Requirements
1. Discuss the prevention of and treatment for the health
concerns that could occur while backpacking, including
hypothermia, heat reactions, frostbite, dehydration, insect
stings, tick bites, snakebite, and blisters.
2. Do the following:
a. List 10 items that are essential to be carried on any
backpacking trek and explain why each item is necessary.
b. 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:
a. Define limits on the number of backpackers appropriate
for a trek crew.
b. Describe how a trek crew should be organized.
c. Tell how you would minimize risk on a backpacking trek.
d. Explain the purpose of an emergency response plan.
4. Do the following:
a. 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.
b. 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.
c. Tell what factors are important in choosing a campsite.
5. Do the following:
a. Demonstrate two ways to treat water and tell why water
treatment is essential.
b. Explain to your counselor the importance of staying well hydrated
during a trek.
6. Do the following:
a. Demonstrate that you can read topographic maps.
b. While on a trek, use a map and compass to establish
your position on the ground at three different locations
OR use a GPS receiver to establish your position on
a topographic map and on the ground at three
different locations.
c. Explain how to stay found, and what to do if you get lost.
7. Tell how to properly prepare for and deal with
inclement weather.
8. Do the following:
a. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the
different types of backpacking stoves using at least
three different types of fuel.
b. Demonstrate that you know how to operate a backpacking
stove safely and to handle fuel safely.
c. Prepare at least three meals using a stove and fuel you
can carry in a backpack.
d. Demonstrate that you know how to keep cooking
and eating gear clean and sanitary, and that you
practice proper methods for food storage while on
a backpacking trek.
9. Do the following:
a. Write a plan that includes a schedule for a patrol/crew
backpacking hike of at least 2 miles.
b. Conduct a prehike inspection of the patrol and
its equipment.
c. Show that you know how to properly pack your personal
gear and your share of the crew’s gear and food.
d. Show you can properly shoulder your pack and adjust it
for proper wear.
e. While using the plan you developed for requirement 9a,
carry your fully loaded pack to complete a hike of at least
2 miles.
10. Using Leave No Trace principles, participate in at least
three backpacking treks of at least three days each and
at least 15 miles each, and using at least two different
campsites on each trek. Carry everything you will need
throughout the trek.
11. Do the following:
a. Write a plan for a backpacking trek of at least five days
using at least three different campsites and covering at
least 30 miles. Your plan must include a description of
and route to the trek area, a schedule (including a daily
schedule), a list of food and equipment needs, a safety
and emergency plan, and a budget.
b. Using Leave No Trace principles, take the trek you have
planned and, while on the trek, complete at least one
service project approved by your merit badge counselor.
c. Keep a daily journal during the trek that includes a dayby-
day description of your activities, including notes
about what worked well and thoughts about improvements
that could be made for the next trek.
Resources:
The Boy Scout Handbook 34554.pdf
Backpacking Merit Badge Pamphlet 35863.pdf
Resources:
Scouting.org Merit Badges - Requirements
boyscouttrail.com Merit Badges