PHILMONT PERSONAL GEAR LIST

This list is intended to be used as a guide. Personal knowledge and preference will help in gear decision making. Gear shakedowns will be conducted during the Philmont shakedown campouts to insure all needed equipment is available and properly used.

A downloadable MS Word document containing this list can be found "here."

Packing:

A large or extra-large external frame pack (at least 4,000 cubic inch) or internal frame (at least 4,500 cubic inch) backpack with a quality padded hip belt, padded shoulder straps that has been adjusted to fit you properly
Nylon straps to strap tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad to pack (no bungee cords)
A waterproof pack cover (purchase the cover size that is almost too big when your pack is fully loaded and everything is strapped on the pack as it will be worn at Philmont)
A lightweight daypack - optional - your pack's top compartment may be detachable to be used as a day/fanny pack

Clothing: (avoid 100% cotton clothing at all cost - it provides no insulating value when wet and is heavier than synthetics or synthetic/cotton Blends)

2 pair lightweight nylon hiking shorts with mesh liners (or 2 pair gym shorts with 2 pairs synthetic blend underwear)
2 very light T-shirts, light colored, prefer CoolMax or other wicking material (cotton okay here)
1 pair gym shorts and 1 T-shirt for bed clothes (these clothes are only worn in the tent when sleeping at night)
1 set lightweight (polypropylene or silk) thermal underwear - mandatory for colder, mountainous treks
2 pair thick 50/50 wool/polyester socks (personal preference on type of main sock)
3 pair ultra-thin polypropylene or CoolMax sock liners (personal preference)
1 pair very light long pants (nylon or equivalent), preferably with an "internal" belt (if your hiking shorts have "zip-off" legs, bring the legs and you won't need another pair of pants)
1 lightweight fleece type pullover - optional - (if prefer, can use lightweight long-sleeved nylon shirt or lightweight wool shirt)
1 waterproof/breathable type rain-proof suit OR a combination of a nylon rain-resistant windbreaker (jacket with hood and matching pants) and a lightweight nylon poncho (not a disposable plastic poncho) (the latter combination is much less effective against heavy rain, but is also much less expensive and more versatile)
1 wide-brim hat
1 fleece head-band or lightweight fleece/knit pullover hat (for warmth)
1 pair of hiking boots (broken in to your feet)
1 pair super-light sneakers ("Teva" style sandals are NOT ALLOWED)
1 pair Gaiters - optional
6 to 8 one-gallon ZipLok bags to store all clothing (can also be used to wash clothes

Eating gear:

A plastic bowl (any soft margarine-type bowl, about 1 1/2 pint capacity, will do)
A wide-mouth deep-dish type cup (1 pint, plastic, handles are nice to help avoid burns)
- If prefer, use 2 large wide-mouth cups and delete the bowl
An unbreakable plastic soup spoon (Lexan or equivalent)
At least three liters carrying capacity in canteens (Nalgene or similar 1-quart canteens or Platypus-type bladders - no used soda bottles)

Sleeping gear:

A sleeping bag (rated 20^o to 30^oF and weighing no more than 4 pounds)
A sleeping bag stuff sack (waterproof compression bag - some Scouts bring a small plastic trash bag to line the stuff sack for absolute rain protection)
A "backpacker's pillow" or small woolen stuff sack (to fill for a pillow) - optional
A Ridge-Rest foam pad or Therm-a-Rest pad (Ridge-Rest preferred for weight, Therm-a-Rest preferred for comfort)

Miscellaneous gear:

A walking stick - optional - (some use a pair of sticks)
A compass and the knowledge to use it properly
30 feet of the light-weight parachute cord - optional - (share with another person)
Personal supply of money for trading posts and cantinas ($15.00 maximum necessary in $1.00 bills - no coins!)
10 post-card stamps - optional - (post cards are available for purchase at some trading posts and commissaries)
Small flashlight (Micro-LED keychain-style light [buy new just before Philmont], small "AA" light [MiniMagLite], or LED headlamp)
Eye-care kit if required - extra contact lenses, case, solution, glasses
Personal medications - include an extra set to be carried by an adult advisor (IF ASTHMATIC, YOU MUST PROVIDE AN ADULT ADVISOR WITH ONE EXTRA FULL INHALER OF EACH TYPE THAT YOU USE - NO EXCEPTIONS!!!)
Sit-upon or camp stool - optional

Personal items NOT to bring:

Replacement batteries (install new batteries at base camp, use properly and frugally on the trail)
Extra shoelaces (install new laces when departing for Philmont - both boots and sneakers)
Any metallic, porcelain, or otherwise heavyweight personal eating gear, utensils, or canteens
Forks or knives
Large (2 "D" or 3 "C" cell) metal cased flashlights
Rubberized ponchos
"Disposable" ponchos or rain-gear (they will be useless after the first rain)
Scented soaps, shampoos, bug repellant, sunscreen, or toothpaste (these items are crew gear anyway)
Anything packed in glass
Any aerosol sprays
Any 100% cotton clothing (excluding T-shirts)
Heavyweight air mattress or inflatable pillow
Leather belt
Wallet, keys, coins
Any electronic equipment (digital camera and GPSr are okay)
Heavyweight sneakers
Any open-toed footwear
Extra food
Anything illegal - you will go home on your parent's nickle (and they will be MAD)

At this point, A) your pack should weigh about 18 - 24 pounds depending on how large you are (larger Scouts' and Adults’ clothes weigh more, of course); and B) you should still have plenty of room left in your pack - if not, your pack is far too small and you should get a replacement backpack as soon as possible. Why? - Because you still have to fit a lot of Crew gear and food in your pack! Smaller Scouts should carry a 4,000 cubic inch or better external frame pack; larger Scouts and Advisors should carry a 4,500 cubic inch or better external frame pack. If you decide to use an internal frame pack, increase to 4,500 and 5,000 cubic inch, respectively (because your sleeping bag goes inside an internal frame pack).

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This list is a compilation of input from experienced backpackers in Troops 445, 389, the Philmont Guidebook to Adventure, and the list provided by Dr. Bob (Scoutmaster, Troop 111, Arlington, VA - the most complete Philmont equipment list we have seen).