Getting Ready

A Double H expedition begins at home. Months before arriving at the Double H, your crew should begin planning and training. Several tasks must be completed when the advisor receives the "expedition advisor's kit".

Medical Records and Physical Evaluation

You must fill out a Health and Medical Record and have a physical evaluation performed by your doctor before departing for the Double H. (Physical examinations are not available at the Double H.) These evaluations are valid for one year from the date of examination. You are required to have had a tetanus shot or booster within ten years. A current measles vaccination is highly recommended. Participants must not exceed the maximum weight shown on the Philmont Weight Limit Chart.

Physical Training

A Double H Trek is physically demanding. Even if you are able to pass a standard physical examination with flying colors, you will need to get in shape for the Double H. There is no establish trail system and steep climbs are typical. Also, there is 20-30 percent less oxygen at the Double H elevations than at sea level. And remember, you will be carrying a pack that weighs 35 to 50 pounds. Breathing will be labored, especially at the start of your trek.

A program of regular aerobic exercise, started three months or more before you come to the Double H is highly recommended. Exercise for at least 30 minutes 3 to 4 times a week at an intensity that boosts your heart rate about 75% of your maximum. An average maximum heart rate is 220 minus your age. If you are older than 40, or have not been very active, consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

Jogging, hiking uphill or up long flights of stairs, and hiking with a full pack are excellent preparation. Other aerobic exercises such as swimming, bicycling, and aerobic exercise classes can be used to supplement your training. Start slowly and gradually increase the duration of your exercise.

Exercise individually or with other members of your crew, set aside regular periods of time to do it. Plan to be in top physical shape when you arrive at the Double H ... you will enjoy your experience more and be less likely to have a medical problem.

Sharpen Your Hiking and Camping Skills

Time and effort spent in sharpening your hiking and camping skills will allow you more time to enjoy the natural beauties and program features of the Double H. The best way to practice and develop these skills is to participate in several outings with your crew. Use the Backpacking Merit Badge Pamphlet or Venturing Backpacking pamphlet to guide your preparation and training.

Gathering Your Equipment

Backpacking requires proper equipment just as any outdoor sport. Without suitable equipment, you will face unnecessary hardships. Take only what you need. After several overnight camps you should be able to conduct your own shakedown to eliminate items that you didn't need. Remember, the key to successful backpacking is to go lightly. Check your equipment against the recommended list. This is the maximum. All backpackers can reduce this list and still be comfortable, clean, and safe.

Organizing Your Crew

A well-organized crew gets its chores accomplished quickly and has more time to enjoy the Double H. Your crew should be organized before you arrive at the Double H. If your crew is a chartered unit, this should be easy. If your crew is a provisional council group, it is especially important to be organized.

Each crew should elect a crew leader several months prior to coming to the Double H. Your adult advisor counsels and advises your crew leader and crew. The advisor assists if discipline is required. With the assistance of your Wilderness Guide, your advisor is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of each crew member. However, the advisor must let the crew leader lead the crew.

Your crew leader is responsible for organizing the crew, assigning duties, making decisions and recognizing the capabilities and limitations of each member. He or she leads by example and discusses ideas and alternatives with the entire crew to arrive at a consensus before taking action. This responsibility requires someone with leadership ability who is respected by everyone.

Each crew should also select a chaplain aide, perhaps a member of the crew who has received a religious award in Scouting. The chaplain aide is responsible for assisting the crew in meeting their responsibility to the 12th point of the Scout Law, as well as working with the crew leader and advisor to ensure the smooth operation of the crew.

A daily duty roster will help to organize your crew. Each crew member is assigned a responsibility for each day. Jobs should be rotated so that at least one experienced and one new crew member work together. Every job should be clearly defined. Your crew should have a list of all tasks for each job so that everyone knows what is expected. A form is provided on your crew leader copy.

Backpacking: Setting the Pace

If you pack properly, backpacking will be much easier. Practice hikes will help. Your pace is key to good backpacking. It should be slow enough to allow everyone to keep together without bunching up. A steady, constant pace is best. When climbing steep grades, your pace should be slower, but still constant. Always keep your crew together. A medical emergency is the only reason to separate from your crew.

Rest stops should be short and frequent. Any member of the crew can call for a rest stop at anytime. Sixty second rests will let you catch your breath. Learn to rest without removing your pack; if you bend over and loosen your hip strap, you can remove the weight from your shoulders. Deep breathing works best for high altitude backpacking on the Double H.

Conserving Energy

Use as many energy-saving techniques as possible; nibble snacks and drink plenty of liquids to sustain you throughout the day. On steep ascents, use the "rest step". Place the sole and heel of one foot flat on the ground. Lean forward and momentarily lock your knee. For an instant the bones of your leg and hips will support your weight, allowing the muscles of your thigh and calf to rest. Repeat this sequence with your other foot. Your pace will slow, but you will save energy and make steady progress up the mountainside.

Use rhythmic breathing in conjunction with the rest step. To breath rhythmically, synchronize your breaths with your steps. On moderate slopes, take one breath per step; on steep slopes, take two or three breaths per step to take in more oxygen.

Map/Compass/GPS

Learn and practice your map and compass skills. You should be able to know where you are at all times and where you are headed. Look at a map. Do you know what the symbols mean? What do the colors-black, brown, blue, green, white, and red stand for?

Brown contour lines are particularly significant. Depending upon the map, each brown line represents a 20 foot or 40 foot climb; the more lines you cross on an upward route, the tougher the climb. Steep descents are tough, too.

You must be able to orient a map and understand symbols and scale. The Fieldbook and Orienteering Merit Badge Pamphlet are excellent resources.

The Double H uses USGS Sectional maps that are available through the Tooth of Time Traders at Philmont (www.toothoftimetraders.com). A GPS unit will be available for your crew to use on the trail.

Be Prepared for Extremes of Weather

Be prepared for extreme weather variations at the Double H. Afternoon temperatures in low valleys can be hot (100 degrees or more), and night temperatures could drop to freezing.

The Double H can be extremely dry and then a sudden downpour will soak everything. Periods of rain lasting several days may occur. Fortunately, New Mexico's low humidity allows wet clothing and gear to dry quickly after the rain stops. Rain occurs most frequently in the afternoon and may last an hour, all night, or several days. Small hail or sleet often accompanies rain. Mountain weather is fickle—anything can happen, and often does. Snow is possible, even during the summer. Weather conditions vary from one area of the ranch to another depending upon elevation, terrain and irregular weather patterns.

You should be prepared for all of the above weather conditions.