Suggested participant gear is below and is intended as a guide.  Please note that some items are gender specific and if gender specific, the thumbnails below are all specific to men; however at time of research, all gender dependent items are available for women as well. As a rule of thumb, all gear should have multi-purposes; especially clothes (i.e., rain jacket is also your outer jacket).  The contingent advisor is available to help. By the way, please check Wal-Mart, Target and the like for tremendous deals on some of this gear (especially clothing).  Also, check thrift shops because sometimes they have unbeatable finds!

Tents (from Campmor.com)

Packs. As an advisor, it is difficult to recommend a type of pack to bring to Philmont. Pack selection really boils down to individual choice and the amount that you are willing to pay for the pack. External frame packs are the most common and cost significantly less than internal frame packs. They allow you to strap on additional equipment giving you greater flexibility in what you can carry. External frame packs usually come with lots of built in pockets that provide easy access for needed gear. They are also cooler to wear which is a significant plus in the New Mexico afternoon heat. A minimum size external frame pack for a Philmont trek should be about 4,500 to 4,700 cubic inches.

Internal frame packs are basically bags that are built around a hi-tech suspension system. They fit closer to your back and almost become a part of you while on the trail. External frame packs feel more like wearing a ladder when compared to the fit of an internal frame pack. Since sleeping bags are carried inside of an internal frame pack, minimum size for a Philmont trek should be no less than 5,100 cubic inches.

No matter which type of pack you have, there are four things that you must do to ensure that your crew is ready to go. First, check to see that the pack is fitted to the individual crew member. The hip belt must fit snugly around the waist to allow the full weight of the pack to be carried on the crew member's hips while at the same time providing enough padding to protect the hips. The shoulder straps should be padded and fit the width of the shoulders. When viewed from the side, shoulder straps should be level (or a little upward) from the shoulders to the pack frame. Second, check the condition of the pack. Most scouts have probably never rinsed the salt and sweat from their pack's suspension system. Dry rot of pack's stitching and fabric may already have started. Check the stitching at all stress points in the pack material. Check the grommets on the shoulder straps and hip belt to ensure that they have not pulled out of the pack material. Check the pack frame welds to ensure that they are not cracked. Third, make sure that the pack is large enough to carry all the crew member's personal gear plus his share of crew gear. Finally, make sure that each crew member brings along one or two replacement clevis pins and O-rings. JanSport packs require special nuts, bolts and wrenches which are not readily available at Philmont. If a crew member does not have a pack that you deem adequate, he can rent one at Philmont for a very reasonable cost (recent cost was $20.00).

Backpack: external frame (from Campmor.com)

Sleeping Bags. Sleeping bags should be filled with synthetic fiber, weigh less than three pounds, and be rated to 20 degrees. At Philmont's higher elevations, the temperature gets into the thirties at night and there always seems to be a stiff breeze blowing. Other than boots, the sleeping bag is the most important piece of equipment a crew member will bring to Philmont. Crew members need to know that the one and only place where they will always be warm and dry is in their sleeping bags, inside their tents. Care must be taken to assure that the bag is properly treated. Crew members must never get into their sleeping bags wet, because the moisture reduces the warming ability of the bag. During the night, the bag also absorbs moisture from the body. Every opportunity should be taken to air out the bag. Otherwise a 20 degree bag will become a 25 degree bag the next night and so on. Down sleeping bags are not recommended because they lose their insulating capability when they get wet. Even though most sleeping bags come with a "water-proof" stuff sack, an additional plastic trash bag should be placed in the stuff sack to provide a second layer of protection.

An inexpensive closed cell pad is a must for all crew members. Not only does it provide a comfortable sleep even on those not so level places, it also prevents heat loss downward and provides a barrier against moisture should your tents leak in a heavy rain. For advisors, we recommend a Therm-A-Rest sleeping pad because of its ability to provide a good night's sleep. It also adds 5-10 degrees of warmth when compared to sleeping directly on the ground. While a Therm-A-Rest pad costs around $50+, it is well worth the investment. Therm-A-Rest pads come in several models; mostly  full length and the 3/4 length. Although the full length model is a little heavier, it keeps the feet off the ground which could keep the sleeping bag dry should your tent floor get wet.

Sleeping bag: synthetic (from Campmor.com)

Regarding the sleeping bag stuff sack, if the one that comes with your bag is not 100% waterproof, buy one that is and it is easier to keep sleep clothes stuffed with the sleeping bag, so be sure to pack those sleeping clothes with the sleeping bag.  If the stuff sack is too small, consider an upgrade.

Sleeping pad: (from Campmor.com)

Boots. Most outfitting stores recommend leather hiking boots for Philmont because of the support they provide when compared to high-tech synthetic boots. However, leather boots cost more and are harder to break in.  Spending $125 to $200 on leather boots just does not make sense when a synthetic pair of boots costing $40 to $90 will work just as well. Outfitting stores will also say that synthetic boots will fall apart due to the ruggedness of Philmont's trails. Some hikers prefer the synthetic boots because of their ability to dry out faster than all leather boots. Gore-Tex boots are excellent. If new boots are needed, plan on purchasing them in February. This will provide enough time to break in the boots while reducing the possibility of them being outgrown by Philmont. If you do buy leather boots, make sure that they have been waterproofed several times before you head to Philmont using nikwax.

