r/philmont

Hey all, my crew is going to Philmont at the end of this month and I learned we're short on our WFA requirement. I need to get it done ASAP. I followed the link directly from the BSA site that leads to this: https://www.ecsinstitute.org/training-programs/online-courses/productdetails/9781284224719

That link says it's good for BSA, but this link makes it sound like it won't be. https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Philmont-First-Aid-and-CPR-Guideline-2026.pdf

Does anyone know if the ECS link will work?

For those who've used pack liners, can you describe what you've done? For example, did you simply place a plastic bag into your pack and load all your gear inside? How thick is the plastic (3mm - 9mm)? Did you forego access to the bottom of your pack assuming you have multiple access points to the main pack space? Did you use the pack liner in addition to a pack cover?

Thanks!

Has anyone been through Clear Creek this summer? A crusty, old backcountry staffer would love to see pictures!

I'll be heading to Philmont this Friday for 12 day trek. Can anyone tell me in what conditions a travel bag that is not going on the trek will be stored? Are they indoors in a climate controlled facility or outdoors, exposed to external temps? I know they're in lockers.

I ask because I'm planning to travel with my laptop but would not do so if it's stored and exposed to the temperature fluctuations.

Thanks!

Hello,

I am leaving to Philmont next week, and we will be on 9-4, so no dry camps. Our camps are McBride Canyon, Ponil, Elkhorn, Pueblano, Copper Park, and Miranda.

I just wanted to check how are the water levels doing, how the showers are, etc. I know that stream crossings can vary a lot from very dry to very high, and sometimes the water sources can be dry even at trail camps.

Can anyone whose been to any of these camps this season tell how its been so far?

I bought boots back in January and have used them on all my training hikes. They were okay the first couple of times but then started causing blisters. This past weekend was a very difficult training hike and I came home with horrible blisters. One on the bottom of my left foot and blisters on both sides of my toebox. Before you offer suggestions…. Here’s what I’ve tried:

Sock liners
Wool socks (darn tough and another brand)
Wools socks with liners
Moleskin with sock liners
Leukotape
Leukotape over moleskin

At this point I think it is just the shoes (which I was professionally fitted for and yes they have the Goretex to help with moisture wicking etc)

I feel like I’m doing everything right but now I’m panicked about a 12-day Philmont trek. I know there isn’t time to break in another pair but what else can I do? I’m very close to buying a pair of Hoka boots and just wearing them 24/7 until we leave lol. They seem very breathable. Help?!?!

My troop is leaving for Philmont In about 3 days. I am pretty confident that I have everything I need for the trip. However, I still have some last minute questions. (I would also like to ask for any packing/hiking tips anyone would like to provide)

1. Is the 4L water capacity on the Guide to Adventure needed? I have a Nalgene that I've been using on hikes for a long time. I also see lots of people using Smart water bottles, good idea?.

2. Why is the camera listed as an item that is supposed to go in the Bear Bag on the Guide to Adventure? I'm bringing a camera so I'd like to know.

3. How much sunscreen do we need to bring individually? I'm pretty used to wearing sunscreen in the summer - but the guide says we only need about 12 - 18 oz for the crew which doesn't seem right for a week long trek?

4. How is the weather there? I heard it can go down into the 30s and up to the 100s. However, when look at weather for Cimmaron it seems to be 50-80 next week. I know the weather on the mountains going to be different, what are your experiences like?

5. How big of an issue is elevation sickness?

6. About how much % of your body weight are you expected to carry?

7. How visible are the stars?

We are heading out on 9-6, rugged, 46 miles next week. With Abreu, Crater, Lake, Beaubien, Porcupine, Red Hills, Black Mountain, Shaefer's Pass and the Tooth of Time as our camps/highlights.

Wondering how many side miles we will hike in addition to the 46. I've read as few as six or as many as twelve.

Crew of 10, all first timers. I'm not so worried about the distance or pack weight, but the elevation is going to be brutal for us flatland Louisiana men.

We have a couple of adults that swear by them and others that don't think they are necessary.

What are your thoughts?

My brother and I attended Philmont for a trek overlapping June into July of 1978. I’ve looked through the photo archives and cannot find our crew picture. I don’t remember our trek number and only remember a few of the camps we stayed in along the way. Is there a history that can link a troop/city/state with the crew number?
My daughters are there now and I found their crew photo easily.