Backpacking Guide and Checklists
Philmont Specific Info
Resources
- 2021 Itineraries – Not yet set!
- See the 2019 Itineraries – Trek 17 for Crew 01 and Trek 12 for Crew 02
- Philmont 2019 Unit Planning Guide – This is your bible. Read it.
- Get the official scoop on philmontscoutranch.org, and the official Philmont Instagram
- See what it’s like: Philmont 2019 Troop 118 Photos from Crew 1 and Crew 2, Philmont 2017 Troop 118 Photos
- See Philmont Discussion on Reddit to learn what other scouts, advisors and Philmont Rangers are saying.
- See the Philmont Discussion on Backpacking Light to really lighten your pack.
- Read the Philmont Wikipedia Page.
Lists of Gear
Take less. Enjoy more. Stick to the list. Weigh your stuff and replace heavier items with lighter ones.
- Philmont Official Equipment List for What to Bring (Online version. Also see details on pages 45-48 of the Unit Guide above. Stick to this list and you can’t go wrong.). Here’s the PDF download of the same official list.
- If you want to manage your list using the free online tool at LighterPack.com, here’s the Philmont Official list with estimated weights on LighterPack.com. Download the CSV file of the Philmont Personal Items to use in Excel or upload the excel file into your own lighterpack.com account (it’s free to use) to manage your personalized list and share it with your crew.
- Download Troop 118 2017 Backpacking Guide
- Download Troop Weekend Backpacking Checklists
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.
- REI & REI Outlet (Membership required for some deals. Wait for seasonal deals)
- SierraTradingPost.com
- Campsaver.com
- Campmor.com
- Backcountry.com
- SteepandCheap.com
- BackCountryEdge.com
- Amazon.com (Not always your best first choice because cheap knock-offs abound. Prices aren’t always cheaper than other online stores.)
- Craiglist.com
- Facebook Marketplace
- Offline check out Walmart for deals!
General Backpacking Food Ideas
- Download Backpacking Menu Guide (5 downloads) based on Philmont meals.
- Visit our Camping Recipes page for more ideas.
- 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.