Every Ounce Counts
Shakedown and Be Prepared
Guidebook to Adventure
Fueling Adventure and Fellowship
Before you set foot on the trail, the best way to prepare is by downloading and reading Philmont’s Guidebook to Adventure and Advisors Guidebook to Adventure. These comprehensive resources are updated annually and contain everything you need to know—from crew responsibilities and base camp procedures to safety protocols and what to expect on the trail.
The Guidebook to Adventure also includes the complete equipment list, so be sure to review it carefully as you pack and plan – PAGE # in the guidebook
Shakedown Guide
Practice Before Hitting the Trail
This guide is intended to be an all-encompassing tool for crews to utilize in order to prepare for an upcoming Philmont trek. It is highly recommended that crews participate in at least two shakedown hikes prior to their trek. To help facilitate this, we have split this guide into two separate PDF documents to allow the crew to focus on different topics on each hike.
Navigating the Shakedown Guide
Download parts 1 & 2 below. Additionally, we have provided the duty roster provided to each crew during their trip plan at Philmont for practice on shakedown hikes.
Crew & Personal Gear
Having the right gear is key to a safe and enjoyable Philmont trek. A complete list of required items for Scouts and their crews is available [here] (link to What to Bring in Resources). For more detailed guidance, check out the Guidebook to Adventure, which breaks down each item on the packing list.
If you have any questions about the gear or what to bring, don’t hesitate to reach out through the [contact form] or call us at 575-376-2281. We’re here to help you hit the trail fully prepared.
Gear Up for Success: Essential Gear for Your Philmont Trek
Backpack
An internal frame backpack with a padded hip belt is recommended for Philmont. A capacity between 65–85 liters will hold personal gear, crew gear, food, and water. When packing, place heavy items close to your spine and near the center of your back to keep your balance stable. Lighter items go toward the top and edges, and your sleeping bag fits best at the bottom. Avoid hanging gear from the outside of your pack—loose items can snag on brush and throw off your balance.
Backpacks are available to rent at Base Camp for $30, which includes a pack cover. This is a great option for youth who may outgrow their pack soon.
Boots
Mid- to high-top hiking boots are highly recommended for ankle support on rocky trails. They should be well broken in before your trek. Waterproof boots are best—keeping your feet dry is one of the keys to a successful, blister-free experience.
Tents
Philmont requires closed-walled tents to keep out wildlife like rodents, snakes, and insects. Two-person tents are necessary because large tents are hard to set up in forested areas.
Philmont uses the MSR Thunder Ridge tent—a two-person, three-season model designed specifically for Philmont conditions. These tents are available free of charge for crews to use during their trek. Each one is cleaned with Nikwax Tech Wash® after every use.
Ground cloths are required but not provided. Lightweight materials like Tyvek work well and are affordable when bought in bulk. Tent dimensions: 88” x 54”.
Pots
Each crew must bring at least two 8-quart pots—one for washing and one for rinsing. All utensils are sanitized during meal prep for the next meal, so a full wash-rinse-sanitize cycle is essential to keep everyone healthy.
Pots are available to borrow free of charge from Outfitting Services at Base Camp.
Stoves
White gas stoves are the most common and reliable for Philmont’s high elevations and cooler temperatures. Recommended models include:
- MSR WhisperLite
- MSR DragonFly
- Optimus Nova
White gas is refillable and more eco-friendly than canister stoves. Some canister stoves—like the MSR WhisperLite Universal or Optimus Vega—are also allowed if the canister is separated from the burner for stability.
Stoves like the MSR PocketRocket, Optimus Crux, or Jetboil are great for quick tasks (like boiling water), but not for full meal cooking. Never use a windscreen with these stoves, as the enclosed heat and fuel can cause explosions.
White gas is available for refill at commissary camps. Canister fuel is also available for purchase. Crews should carry about 6 oz. of white gas per person.
Note: Open flame stoves without shut-off valves (e.g., alcohol stoves, BioLite) are not allowed at Philmont due to safety and wildfire risks.
Bear Ropes & Bear Bags
Each crew must use two bear ropes (100 feet long, ¼” thick) to hang all “smellables” (items that could attract bears—see “Setting Up Camp” for a full list).
Bear ropes and bear bags are available free of charge from Outfitting Services. Crews may bring their own, but they must match the required specs. Bags must be able to tie or clip to ropes.
Pulley systems are not allowed, as they can jam, are heavy, and lack the dual tie-off points needed. Philmont requires two tie-off points—if a bear cuts one rope, the bags will still hang securely from the other.