Red River Gorge Backpacking Weekend Campout
Click here to RSVP
Join Troop 73 for a fun autumn Backpacking Trip in Red River Gorge! Follow this link for the trail details. We will be pitching tents off to the side of the trail.
Trip Details & Dates
Dates: November 13 – November 15 (Meet at 5:00 PM, Wheels up at 5:30 PM)
Location: Daniel Boone National Forest / Red River Gorge Geological Area, KY
Who: Troop 73 Scouts, Leaders, and Registered Adults
Forms Needed: BSA Annual Health & Medical Record (Check with Leadership to see if they have forms from previous trip) Parts A and B ← Click to Download Forms
Permission Slip: By completing the RSVP Google Form you are Agreeing to all conditions laid out on the Scouting America “ACTIVITY CONSENT FORM AND APPROVAL BY PARENTS OR LEGAL GUARDIAN” found HERE ← Click to See Form
Description
Join Troop 73 for a weekend backpacking trip in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge along the Double Arch, Courthouse Rock, and Auxier Ridge Loop.
Overview: A classic ~6–7 mile loop showcasing some of the most dramatic ridge lines, panoramic cliff views, and rock formations in the Gorge.
Focus: Backpacking and wilderness camping fundamentals, trail navigation, backcountry meal prep, and cold-weather layering.
Prerequisites & Gear: Full backpacking gear required (backpack, tent, sleeping bag rated for fall/cold temperatures, sleeping pad, personal mess kit, water bottles, and trail meals).
Cost & Registration
FREE!! - All Costs Covered by FUNDRAISING
Scouts will need to provide their own backpacking meals
What to Bring (Packing Overview)
The "Big Three" Sleep & Shelter System
Backpack: 45L to 65L internal or external frame pack fitted to torso length (with rain cover or pack liner trash bag).
Shelter: Lightweight backpacking tent
Sleeping Bag/Quilt: Temperature-rated appropriately for forecasted nighttime lows (typically 20°F–30°F for spring/fall shoulder seasons). Bag should be rated 10 degrees lower than expected low.
Sleeping Pad: Insulated pad with an R-value of 3.0+ to prevent ground chill from draining body heat.
Clothing & Layering (Strictly No Cotton)
Base Layer (Worn): Synthetic or merino wool moisture-wicking short- or long-sleeve hiking shirt and quick-dry trekking shorts/pants.
Insulating Layer: Packable down jacket or high-loft synthetic fleece jacket for camp and rest stops.
Weather Shell: Waterproof, breathable rain jacket (and rain pants if precipitation is forecasted).
Sleep Clothes (Keep Dry): Dedicated lightweight thermal top and bottom (wool or synthetic) reserved strictly for sleeping.
Footwear: Broken-in trail runners or lightweight hiking boots paired with wool hiking socks (plus 1–2 backup pairs).
Head & Hands: Lightweight warm knit beanie/toque and liner gloves (crucial for brisk mornings and evenings).
Hydration & Camp Kitchen
Water Filtration/Purification (PROVIDED BY TROOP): Squeeze filter (e.g., Sawyer Squeeze, Katadyn BeFree) or chemical treatment tabs, plus a dirty-water collection bag/bottle.
Water Carrying Capacity: Minimum 2–3 liters total capacity (durable bottles or hydration reservoir).
Backcountry Stove & Fuel (PROVIDED BY TROOP): Compact canister stove, appropriate fuel canister, and small lighter/matches (stored in a waterproof bag).
Cookware (PROVIDED BY TROOP): Lightweight cook pot (0.7L–1L)
Eating Utensils: Long-handled spoon or spork
Food & Snacks: High-calorie, shelf-stable meals and snacks (approx. 2,500–3,500 calories per day depending on terrain and exertion).
Trash Bag: To put trash in.
Essentials
Navigation (PROVIDED BY TROOP): Physical topographic trail map, reliable magnetic compass, and downloaded offline GPS track (e.g., AllTrails/Gaia GPS) with phone on low-power mode.
Illumination: LED headlamp with fully charged batteries/recharge cable and an extra set of spare batteries.
First Aid Kit: Blister treatment (moleskin/leukotape), bandages, ibuprofen, antihistamines, antiseptic wipes, and personal prescription medications.
Sun Protection: Broad-spectrum sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, polarized sunglasses, and bug repellant.
Personal Care: Travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and small pack of toilet paper.
Transportation & Meeting Logistics
Departure: Meet at the church parking lot (5:00 PM) to load personal gear, group equipment, and coordinate carpools/passenger vehicles.
Return: We will return around noon on November 15. Departure updates will be communicated via a group text chat.