Sleeping Bags

About one-third of your Philmont expedition will be spent in a sleeping bag. It should be warm (suitable for temperatures between 25 and 60 degrees), but not bulky or heavy. If your sleeping bag may not be warm enough, long underwear and a stocking cap will increase your comfort on cold nights. When your sleeping bag is rolled it should be no more than 20 inches long and 10 inches in diameter, and it should weigh 5 pounds or less. Use a waterproof sack to store your sleeping bag and line the sack with a heavy-duty (4 to 6 mil) plastic bag secured uith a gooseneck to keep your sleeping bag dry even in wet weather.

A 5'x7' nylon or plastic ground cloth must be used under your tent. Tent mates can share the ground cloth. It is required that everyone sleep in a tent.

Boots and Socks

Good hiking boots are a must at Philmont. Your trek will cover many miles over steep, rocky trails. Proper, well-broken-in boots will prevent blisters or sore feet.

When buying boots, wear the same socks you plan to use for hiking. Well-fitting boots should allow you to wiggle your toes freely, but not allow your toes or heels to shift sideways  in the boot . Boots should be sturdy, but not too heavy; 2 to 4 pounds per pair is good for average sizes. Hiking boots 6 to 8 inches high with sturdy soles are recommended for use at Philmont. Be sure to treat your boots for wet weather before hitting the trail.

Lightweight hiking/running footwear is acceptable for dry or rocky trails, which are prevalent at Philmont, but be sure they will not admit mud or water during periods of inclement weather. These boots are generally less expensive and more easily broken in than heavy leather boots, and are good for campwear. They are not recommended for people with weak ankles because they offer little ankle support. If you plan to buy them, choose a pair that affords protection from water and mud. Plastic hiking boots are not recommended.

Heavy wool socks are essential for hiking. Wear lightweight inner socks and a heavier pair over them. Two pair of socks are more comfortable and reduce friction against your feet, which causes blisters.

Camera and Film

Although optional, a camera and film are rewarding to record memorable experiences and beautiful scenes. Some crews select a crew photographer who takes shots for everyone. Another weightsaving scheme is for several crew members to share a camera and have duplicate pictures made at home. If you have one set develoIoped first, you can sort out: poor photos before having additional copies made. You will save money as well as weight.

Backpacking Stoves

Philmont highly recommends using backpacking stoves. They are helpful throughout your trek, particularly on wet mornings or when you need to start hiking early to avoid high afternoon temperatures.

Backpacking stoves must be used with adult supervision and should never be used in or near tents because of excessive flre danger. Spun aluminum bottles (available in the Philmont trading post) should be used to carry fuel. For safety, fuel may be purchased at Philmont rather than carrying it from home. Check the gasket of your fuel bottles to make sure they will not leak. A small funnel is needed for easy transfer of liquid fuels. If using commercial transportation, stoves must be free of gas fumes.