Prepared for Backcountry Adventure
CODES
(T)=Available at Philmont’s Tooth of Time Traders
(A)=Easily accessible in pack or carried on person
(BB)=Packed in bear bag at night
(S)=Share with a buddy
(O)=Optional
(E)=Philmont Essentials
PACKS AND BAGS
EQUIPMENT | QTY | COMMENTS | CODE |
Backpack – rental available (see below) | 1 | 65-75L | T |
1 | Side hikes | T, S | |
1 pr | Holds sleeping bag on pack | T | |
Gal. Ziploc Bags | 6-12 | Pack clothes | T |
1 | Waterproof | T | |
2-3 | Pack/organize personal items | T | |
2-3 | Pack/organize personal items | T |
Backpack Rental
If you are unsure of your pack’s fit or question the durability for Philmont’s trails, you can rent an internal pack (including pack cover) at Philmont’s Outfitting Services for a $30 fee for the duration of the trek. Philmont’s knowledgeable staff will fit you in the appropriate pack at Philmont and pre-reservations are not necessary. Additional details are available in the Guidebook to Adventure.
At Philmont, all crews use the patrol cooking method, which emphasizes teamwork, responsibility, and servant leadership. Each crew must carry two 8-quart pots—one for boiling water and preparing meals, and the other for washing dishes.
Note: Items like turkey bags or liners used inside cooking pots are not allowed, as they create unnecessary trash and increase the need for backcountry waste pickups.
This method gives Scouts the chance to rotate leadership roles through a crew duty roster. A Scout might serve as the assistant cook and dishwasher one night, then step up as the lead cook and dishwasher the next. It’s not just about getting food on the table—it’s about building confidence, learning to lead, and supporting one another as a team.
HEAD-NECK-HANDS
EQUIPMENT | QTY | COMMENTS | CODE |
1 | Warm hat for cold temps | T | |
1 pr | Synthetic wool | T | |
1 | Sun protection of ears, face | T |
UPPER BODY LAYERS
EQUIPMENT | QTY | COMMENTS | CODE |
Base Layer (mid-wgt) synthetic | 1 | Long underwear top | T |
1 | Optional wool sweater | T | |
1 | Wool or polar fleece | T | |
1 | Sturdy, waterproof jacket w/hood, coated nylon and breathable fabrics acceptable. | T, A | |
2 | Moisture wicking, no cotton or nylon | T | |
1 | Moisture wicking, no cotton or nylon | T | |
Sports Bra | 2 | Synthetic | T |
LOWER BODY LAYERS
EQUIPMENT | QTY | COMMENTS | CODE |
Base Layer (mid-wgt) synthetic | 1 | Long underwear bottom | T |
1 | Lightweight & sturdy | T, A | |
1 | No heavy jeans | T | |
Underwear | 3 | T | |
2 | T |
SLEEPING GEAR
EQUIPMENT | QTY | COMMENTS | CODE |
1 | Rated 20 degrees and less than 5 lbs/packing in compression sack lined w/plastic bag | T | |
1 | Or 2 heavy duty 4-6 mil plastic bags | T | |
1 | Closed-cell foam or fully inflatable pad | T | |
Sleep Clothes | 1 set | Worn only in sleeping bag, t-shirt & gym shorts acceptable | T |
FOOTWEAR
EQUIPMENT | QTY | COMMENTS | CODE |
1 pr | Well broken in; ankle support recommended | T | |
Socks | 3 pr | Synthetic or wool | T |
3 pr | Synthetic | T | |
Camp Shoes | 1 pr | Lightweight sneakers | T |
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
EQUIPMENT | QTY | COMMENTS | CODE |
1 | Deep bowl of lightweight material | T | |
1 | Measuring style recommended 12-20 oz | T, O | |
1 | Lexan or lightweight-sporks are popular | T | |
4 or more | Qty reduced if also using hydration bladder in pack | T, A, BB | |
1 | Small knife sufficient | T, A, S | |
1 | Light-duty for attaching small items outside of pack | T | |
1 | Pack in a waterproof container. A few per crew is sufficient. | T, A, BB, S | |
1 | Durable/lightweight-bring extra batteries | T | |
1 pr | Reduced impact – 25% – knees & ankles, improve balance | T, O | |
1 | Overall maps are not designed for navigation. Map depends on selected itinerary. | T,A ,S | |
1 | Liquid filled with rotating dial. A few per crew is sufficient. | T, A, S | |
2 | Bandanas or headgear also known as Buffs work well. Many brands on the market. | T, BB | |
Money | $50 | BB | |
1 | Moisturizing balm, SPF 25 or greater | T, A, BB | |
