Backpacking

Backpacking Guide and Checklists

Philmont Specific Info

Resources

Lists of Gear

Take less. Enjoy more. Stick to the list. Weigh your stuff and replace heavier items with lighter ones.

Shopping for Gear

Signup for emails to watch sales & receive coupons. You seldom need to pay full price. Also remember that you can borrow or rent almost any piece of gear you need.

General Backpacking Food Ideas

  1. Download Backpacking Menu Guide (5 downloads) based on Philmont meals.
  2. Visit our Camping Recipes page for more ideas.
  3. Visit BackpackingChef.com for ideas and recipes!

Advancement Opportunities on a Backpacking Trip

The Spring backpacking weekend is a great opportunity to earn advancement in some fundamental Scout outdoor skills. It is possible for Scouts to receive credit towards ranks and a few merit badges with a little extra preparation.

Scouts should read the requirements in the Scout Handbook or Merit Badge Pamphlet prior to the hike so they will be prepared to complete the requirements on the hike.

If pursuing one of the Merit Badges below, you MUST meet with a counselor before the hike. Some requirements may require homework to be done before the hike in order to count toward the requirement.

Rank Advancement Opportunities

  • Tenderfoot: 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 4d, 5a, 5b, 5c
  • Second Class: 1a, 1b, 1c, 2c, 2d, 3a, 3b (5 mile hike with compass), 3c, 3d, 4
  • First Class: 1a, 1b, 4b (if we have a GPS), 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d

Merit Badge Opportunities

1. Camping: Requirements 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9b;

For those intending on working on Camping Merit Badge at Summer Camp at a minimum you should be working on requirements 7B “Properly packed pack” and 8C & 8D “Camp Menu & Cooking a Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner”.  If desired the “Trail Meal” can be done on this campout and the other meals done at the Orienteering Campout.  As long as you carry a pack one trip for 9B will be completed.  We are looking for a conservation project for 9C.

2. Cooking: Requirement 6;

3. Hiking: Requirements 2, 3, 4 and 6;

For scouts attending Philmont, the weekend could count for the first required hike. With planning, all scouts attending Philmont should be able to earn this badge.

4. Backpacking: Requirements 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.