-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
philmont
- Thread starter KB3UBW
- Start date
Just go prepared to have fun! I went with my son and 8 other scouts and adults in 2005. We had a blast!
The best part of the trip for me was the last night on the trail. We camped at the foot of Urraca Mesa. We all went to sleep early that night because we were tired and there wasn't much to do there (it's an unstaffed camp). I woke up at 3 am, so I got out of the tent, put my chair flat on the ground so I could lie down, and spent two hours looking at the night sky. There was absolutely NO light pollution so I saw everything, including the International Space Station streaking across the sky. It was incredible.
The better you prepare the more fun you'll have, so don't stop training. Hike as much as you can with the equipment you'll be using. Get the entire crew to do the same.
Oh, and watch out for the mini bears!
The best part of the trip for me was the last night on the trail. We camped at the foot of Urraca Mesa. We all went to sleep early that night because we were tired and there wasn't much to do there (it's an unstaffed camp). I woke up at 3 am, so I got out of the tent, put my chair flat on the ground so I could lie down, and spent two hours looking at the night sky. There was absolutely NO light pollution so I saw everything, including the International Space Station streaking across the sky. It was incredible.
The better you prepare the more fun you'll have, so don't stop training. Hike as much as you can with the equipment you'll be using. Get the entire crew to do the same.
Oh, and watch out for the mini bears!
Liberando
Basic Member
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2010
- Messages
- 509
Enjoy...truly one of the best scouting adventures ever. I went on a trek in the '70s.
I concur with Daddyo...the better your fitness, the more you'll enjoy it.
The weather can range from hot to very rainy and cold at the higher elevations...good rain gear is important.
Savor every moment! Best wishes.
I concur with Daddyo...the better your fitness, the more you'll enjoy it.
The weather can range from hot to very rainy and cold at the higher elevations...good rain gear is important.
Savor every moment! Best wishes.
- Joined
- Dec 21, 2006
- Messages
- 284
I completd a Philmont 98 mile trek in 1997 with my father - we both enjoyed it immensely and it is one of my fondest memories with my father.
I agree with the folks who said be in good shape to enjoy - my dad (46 at the time) and myself 16, were in excellent shape as I was a Cross country runner and he had been running for about 2 years prior to the trip - and we both lost about 15 lbs off our 200 lb + frames! Up and down mountains with a 40-50 lb pack is not the time to find out you need more exercise in you life... I typically cycle 1hr 3X per week (because I don't like running) with 1-2 weights sessions; if I were going to Philmont this summer I would add some runs into my PT routine get my joints up to the strain.
One gear recommendation: Gaitors - my father & I did not have them (we had rain pants instead - which were a waste of volume & weight), and gaiters are easy on & off in the early morning dew or work great for hiking in the rain with a decent lightweight poncho. Rain pants are a PITA to get on & off and are too hot for hiking IMHO. Don't make the mistake of thinking there won't be any rain - get good, multifunction rain gear & a pack cover.
I agree with the folks who said be in good shape to enjoy - my dad (46 at the time) and myself 16, were in excellent shape as I was a Cross country runner and he had been running for about 2 years prior to the trip - and we both lost about 15 lbs off our 200 lb + frames! Up and down mountains with a 40-50 lb pack is not the time to find out you need more exercise in you life... I typically cycle 1hr 3X per week (because I don't like running) with 1-2 weights sessions; if I were going to Philmont this summer I would add some runs into my PT routine get my joints up to the strain.
One gear recommendation: Gaitors - my father & I did not have them (we had rain pants instead - which were a waste of volume & weight), and gaiters are easy on & off in the early morning dew or work great for hiking in the rain with a decent lightweight poncho. Rain pants are a PITA to get on & off and are too hot for hiking IMHO. Don't make the mistake of thinking there won't be any rain - get good, multifunction rain gear & a pack cover.
+1 on the gaitors. My son and I both had a pair, and even though we only saw rain one day (and that was just a cloudburst), they kept the small rocks out of our boots.
For a mere $10, I highly recommend obtaining a copy of the Philmont Advisor's Guide:
http://www.bacphilmont.org/pag.html
It has everything you'll ever need to know about hiking at Philmont.
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2003
- Messages
- 20,207
Weight loss of over a pound a day is common. That unhealthy level of weight loss is attributable to inadequate calories. Take dehydrated potatoes to bulk up meals an hit the "swap boxes" hard. You will still lose weight.
You might appreciate some spices, as well.
Unless things have changed drastically, mileages are aerial, not trail miles. So "eight miles" can be sixteen, primarily dependent on switchbacks.
Consider some Life Straws to avoid long waits for Chlorine dioxide to do its work.
Sunrise from a high point, like the night sky on a moonless night, will be remembered.
Get started very early each day.
Great place!
You might appreciate some spices, as well.
Unless things have changed drastically, mileages are aerial, not trail miles. So "eight miles" can be sixteen, primarily dependent on switchbacks.
Consider some Life Straws to avoid long waits for Chlorine dioxide to do its work.
Sunrise from a high point, like the night sky on a moonless night, will be remembered.
Get started very early each day.
Great place!
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2011
- Messages
- 687
Philmont was insanely fun. I didnt lack in gear, just standard hiking stuff. It was there that I fell in love with knives too. Oh, definitely bring a camera, you will want those pictures. And good socks will make your feet happy. I am a sock person lol. 5 pairs of socks and 1 underwear for me. I still remember waking up at 2 to chase away a bear in our campsite haha
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2003
- Messages
- 20,207
A good stiff clip securely attached to the outside of your pack lets the socks dry after they have been rinsed out.