1 | Biodegradable | T, BB, S | |
1 | T, BB | ||
1 | T, BB, S | ||
1 | Small, quick dry | T | |
1 | T, BB | ||
1 | Enough for entire trek | ||
Sunglasses | 1 | T | |
Watch | 1 | T, O | |
1 | Batteries/memory card | T, BB, S | |
1 | T | ||
Fishing Equipment | 1 | Some itineraries have opportunity to fish | O |
1 | Some itineraries have opportunity to fish-NM State fishing license required | T, O | |
Postcards | 1+ | Pre-stamped | T, O |
1 | T, BB, S | ||
1 | T, BB, O |
EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY CREW
Necessary Items For Each Crew (7-12 Persons) To Bring Or Purchase On Arrival
EQUIPMENT | QTY | COMMENTS | CODE |
1 | Heavy thread & needle used to repair pack, tents, clothing, etc. | T | |
5 per person | Philmont Thunder Ridge tents- 8 Philmont dining fly – 8 | T | |
2-3 | Collapsible | T | |
2-3 | White Gas or Isobutane fuels. Stove needs a wide base low to the ground. Highly recommend Isobutane stoves being able to burn with canister upside down and right side up. | T | |
2 | White Gas recommend 2 – 20oz bottles. Isobutane recommend 3 – 8oz/220g canisters. Can resupply both white gas and isobutane at commissary camps. | T | |
1 |
| T | |
| Sufficient for crew and easily accessible. Learn what’s included in a crew first aid kit | T, BB | |
1 | Small amount needed for trail repairs. | T, BB | |
| Personal preference to compliment cooked foods. | T, BB, O | |
1/tent | 1 per tent. 5’ x 7’ is suitable for Philmont tents. | T | |
3 | 50’ x 1/8” for dining fly, clothesline, repairing items or tying items to pack. | T | |
2-3 | 6 oz tubes w/SPF 25 or higher | T, BB | |
2 | small bottle, no aerosol spray cans | T, BB | |
2-3 | All water from streams, lakes, wells, etc needs to be purified. Water at staff camps is purified unless noted. Micropur tablets are issued so filters are optional and will require a repair kit on the trail. | T, O | |
1 | To remove lid from cooking pot & to repair gear. | T | |
1 | Useful if away from a camp or camping in low impact campsite | T | |
1 | Carabiner (locking preferred) must be rated as climbing strength for rigging “oops” bag w/bear bags. A carabiner designed to be a key ring is not sufficient. | T |
EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY PHILMONT
Each Crew of 7-12 Persons is Issued The Following Equipment Free of Charge (Expect for Damage or Replacement Charges Upon Return)
EQUIPMENT | QTY | COMMENTS | |
Nylon Dining Fly | 1 | 12′ x 10′, wt 2 lbs, 3 oz | |
Collapsible Poles | 2 | For dining fly (1lb 6 oz) trekking poles can also be used | |
Philmont Tent with poles | 1 per 2 camper | Weight with poles: 5 lbs, 13 oz | |
Cooking Pot | 1 | 8-qt Aluminum pot with lid: 1 lb., 5.8 oz Must be large enough to cook for everyone in the crew. | |
Dishwashing-2nd Cooking Pot | 1 | 8-qt Aluminum pot without lid: 1 lb., 4 oz. Must be large enough to sanitize dishes by submerging in boiling water. | |
Beverage Pot | 1 | 2 qt w/lid, 8 oz (optional) | |
Chef Cutlery Kit | 1 | 1 lg spoon, 2.6 oz 1 lg spatula 4 oz | |
Hot Pot Tongs | 1 pr | 3.5-4 oz. Multi-tool can be used instead | |
Plastic Trash Bags | 10 | Personal preference, multi-purpose. | |
Salt Pepper |
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Water Purifier Tablets, Micropur 1 tablet treats 1 liter |
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| |
Bear Rope | 2 | Nylon, wt 1lbs1oz. Philmon requires crews to use Philmont’s or equivalent dimension rope. 100’ long 1/4” diameter. Smaller diameter rope may be lighter, but experience has shown that they are more difficult to hoist up and they are more likely to frey on the bear cables. | |
Bear Bags | 3-6 | For hanging smellables. 3.0 oz. each | |
Food Strainer and Scraper | 1 ea | 8 oz | |
Dishwashing Soap | 1 | BB, C | |
Hand Sanitizer | 1 | BB, C | |
Scrub Pads Toilet paper | 1 | BB, C |
ITEMS NOT ALLOWED
- Deodorant
- Radios/MP3 Players/Video Game Devices
- Hammock
- Video Cameras
- Drones
- Turkey Bags
- Bear Bag Pulley Systems
- Bear Spray
- Bear Horns