Philmont 2008 Crew 703N1 Equipment Page

Here is a checklist of personal gear to supplement the list in your Philmont Guidebook to Adventure.

___ Deep bowl (small, plastic)
___ Cup (measuring type)
___ Spoon
___ 3 or 4 at Philmont / 4 to 6 at Double H -one quart water bottles

___ Small pocketknife
___ Matches or lighter
___ Flashlight, small with extra batteries
___ Philmont or Double H map
___ Compass, liquid filled
___ 2 bandannas or handkerchiefs
___ Money, $10-20 in small bills
___ Lip balm (SPF 25)
___ Soap, biodegradable
___ Toothbrush/toothpaste
___ Small camp towel
___ Sunglasses
___ Ditty Bag

___ Camera & film or digital camera with extra batteries and memory cards
___ Whistle
___ Watch, inexpensive
___ Fishing equipment/licenses
___ Postcards, pre-stamped
___ Rubber bands, large for packing
___ Foot powder
___ Note pad and pen
___ Daypack for side hikes

___ 10 Tent pegs
___ 1 flexible plastic container, 3 or 4 quarts (note this is different from Guidebook!) :
___ Duct tape
___ 1 plastic ground cloth for each tent (one for 2 persons)
___ 50 feet of 1/8" nylon cord
___ Sunscreen (at least 25 SPF) and Shampoo
___ Insect repellant (not aerosol)

___ Moleskin
___ Fanny pack
___ Instant hand sanitizer
___ Minor first aid items
___ Trekking poles

Hiking Boot Guidelines

Picking the right boot for Philmont can be one of the most important decisions you will make. Nothing is more miserable and painful than a long backpacking trip with boots that do not fit correctly or provide support. Properly broken-in boots are about the only thing that cannot be replaced at the last minute at Philmont.

There are no specific rules on what boot you should choose but here are a few guidelines that should serve you well.

Buy your boots at an outfitter that specializes in camping and hiking equipment. Places like REI, Campmor, and Ramsey Outdoors come to mind. They have staff that can help guide you into boots that fit properly and most have very liberal return policies (check first though).
Some newer boots are being made with a combination of leather and synthetic materials to cut down on weight and may take less time to break in. Look for full-grain leather boots for maximum durability and support. Both kinds work well.
High-top boots provide the best ankle support when backpacking. Low-top hiking shoes and boots might work for some people but are better suited for day hikes. The vast majority of Philmont participants wear high-top.
Fewer seams in the boot mean fewer places for water to leak in.
A pair of boots that weighs more than 4 pounds is probably too much.
Don’t choose a boot because of looks or price but based on fit. If it does not fit properly you are wasting your money. Always wear boots you try on with the same socks you plan to use on the trail. Most outfitters have socks to loan for this purpose. Be sure to wear the boots around in the store to check for feel. With the boot unlaced, push your foot to the front of the boot and then see if you can get two fingers in the boot behind your heel. All boots should have a little room for you foot to move but not too much.
After choosing your boot, wear them in your home for several days to be absolutely sure they fit well. Most stores will take them back if not worn outside.
When lacing, kick your heel back against the heel of the boot so that when laced your toes have plenty of room for those tough downhill trails.
Finally, waterproof your boots using the manufacturer’s instructions and start walking in them to complete the break-in process. All-leather boots can take a month or two of regular use to be fully broken in.

You want a Pack with padded hip straps - Most modern packs have padded hip and shoulder straps. They do make a difference. The choice of an internal or external frame pack is a personal one. Both are popular and at Philmont, you will see both types. The external type is cheaper as a general rule than internal models and more flexible in carrying large or odd shaped items than the internal frame packs.

Brand names like Camp Trails, Kelty & Jansport make models that are great for scouts. Just like good boots, they can last for years if you take good care of them. Expect to pay roughly $60 to $120 for a good external frame pack and about double that for an internal frame model.

Nearly all backpacks come in different sized frames like small, medium or large frame to fit different body sizes. A good outdoor store like Ramsey, REI or Campmor can be a big help with your selection.

Look for features like water bottle holders and durable zippers. Don't buy the largest pack available. Philmont currently recommends an external frame pack of approximately 4,000 cubic inches in volume. For internal frame packs they recommend approximately 4,800 cubic inches in volume. All of these numbers are relative for average sized people. Use common sense in your selection. Choose the internal or external model that fits you best with the recommended volume. One caution, don’t buy a pack that is too small. Everyone must carry not only his or her personal gear but crew gear as well. The volume of crew gear can easily equal or be greater than your personal items.