As we move towards the winter camping season and we start to see a noticable drop in temperature, especially overnight, it is important that we pay attention to the kit that your Scout plans to use.
Please double check sleeping bags – really need to see a minimum of 3 season with a nice low ‘comfort level’ temperature, and please also consider the sleeping mat as this works alongside the sleeping bag to help prevent heat loss overnight through insulation from the cold ground. (Watch this and understand why the right sort of sleeping mat and bag insulation are critical to a good night of sleep.)
To help explain the ratings on your sleeping bag, please ignore extreme limit as this is the temperature at which a ‘standard female’ (25YO and 60kg) can ‘survive’ for 6 hours without risk of death from hypothermia, although frostbite may be possible!
Comfort level is the best indicator as this is the minimum temperature at which the same ‘standard female’ can be expected to sleep comfortably in a relaxed position.
But again some assumptions are made and these include that the person will be wearing a full base layer of clothing.
We do take precautions and have additional kit with us on all camps, hot water bottles work for some and we always have hot water available before bed time as well as hot drinks.
But please have a look at your Scouts kit as we enter the winter months and feel free to ask any of the team for advice or visit a shop for some guidance.
With Christmas coming in fast, if your Scout is looking to upgrade their kit or is looking for a xmas present, please don’t forget that as Scouts the following retailers offer discounts (normally only from normal selling price not from sale prices or WOW deals)
GO Outdoors discount codes:
Youth members and parents/carers – 10% discount code: SCTS10
Blacks & Millets discount codes:
Youth members and parents/carers – 15% discount code: SCTX15
Ultimate Outdoors discount codes:
Youth members and parents/carers – 15% discount code: SCTX15
Mountain Warehouse discount codes:
Mountain warehouse give 15% discount. Online code is: 2025SCOUTS
(offers correct as of 29/10/25)
Discounts are also available in store – best to take along your neckie and show at the till and ask for your discount.
Please note Cotswold Outdoor & Tiso will also often offer a discount in store if you ask if there is a Scouts discount applicable to your purchase and again showing your neckie is always a good way to prove you are a Scout
Alpkit.com often seem to ave sales and various discounts (typically 10-15%), so the general rule is browse, subscribe, and wait for a discount – if you can manage the wait.
In terms of what kit you require, ensure you follow the list provided with the OSM event for the specific camp. Here’s a helpful video, aimed at Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme starters.
For information on choosing a packing your backpack, see here.