Packing

Backpack with padded hip belt

Should weigh no more than 2.5 lbs empty. Internal frame (or virtual frame). Volume around 4200 - 4500 cubic inches.

Pack Liner bag (plastic)

Recommended

Pack Cover (sil-nylon - a blend of silicone and nylon)

Recommended, particularly if you don't use a plastic liner bag

Pack Straps

Optional. NO bungee cords. If you use a Thermarest or other bulky sleeping pad, you may need to strap it to the outside of your pack.

Ziploc Bags

As needed to store your gear

Sleep System

Lightweight Sleeping Bag/Quilt

Should be rated to 30 degrees or less, depending on how you sleep (warm or cold). Should weigh no more than 2.5 lbs. Mummy-style bag. Down (lighter, more expensive), or synthetic (heavier, less expensive). Buy a good bag, don't skimp here.

Waterproof stuff sack

Your bag MUST stay dry for you to stay warm.

Small pillow

Optional. Nice extremely light, inflatable pillows are available.

Sleeping Pad

Should weigh less than 1.5 lbs.

Sleeping Clothes

T-shirt (NON COTTON) and nylon gym shorts. Worn only in sleeping bag

Clothing

Hiking shoes/boots

We plan to have total pack weights of less than 30 lbs. Heavy, leather, lug soled boots are not necessary when hiking at this weight. Trail runners or light weight hiking boots are MUCH more comfortable. ALL SHOES/BOOTS SHOULD BE WELL BROKEN IN BEFORE ARRIVING AT PHILMONT!)

Socks

2-3 pairs of NON-COTTON hiking socks. Merino wool (Smartwool), Coolmax, or other quality synthetic material sock. As with the sleeping bag, DO NOT skimp on your socks. Your feet will thank you!

Pants / Shorts

2 pairs of convertible pants (legs zip off). BSA makes some acceptable ones, as do other manufacturers (REI, Ex Officio, etc). If you bring convertible pants, only bring 1 set of the legs. Also, if you find them with built in mesh briefs, you don't need to bring underwear. Should be nylon or other synthetic. NO COTTON PANTS ALLOWED, PERIOD

Underwear

If you bring convertible pants with mesh briefs, you won't need them. If not, bring 2-3 pairs of NYLON (Underarmor, Nike, etc) athletic boxers or briefs. NO COTTON!!!

T-Shirts

2 synthetic (Underarm or, Nike, etc) wicking type t-shirts. NO COTTON

Hat

Ideally will have a wide brim. A MUST!!

Long Underwear

Synthetic, merino wool, NO COTTON

Stocking Cap

Excellent for sleeping or cold mornings. Should be wool, merino wool, or Polar fleece

Liner Gloves

Wool, merino wool, or Polar fleece

Lightweight Jacket/Pullover/Windbreaker

Lightweight nylon to wear over t-shirt when the wind gets up. Can layer with other clothing as needed. NO COTTON. Should weigh less than lOoz.

Insulating Jacket / Pullover

Should be lightweight, synthetic-fill, or down. Can be layered under your raingear or used in your sleeping bag for additional warmth.

Raingear

Buy quality water-proof/breathable raingear. No ponchos, PVC, or plastic. Should have both pants and jacket with hood. Many options out there. Do not buy non-breathable raingear. Do not buy "Water-resistant" rain gear - it should be "Water-proof." Spend some time choosing your raingear - it WILL rain almost every day at Philmont.

Cup

Plastic not styrofoam, from Racetrac, QuickTrip, etc, will work fine

Small Tooth brush

Store with eating gear. This is when you will use it.

3-4 Liters Water Carrying Capability

Platypus containers are light and collapsible. Various combinations of sizes make for a great system.

Personal and Misc.

3 Bandanas

Too many uses to list

Lip balm

High and dry makes for chapped lips, Carmex brand recommended

Eye-Care Kit

Contact solution, contacts, etc, if needed

Personal (prescription) Medications

If you take medications, you must bring a supply for the entire expedition. Asthmatics must bring an extra inhaler of each type they use.

Money

For items on the trail, no more than 10-20 dollars in $1 bills. NOT to be confused with money used on trip to and from Philmont, money for souvenirs, etc. That money will be left at basecamp.

Flashlight

Small and light - Mini LED lights, SMALL headlamps, etc, are all you need. Big flashlights are heavy. Put in fresh batteries and DO NOT carry extras

Optional

Trekking / hiking poles

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Camera / spare battery

Lightweight Chair / Sitpad

Chair should not weight more than 1.5 lbs. Can attach to outside of pack with pack straps.

Sunglasses

CHEAP!!

Gaiters

Keeps trail dirt/rocks out of you shoes

Watch

No family heirlooms, please

Sleeping Socks

Nice to have, particularly if your feet usually get cold

Lightweight Camp shoes

Like Crocs or Holey shoes. Nice to have but not really necessary if you use trail runners.

• Bowl
• Soap
• Matches / lighter
• Toothpaste
• Sunscreen
• First Aid Kit
• Maps

• Replacement batteries (except for a digital camera)
• Mirrors, razors, hairbrushes, deodorants, shampoos
• Any electronic devices, including cellphones
• Any 100% cotton clothing
• Extra food - food in the tent can attract bears AND GET YOU INJURED!
• Wallet, keys, coins