This summer my son and I along with ten other scouts and adults from my troop will be going on a trek at the BSA Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Although we will be going in July, preparation for the trip has already started. As the Crew advisor, I plan to use this blog as a way to pass on information to my crew as well as create a forum to get their input and questions.
At this time, everyone should be exercising on a regular basis to be able to handle the rigors of an eleven day hike. Philmont has a very strict policy regarding the weight to height ratios of its participants. These ratios can be found in the BSA medical form, part C. It lists the recommended weight range for each height as well as the acceptable upper limit and maximum weight allowed for each height. Speaking from personal experience, the last time I went to Philmont, I was within the allowable weight range but well over the recommended weight. I completed the trek, but I struggled at times. This time I am within the target range for my height and I feel a lot more confident about the hike. Remember, every pound you lose is one less pound you have to carry up the mountain. Your pack will already be heavy enough, I guarantee. So if you haven't already, begin some sort of aerobic and strength training.
Below is the suggested gear list for each person at Philmont. It does not include items shared between two people, such as a tent, or items shared among the whole crew, such as food, stoves, cooking gear, etc.. Be on the lookout for sales at the various sporting goods stores. Often they will have sales on specific types of gear at different times of the year. I realize that everyone has a limited budget with which to purchase gear and it is not necessary to have the most expensive gear to enjoy Philmont. Some items are worth spending a little extra on, though, such as boots. I will post articles in the future on the pros and cons of different types of gear.
Philmont Gear List:
Packing
Pack - External Frame - 4000 cu. in +/-
Internal Frame - 4800 cu. in. +/-
Pack Cover (TT)
6-12 gallon size Ziplock Bags to pack clothes in (TT)
Sleeping
Sleeping Bag in Stuff Sack lined with Plastic Bag
Sleep Clothes (T-Shirt and Gym Shorts)
Straps to hold Bag on Pack (TT)
Foam Sleeping Pad (Closed Cell or Thermarest) (TT)
Clothing
Layer A (Hiking Clothes)
Hiking Boots - well broken in
Lightweight Sneakers or Tennis Shoes
3 pairs Synthetic or Wool Socks (TT)
3 pairs lighter Inner Socks (synthetic)(TT)
3 changes Underwear
3 changes Underwear
2 Hiking Shorts (TT)
2 Short Sleeve Shirts (not nylon) (TT)
1 Hat or Cap, flexible with brim (TT)
Layer B (Cool Evening)
1 Long Sleeve Shirt (synthetic or wool)(TT)
1 Long Pants, cotton or nylon (not heavy jeans)(TT)
1 pair Insulated Underwear (synthetic)(TT)
Layer C (Cold)
1 Sweater or Jacket (wool or polar fleece)(TT)
1 Stocking Cap (wool or fleece)(TT)
1 Glove Liners or Mittens (wool or polar fleece)(TT)
Layer D (Cold, Wet, Windy)
1 Sturdy Rain Suit (TT)(A)
Eating
Deep Bowl (small, plastic or metal)(TT)
Cup (style)(TT)
Spoon (TT)
3-4 1 Quart/Liter Water Bottles (TT)(BB)(A)
Personal and Miscellaneous
Small Pocketknife (TT)(A)
Matches and Lighter in Waterproof Container (TT)(BB)(A)
Flashlight, small with extra batteries (TT)
Compass, liquid filled (TT)(A)
2 Bandannas or Handkerchiefs (TT)(BB)
Money ($20-$50 in small bills)
Lip Balm or Chapstick (TT)(BB)(A)
Soap, biodegrabable (TT)(BB)(S)
Toothbrush, Toothpaste (TT)(BB)(S)
Small Camp Towel (TT)
Sunglasses, inexpensive (TT)
Ditty Bag for personal items in bear bag (TT)
Personal First Aid Kit
Optional
Camera and Film or Memory Cards (TT)(BB)(A)
Whistle (TT)(A)
Watch, inexpensive
Fishing Equipment, Licenses (TT)
Postcards, prestamped (TT)
Foot Powder (TT)(BB)(S)
Note Pad and Pen (TT)
Day Pack for side hikes (TT)
codes:
(TT) item is for sale at Philmont's Tooth of Time Trader's
(BB) item to be placed in bear bag at night
(A) item easily accessible in pack or on person
(S) item can be shared with a buddy
DO NOT BRING
Radios, CD/MP3 Players, Video Game Devices
Hammocks
Cell Phones and Personal Satellite Locators (SPOT) are discouraged
Deodorant
This is the suggested list from Philmont. I know that there are items on the list that some people feel are not needed and some things that are not on the list that some people cannot do without. This is a good list of the minimum amount of gear you will need.
There will be a meeting of crew advisors on February 23. I will get a lot of information about the different lengths and types of treks available to us and the dates for turning in paperwork, check in procedures, etc. After that meeting I would like to schedule a meeting for our crew and parents in early March to answer questions and plan some shake down hikes this spring.
I look forward to a fun trek this summer.
No comments:
Post a Comment