Uniforms & Gear

Scout uniforms are an important part of the Boy Scouts of America program and officially one of the methods of scouting. The uniform has several important purposes:
Equality
Boys from various cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds wear the same uniform, thus incorporating and creating a sense of equality.
Identity
Each boy gets to be part of a group. The uniform creates a sense of belonging and identifies each Scout as a good citizen to the community.
Achievement
Provides a showcase for their awards, ranks, and achievements with immediate recognition and respect.
Commitment
A constant reminder to the Scout as well as the community of his commitment to the values Scouting upholds, including the Scout Oath and Law.

The field uniform, sometimes referred to as ‘Class A’, should be worn to all troop meetings, to and from outings, Scoutmaster conferences, board of reviews, and court of honors. Additional activities or events may require the field uniform. Exceptions must be approved or given by the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL). The field uniform consists of:

Hat: Troop 883-embroidered baseball cap, to be worn forward (not backwards or to the side).
Activity Shirt: Any Troop 883 activity whicking shirt (preferred) or Scouting shirt to be worn underneath.
Uniform Shirt: Official tan BSA uniform shirt, tucked in, with patches, badges, and pins properly placed.
Neckerchief & Slide: Troop 883 neckerchief, rolled and wound at the ends, worn with the middle triangle and embroidered Troop 883 displayed in the back. The neckerchief should be held in the front near the top with a slide, either a BSA slide or a hand-made slide from a merit badge or Woodbadge. The ends should be twisted together and tucked inside the uniform shirt between buttons.
Pants or Shorts: Official BSA dark green pants or shorts, or alternative but similar in color, with standard and cargo pockets. Long in the winter; shorts in the summer. Convertible pants are recommended. Please avoid nylon.
Belt: Official BSA web or leather belt, high adventure belt, or built-in belt.
Footwear: Official or similar BSA socks – knee/calf/ankle height, with hiking boots.
Sashes: The merit badge sash may be worn if the Scout has earned at least 3 merit badges. The Order of the Arrow (OA) sash may be worn if the Scout is an OA member. Both sashes cannot be worn at the same time, and either sash is optional. A sash is recommended for court of honors or other formal, ceremonial events.

For uniform guidance and proper pin or patch placement, see the BSA Uniform Inspection Sheet.

The activity uniform should be worn to all troop activities when noted by the SPL or designated by the troop. The activity uniform, sometimes known as ‘Class B’ or the ‘Summer Uniform’, is typically worn between Memorial and Labor Day and consists of:

Hat: Troop 883-embroidered baseball cap, to be worn forward (not backwards or to the side).
Activity Shirt: Any Troop 883 activity whicking shirt (preferred) or Scouting shirt.
Pants or Shorts: Official BSA dark green pants or shorts, or alternative but similar in color, with standard and cargo pockets. Long in the winter; shorts in the summar. Convertible pants are recommended. Try to avoid nylon.
Belt: Official BSA web or leather belt, high adventure belt, or built-in belt.
Footwear: Official or similar BSA socks – knee/calf/ankle height, with hiking boots.

For select troop activities, as designated by the SPL or troop, consists of:
Troop 883 Activity Shirt
Athletic Pants or Shorts
Athletic Shoes and Socks

• Handbook: Official BSA Boy Scout Handbook for field information, advancement tracking and sign off
• Water Bottle: Resuable (Nalgene or similar) for hiking, camping, meetings, skills, filtration, etc.
• Mess Kit: Minimally a reusable plate, bowl, cold/hot mug, and spork – check out Sea to Summit and other brands
• Ten Outdoor Essentials: Checklist to have during outdoor activities
  ** You must earn Totin’ Chip to carry and use a pocket knife.
  ** You must earn Firemn’ Chit to carry and use matches, start, or maintain a fire.
  ** You must use flashlights and head lamps responsibly.

• Ditty Bags: Labeled; used to store and waterproof similar items together
• Toiletry Bag: Something small for hiking or camping, not the usual travel style
• Rain Gear: Breathable rain jacket, poncho, or rain suit, with hood
• Wicking Shirt: Worn as is during heat, as an under layer during colder temps
• Work Gloves: Useful for practicing skills, handling tools or firewood, etc.
• Journal: For writing, taking notes, etc.
• Devotional: Or other small book, for reading and relaxation
• Hammock: For relaxation or sleep
• Chair: Lightweight, folding and collapsable

• Base Layer: Merino wool, or other warm but whicking material for underneath
• Hand/Foot Warmers: Useful during colder temps – try to use sustainable brands
• Winter Gloves: For cold weather hikes and camping
• Winter Hat: Merino wool or similar, must cover the ears
• Winter Jacket: Warm and preferably snow/rain Repellent

• Sleeping Bag: 3-season for spring through fall, 4-season for winter
• Sleeping Pad: Roll up or blow up padding
• Pillow: Small or blow up and portable
• Blanket/Liner: Fleece, insulator, or sleeping bag liner for colder months
• Sleep Clothes: Separate clothing for sleeping, based on season

• Hiking Socks: Smartwool or similar, plus optional sock liners
• Day Pack: Small pack for carrying essentials, food, and water during day hikes
• Hiking Stick/Trekking Poles: For balance and relieving stress during hikes
• Insect Repellent: >= 30% DEET, rub on or liquid (non-spray), or permethrin-treated clothing
• Brimmed Hat: Protection from tics, insects, and sun.

• 65-75L Backpacking Pack: Hold and carry gear.
• Waterproof Backpack Cover: Protect backpack and gear from rain.
• Ditty or ziploc bags: Organize and waterproof gear inside pack.
• Trekking Poles: Distribute weight, extra balance and propulsion, and reduce injury
• Nalgene water bottles: Carrying extra water.
• Water blatter with drinking hose: Carrying extra water.
• Survival whistle: For emergencies, including wildlife encounters and getting lost.
• Compass: Navigational support.