienced members, these might be useful to jog your memory! Equipment need not be particularly expensive and CUSAGC has many items in stores which you can borrow (other members can often lend things too!). Although you might like to buy equipment of your own as you gain interest and experience. CUSAGC have a discount at Cotswold outdoor - find out more using the link for stores.

Day walking trips

Obviously, a trip round the fens is a little different from a hike across wild country. You don't have to bring everything listed here, common sense or another CUSAGC member will be able to tell you what you do need!

Personal equipment:

Bring with you a rucksack containing whatever of the equipment below you aren't wearing. Remember that your rucksack probably isn't waterproof so wrap items well in plastic bags, or use a large tough plastic bag to line your rucksack (and seal it over the top)
Something to drink - generally bring some water, and if you like something else in a plastic bottle or hot in a flask - up to you!
Your lunch - make sure you have enough "energy" food such as chocolate bars as you may be more active than on a normal day.
Warm clothes - it's better to wear lots of thin layers of clothes so you can choose how many you need. Always bear in mind that in an emergency you will be stopped for some time and need more clothes than when you are moving. Jeans should NOT be worn for walking, as they are heavy and very cold when wet.
Waterproofs - you will need a waterproof jacket with a hood and waterproof trousers. Gaiters may be useful for keeping your feet and legs dry although they aren't essential.
Footwear - although trainers are adequate for mild summer walks, you will soon find you need something with more support. Walking boots are advisable and essential in winter or when taking part in more severe walks. Ask for advice from an experienced walker before going off to buy any! Socks are obviously necessary - find what's right for you, but remember if your feet get too hot in summer, they will sweat lots and cause problems.
Hat and Gloves - these are advisable in summer and essential in winter. Remember that the weather is always worse on the top of a mountain!
Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat are necessary in summer (well sometimes) remember that you won't be able to avoid the sun if it is shinning and extra water will also be necessary to prevent dehydration.
Emergency food - it is necessary to carry items such as chocolate bars which you don't intend to eat except in an emergency.
Whistle - this is in case of emergency when you will blow 6 quick loud blasts at 1 minute intervals. A reply of 3 blasts at 1 minute intervals implies you have been heard.
Survival bag - all that you need is one of the large orange plastic bags which you can buy from an outdoor shop for a few pounds - keep it in the bottom of your rucksack and hope you never need it. This is only necessary for serious walking, although it is good practice to carry it all the time.
Foil blanket - these are compact, light, keep you that bit warmer and make you easier to find in an emergency.
Watch - this is useful so that you are aware how long there is left before dark!
First aid kit - this is entirely up to you - any personal medication such as asthma inhalers is essential, but your own supply of plasters and painkillers is handy. There will be at least one proper first aid kit within any CUSAGC group anyway.
Torch - especially in winter. Head torches are preferred, particularly if you intend to walk in the dark.
Penknife (if you have one) - always handy!
Waterproof matches and/or lighter.
Pencil and paper - Scout Association rules require that you carry a pencil and an emergency card (basically a form to fill in to assist in an emergency).
Some share of the group's equipment - you may well be asked to carry a piece of group equipment. If you have any such items of your own bring them along just in case.
Camera - carry one if you want to take pictures!
If you have a long journey after the walk it may be nice to leave some dry clothes in the vehicle you will be travelling home in. The driver might also appreciate it if you bring a change of shoes and a plastic bag to put your muddy/wet shoes in.

Group equipment (usually borrowed from CUSAGC):

The group will need at least 2 copies of appropriate maps and 2 compasses.
Depending on conditions a group shelter and rope may be required. The group leader will decide on this.
First aid kit - there must be at least one full first aid kit with the group.
Health forms - Scout Association rules require that a form is filled out by each member of the group when walking in hazardous areas. The group leader will carry a copy of these and a copy will be left at base.
Route card - this is a form to fill in to tell people where you are going - a copy must be left at base to advise when you will be back, where you are and what time to call out mountain rescue. It's also handy to carry a copy to remind you of your route.
Ice axes and crampons - the group leader will decide if these are needed. Sometimes the whole group will take them, other times only a few members of the group will take them and they will be used in conjunction with a rope. If you need to carry an ice axe, the group leader will brief you on what to do with it.

