Backpacking is a unique merit badge. It is
a combination of the skills needed in camping,
hiking, cooking, orienteering, and woodsmanship.
By achieving backpacking, you'll be prepared for
many adventures in scouting, and will earn a deep
appreciation for the wilderness.
Edward Knopf Scoutmaster Troop 566
Although Backpacking is not required for eagle, backpacking is still an easy and useful a badge. By attending troop camping trips, and other outdoor functions, most requirements will either be accomplished, or become common knowledge. By learning basic backpacking skills, a scout can become trained in outdoor survival and orienteering skills.