What should you look for when buying kit for camps? Look no further. Here we explain the terminology, and recommend what quality is required for general all year scout use. Don't go and buy everything at once. Some equipment is essential, and some is only nice to have.
(remember to tell the retailer that you are a scout (and take proof), you may get up to 10% discount!)

Sleeping bag - A good buy is a 3 season (not too hot in summer but warm for the majority of winter camps too) A budget price for scout use should be about £25.00. Have a look here for one of the better deals around at the moment. Useful features: 'mummy' style for a warm head in the winter.

Rollmat - Almost essential all year. Acts as insulation as well as smoothing out bumps. Sleeping bag specs assume that a rollmat is being used. The best value are little more than foam mats. If you spend a little more, you can get a self inftating air matress, which packs alot smaller. One of the foam ones is fine for scout use. The best £5 you'll spend on camping gear.

Walking boots - Things to look for are ankle support, water resistance and comfort. Take a pair of thick socks as well as normal socks when trying them on. Some people like to go for a size too large and wear extra socks. Budget around £25. You can spend alot more, but you'll grow out of them so don't waste money. Walking in trainers is OK in summer, but boots offer more grip and ankle support, as well as water resistance in the wet. Leather or fabric boots are fine for general walking, with leather being better for winter walking.

Rucksacks - There are two sizes of rucksack used for scouting activities, a daysack for carrying items like map, compass, drink, lunch, spare clothing, and emergency stuff like 1st aid kit. This should be between 15 & 20 litres in capacity. For weekend camps a rucksack of 55 to 70 litres capacity is useful for all personal gear, and camping equipment if being used on a lightweight backpacking-type camp. For static camps like a summer camp, a large rucksack is optional. Features to look for (for both sizes of pack) are wide padded shoulder straps, a waist band and plenty of exterior pockets. Don't worry about it being waterproof (it costs alot more to get a waterproof rucksack) as equipment can be packed in a plastic liner. Budget on £15 for a daysack and about £30 - 40 for a full size rucksack. Try it on your back, both empty and loaded, in the shop before buying to make sure it is comfortable.

Waterproofs - The most important feature to look for is breathable fabric. It s pointless keeping the rain out if you get wet anyway through sweating (and you will, without breathable fabric). Try to get one with as few seams as possible, as thats where the wet gets in. Other features to look for are a flap to cover the zip, pockets that will keep the contents dry and elasticated/ velcro cuffs. Pricewise, its best to spend at least £40. You do get what you pay for. 

Greater technical detail is available here (also a good place to buy from!)
Best prices can be found at Camping Online
If you have any queries, do ask, and don't forget that there are second hand items available at the scout shop.