Rally

Any documentation you haven't yet handed in to the SSAGO rep - e.g. CRB.
Tent - usually shared between several people and borrowed from CUSAGC.
Sleeping bag - depending on the time of year and the warmth of your sleeping bag you may need extra blankets. A sleeping bag liner may make you more comfortable in summer.
Roll mat or thermarest.
Bag to carry your belongings in - bear in mind that this may get left out in the rain for a while and you need to be able to manage it on the train/coach or fit it into the vehicle you are travelling in!
Day sack to carry what you need on Saturday (and valuables, to save leaving them on site).
Drinks bottle you can refill.
Warm clothes - it's better to wear lots of thin layers of clothes so you can choose how many you need. Preferably no jeans. Make sure you have something clean to wear for the trip home - it might be on a train!
CUSAGC/SSAGO neckers and stash!
Waterproofs - you will need a waterproof jacket with a hood and possibly waterproof trousers.
Footwear - Trainers are fine most of the time, but also bring walking boots or wellies in case of a wet weekend!
Hat and Gloves - these are advisable in summer and essential in winter.
Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat are necessary in summer (well sometimes).
Torch. Bring a set of spare batteries just in case.
Plate, bowl, mug, knife, fork and spoon.
Wash kit and towel.
Personal medication.
Chequebook and pen - to pay off any debts!
Change for showers, phones, dryers or anything else you find.
A pack of cards, snacks, magazines, music will be handy for any spare time you have at Rally or on the journey.
Your themed fancy dress for the ceilidh.
Kit for your chosen Saturday activitiy - e.g. change of clothes for water activities, swimming cossie and towel, day hike kit (above).

Multiday excursions - indoor accommodation:

All the equipment as required for day trips, but lots of spare clothes bearing in mind that you may get wet each day and drying facilities are rarely ideal!
Sleeping bag - depending on the time of year and the warmth of your sleeping bag you may need extra blankets. A sleeping bag liner may make you more comfortable in summer.
Bag to carry your belongings in - bear in mind that this may get left out in the rain for a while and is likely to need lots of squashing to fit into the vehicle you are travelling in!
Torch in case you can't find the light switch, everybody else is in bed, or you get a power cut! Bring a set of spare batteries just in case.
Personal medication.
Wash kit and towel.
Chequebook and pen - to pay off any debts!
Change for showers, phones, dryers or anything else you find.
Phone charger.
Shoes to wear inside the buildings.
Tea towel, plate, bowl, mug, knife, fork and spoon - unless instructed otherwise.
Spare plastic bags
Bringing a cake will always win you friends!
A pack of cards, magazines, games and music will be handy for any spare time you have.
Swimming kit - in case you fancy a quick swim in a nearby river or lake, or you happen to visit a local swimming pool.
Food - this is usually arranged as the whole group, but occasionally you may need to take your own. You will be told if this is the case.

Multiday excursions - camping:

You will need a selection of the kit listed above for day trips and indoor accommodation. This may be reduced if you need to carry your kit, although more clothes may be needed, as drying facilities are even more limited.

Rucksack - this is essential if you are carrying your equipment, otherwise very useful. 65 litres is usually about right. Remember to line it with plastic bags (either one large bag or lots of small bags).
Tent - usually shared between 2 or 3. CUSAGC has a selection of tents depending on where you are going.
Karrimat - insulates you from the ground and makes you a lot more comfortable.
Sleeping bag and blankets as for indoor accommodation but remember it will be colder.
Toilet paper - you can never guarantee finding it on campsites!
Stove - again between 2 or 3. CUSAGC has trangias. You will also need the correct fuel, pans (unless they are part of the stove), and you will need to know how to use it.
Matches - to light your stove - several boxes of matches in waterproof bags, since you'll always loose them. Wind/waterproof matches may be handy as a last reserve.
Food - to cook on your stove! Unless you know for certain that you can buy food at your campsite (even if you are late back)
Water carrier - something to store water in be it a 1 litre bottle or a 25 litre carrier.
Penknife and tin opener - to get into your food.
Cleaning materials to wash up your pans and plates.
Cash to pay your campsite fees and go to the pub - remember it is harder to find banks in rural areas.