Personal Equipment


Packing

  • Pack with padded hip belt (rental available). Select either:
    • External frame, with a capacity of approximately 4,000 cubic inches, or
    • Internal frame, with a capacity of approximately 4,800 cubic inches
  • Pack cover (waterproof nylon)
  • Six to 12 1-gallon Zip Lock plastic bags to pack clothes

Sleeping

  • Sleeping bag in stuff sack lined with plastic bag
  • Sleeping clothes to be worn only in sleeping bag (T-shirt and gym shorts)
  • Straps to hold sleeping bag on pack
  • Foam sleeping pad (closed-cell or Therm-a-Rest)

Clothing

Layer A (Hiking Clothes)

  • Hiking boots (well broken in)
  • Lightweight sneakers or tennis shoes
  • Three pair of heavy socks
  • Three pair of lighter inner socks (polypro)
  • Three changes of underwear
  • Two pair of hiking shorts
  • Two short-sleeve shirts (not nylon)
  • One hat or cap (flexible, with brim)

Layer B (Cool Evening

  • One long-sleeve shirt (wool or flannel)
  • One pair of long pants (cotton or nylon; not heavy jeans)
  • One pair of insulated underwear (polypro)

Layer C (Cold)

  • One sweater or jacket (wool or polar fleece)
  • One stocking cap (wool or polypro)
  • One pair of glove liners or mittens (wool or polypro)

Layer D (Cold, Wet, Windy)

  • One sturdy rain suit (A)

Eating

  • Deep bowl (small, plastic)
  • Cup (measuring style)
  • Spoon
  • Three or four 1-quart water bottles (BB, A)

Personal and Miscellaneous

  • Small pocketknife (A)
  • Matches and lighter in waterproof container (BB, A)
  • Flashlight (small with extra batteries and bulb)
  • Philmont map (A)
  • Two bandanas or handkerchiefs (BB)
  • Money ($10 to $20 in small bills)
  • Lip balm (at least SPF 25) such as ChapStick (BB, A)
  • Soap (biodegradable) (BB, S)
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (BB)
  • Small towel
  • Tampons/sanitary napkins (BB)
  • Sunglasses (inexpensive)
  • Ditty bag (for personal items in bear bag)

Optional

  • Camera and film (BB)
  • Whistle
  • Watch (inexpensive)
  • Fishing equipment and licenses
  • Postcards (stamped)
  • Rubber bands (large, for packing)
  • Foot powder (BB, S)
  • Notepad and pen
  • Daypack for side hikes (S)

Note: No radios, tape/CD/MP3 players, video game devices, or hammocks. Cellular telephones are discouraged. Do not bring deodorant or perfumes.

Key

  • (BB) Packed together in a plastic bag to be placed in bear bag at night.
  • (S) Share with buddy.
  • (A) Easily accessible in pack or carried on person.