Each crew member should wear two layers of socks. The inner layer should be polypropylene or a CoolMax sock liner. The liner wicks the moisture away from the foot to the outer sock. When the foot is dry, there is a decreased chance of a getting a blister. Heavy wool socks as outer layers are great. However, some crew members do not like the feel of wool socks and they take a long time to dry out once they get wet. I switched to an all-synthetic outer layer hiking sock produced by Thorlo that does it not itch and dries out rapidly because but because it contains no wool.  Like most backpacking equipment, it really comes down to a matter of personal choice. Whatever type you use, pack three pairs of outer socks and two or three pairs of polypropylene sock liners. Make sure that you check the condition of your crew's socks before you head for Philmont. Too often, crew members will buy new boots and neglect to buy new socks. Socks do wear out! If the socks' padding capability is worn down, get new ones.

Hikers also need to pack an in-camp shoe that can be worn once you get into camp and can get your boots off.  Getting into in-camp shoes gives your feet a rest and gives you an opportunity to sun dry your boots. You may want to bring along a set of wool in-camp socks. Whatever type of in-camp shoe you choose should have a low impact sole that keeps it from further damaging the ground of your already over camped camp site. In-camp shoes should be easy to get on and off for those late night visits to the latrine. And finally, they should be comfortable enough for you to hike in to the next camp site, if you are having severe boot problems.

An inexpensive pair of ankle high gaiters are nice to have. This is especially true if you use a poncho for rain gear. Gaiters help keep your boots and socks clean and dry. They also prevent small rocks and sand from getting inside your boots.

Boots: (from Campmor.com)

Gloves: (from Campmor.com)

Rain Gear. It is really difficult to give advice to crew members on rain gear other than it is a must and it should be good quality. You should note that the only rain gear listed on Philmont's personal equipment list is a rain suit and not a poncho. If a crew member has money to burn, a Gore-Tex rain suit would be recommended. Gore-Tex allows perspiration to escape while keeping rain out. However, a Gore-Tex rain suit typically costs $150 to $300. Nylon coated rain suits work just as well and cost under $60. The beauty of a rain suit is that the jacket can also be used to keep warm, when layered with a wool or fleece sweater or even a polypropylene top. Our Philmont Rangers thought that an inexpensive rain suit was far superior to the most expensive poncho. If you are going to chance a poncho, it should be a coated nylon one and not a "shred-o-matic" plastic or vinyl one. Before you buy any type of rain gear, make sure that it states "waterproof" and not "water resistant". Water resistant fabric may handle a light dew, but will become water logged and soak the wearer after only a few minutes of an afternoon Philmont rain. Prior to going to Philmont, you should test the seams of your rain gear. Your neighbors might get a chuckle, but wear a light colored t-shirt under your rain gear and get sprinkled with the water hose for about 10 minutes. This will provide a good test of the seams to determine whether they need to be resealed with tent seam sealer.

Rain Jacket (from Campmor.com)

Rain Pants (from Campmor.com)

Mug: (from Campmor.com) It is not only your cup, it is your bowl.

Spork: (from Campmor.com)

Socks (outer) (from Campmor.com)

Socks (inner) (from Campmor.com)

Hiking Stick (from Campmor.com)

Headlamp (from REI.com)

Pack Towel (from MSRCorp.com)

Waterproof Backpack cover (from GregoryPacks.com)

Webbing Strap (from REI.com) Each participant should have at least two extra (not including those required to attach sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent  etc.)

Camp shoes (from VeganEssentials.com) These shoes weigh about 10 ounces each

Convertible pants (from REI.com) Wight saving tip.  These pants have a build in mesh brief and a built in belt.  The mesh brief is excellent for minimizing heat and moisture related rashes and the built in belt eliminates the need for a separate piece.

Crew T-shirts (from Campmor.com) The crew will decide upon a logo and have it imprinted on a synthetic shirt.  Two per person is adequate / three per person is a luxury.

Fleece Jacket (over shirt) (from REI.com) Must be micro-fleece weight (less than 14 ounces).

Water Bottles (from REI.com) (4 per person) Get 4 different colors

Gorp keeper (from REI.com)

Chairs (from REI.com)

Sling Light Chair (18 ounces) with headrest (4 ounces) (from SlingLight.com) See more info here and here.

Ditty Bags (from Campmor.com)

Mesh Ditty Bag (from Campmor.com)

Compass (from REI.com)

Whistle (from REI.com)

Extra Stakes (from REI.com)

Lip Balm (from Campmor.com)

Sunscreen (from Campmor.com)

Insect repellent (from REI.com)

Fanny Pack (from TheNorthFace.com)

Dayhiker

Knife (from Campmor.com)

Stocking cap (from REI.com)

Other items:

Brimmed hat
This is important. The effects of the sun on your ears at high elevation isn't all that attractive. Don't bring a stiff-billed hat because it might not fit right with your backpack on.

Bandanna
I wore my bandanna underneath my hat. When it was too hot to wear the hat, I could take it off and the sweat would evaporate and cool my head. It also was used as a sweat rag and a wash cloth.

 

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Last modified: 11/05/06