Hiking
From MeritBadgeDotOrg
lesson video links, and cross-references to related Merit Badges and Boy Scout Awards.
Hiking is a popular Merit Badge and an option for Eagle Scout. ◄ Prev - Next ►
| | The Hiking requirements were revised effective January 1, 2008. |
| Hiking merit badge | ||
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| Status: | Eagle-required | |
| Created: | 1921 | |
| Discontinued: | no | |
| BSA Advancement ID: | 061 | |
| Requirements revision: | 2008 | |
| Latest pamphlet revision: | 2001/2007 | |
Contents |
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Hiking requirements | |||
The text of these requirements is locked and can only be edited by an administrator. Please note any errors found in the above requirements on this article's Talk Page. | |||
Notes
| | A FREE workbook for Hiking is available here! with the maps, charts, links, diagrams, and checklists you need! Or click here to print just the Hiking requirements. | meritbadge.org has PDF and DOC versions of Boy Scout merit badge workbooks, Webelos workbooks, and Cub Scout workbooks. |
- Per the BSA: "You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject." Pamphlets (books) are at local Scout Shops and online at ScoutStuff.org.
- "Get a signed Merit Badge application from your Scoutmaster." An online, printable Word doc file version is available.
- Hiking merit badge is on the Eagle Scout required list (requirement 3.j.). It is one choice of a group of three merit badges on the list.
- All Scouts should consider starting Hiking merit badge immediately upon joining a Boy Scout troop for the following reasons:
- The first four requirements are relatively easy for most Scouts. Completing these allows you to work on requirements 5 and 6.
- The following is a direct quote from the requirements:
- The hikes in requirements 5 and 6 can be used in fulfilling Second Class Rank (2a) and First Class Rank (3) rank requirements, but only if Hiking merit badge requirements 1, 2, 3, and 4 have been completed to the satisfaction of your counselor.
- In other words, if you go ahead and knock out the first four requirements early, you'll be able use later hikes to kill two birds with one stone.
- This is an Eagle required merit badge. It generally takes a long time to earn so the faster you get started, the earlier you'll get done.
Requirement resources
1. First aid: Hypothermia - Heatstroke - Heat Exhaustion - Frostbite - Dehydration - Sunburn - Sprained Ankle - Insect Stings - Tick Bites - Snakebite - Blisters - Hyperventilation - Altitude Sickness
- Your handbook is your primary reference. See First Aid Skills for step-by-step instructions and lesson video links.
- See also: First Aid Merit Badge Pamphlet - First Aid Kit - Emergency Kit - Guide to Safe Scouting - Physcial
2-7.
- Hiking Links: Leave No Trace - Essentials - Amer. Hiking Soc.: Safety - Food - Cold - Myths - Footwear -
- REI: Compass - Day Hike - Food - Hydration - Insects - Layering - Lightweight - Navigation - Rain - Socks - Sun - Hot/Cold
3. A blank conditioning plan is in the Hiking Worksheet.
4-5. Blank 10-mile Hike Plans are in the Hiking Worksheet.
6. A blank 20-mile Hike Plan is in the Hiking Worksheet.
7. A blank report is in the Hiking Worksheet.
Related awards
- Outdoor Skills Awards
Outdoor-related awards
- Boy Scout ranks: Tenderfoot - Second Class - First Class
- Boy Scout awards: Firem'n Chit - Totin' Chip - Paul Bunyan Woodsman
- Boy Scout Merit Badges: Astronomy - Backpacking - Camping - Canoeing - Climbing - Cooking - Cycling - Fire Safety - Hiking - Orienteering - Pioneering - Rowing - Weather - Water Sports - Whitewater - Wilderness Survival
- Venturing: Outdoor Bronze Award; Ranger Award electives: Backpacking
- Webelos Activity Badges: Forester - Naturalist - Outdoorsman
- Cub Scout Belt Loops & Pins: Astronomy - Map and Compass - Weather
See also
|
Merit Badge information
- An Introduction to Merit Badges – how to get started, who chooses the counselor, etc.
- Merit Badge Worksheets & Requirements – with the revision dates, diagrams, charts, checklists, logs, and links you need.
- Merit Badge Application – offers online resources to let you print "Blue Cards," etc.
- Merit Badge FAQ – answers dozens of questions like: Who can be a counselor? Can requirements be added or removed?
- Merit Badges Requiring Prior Approval – Certain requirements need prior approval. Most do not. Here is the list.
- Also see: Most Popular Merit Badges – Merit Badge Policies – Eagle-Required Merit Badges – Merit Badge Days
- Additionally: List of Merit Badges by Field of Study – Merit Badge Pamphlets & Libraries
- Merit Badge Counselors must complete Youth Protection Training, file an Adult Application (and Merit Badge Counselor Information Form); and be approved by the local council. (See the Guide for Merit Badge Counselors for additional details.)
External links
- Backpacker Magazine
- Hiking First Aid Tips
- Rails to Trails Converted railroad routes throughout the country.
- From REI
- Health Risks: Sun, Bugs, Plants
- Socks
- Breaking in New Hiking Boots
- Compasses
- Compasses: A Note About Declination
- Conditioning for Backpacking
- Daypacks
- Layering
- Energy Foods
- First-Aid Kits
- Flashlights
- Food Handling/Storage
- Food Organizing Tips
- Gaiters
- Geocaching: One Man's Story
- GPS: How to Use
- Hiking Boots
- Hydration
- Hydration Pack
- Hygiene and Sanitation in the Backcountry
- Insect Repellent
- Lightweight Hiking
- If You Become Lost
- Minimum-Impact Travel
- Navigation Basics: Map and Compass
- Personal Locator Beacons
- Menu Planning
- Rainwear
- Maps
- Staying on Course
- Sun-Protection Clothing
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Temperature Extremes
- The Ten Essentials
- Trailhead Security
- Trekking Poles and Hiking Staffs
- Water Bottles
- Water Treatment: Backcountry
- Water Treatment: International
- Weather Basics
- Wool Clothing

