Taken from the Philmont Advisor's Guide, a 119 page unofficial compilation of advice from Philmont advisors and rangers. The Guide is available as a MS Word email attachment for $10. Email me directly should you want a copy.
Personal Equipment
For most first time Philmont hikers, it is not unusual to spend $400 to $600 in equipment. The most often purchased items are boots, sleeping bags, packs, and rain gear. Hopefully, the decision to go to Philmont comes prior to holidays so that some of the gear may be obtained as holiday presents.
Most outfitting stores recommend leather hiking boots for Philmont because of the support they provide when compared to high-tech synthetic boots. However, leather boots cost more and are harder to break in. Wally’s son Wes required a new set of boots each time he went to Philmont because his feet grew. Spending $125 to $200 on leather boots just does not make sense when a synthetic pair of boots costing $40 to $90 will work just as well. Outfitting stores will also say that synthetic boots will fall apart due to the ruggedness of Philmont’s trails. In his twelve trips to Philmont, Wally has never seen a synthetic boot fail. Coop knows several Appalachian Trail thru-hikers that experienced no problems with synthetic boots. In fact, several thru-hikers preferred the synthetic boots because of their ability to dry out faster than all leather boots. In 2002 and 2005, Mimi Hatch used an all-synthetic boot, the Asolo GTX FSN 95 women’s model, and came through without a blister. In fact, she didn’t even need any moleskin or Spiroflex.
The jury is still out on Gore-Tex boots. During Coop’s 1998 Philmont trek, the boots that got the wettest during a heavy downpour were Gore-Tex, but the product has improved substantially since that time. Initially just used to create Gor-Tex booties for boot linings, Gore-Tex now treats most synthetic boots, which allows them to provide waterproofing qualities equal to full-grain leather. Many Rangers swear by their Gore-Tex boots. Ranger Evan Bowser says “I LOVE MY GOR-TEX!! If you treat it with love, it will keep your feet dry.” If water enters the boots from the ankle opening, you need to take them off and pour the water out because while Gor-Tex wicks moisture away from your feet, it also traps water in. Evan also reminds crews that branding is bad for the Gor-Tex. It is important that crews know that once they brand their boots, the Gor-Tex will never be as good as it was. In addition, branding boots voids any warranty that the boot may have. Just like with Gore-Tex clothing, your boots will function better if an appropriate waterproofing treatment is applied to the outside of the boot if Gore-Tex is just contained in the boot liner. The Gore-Tex membrane keeps water from getting inside the boot, and the waterproofing helps keep the water outside of the boot. Evan recommends Sno-Seal, while Mimi Hatch and Ranger Greg Hoyt advocate Nix-Wax waterproofing products.
In any case, if new boots are needed, plan on purchasing them in early March. This will provide enough time to break in the boots while reducing the possibility of them being outgrown by Philmont. If you do buy leather boots, make sure that they have been waterproofed several times before you head to Philmont.
Some hikers have replaced their boots insoles with a more expensive gel type insoles. In 2002, Mimi replaced her insoles with SuperFeet insoles on the recommendation of several outdoor outfitters. She felt that her new insoles distributed the weight of her foot better and was a factor in her blister-free trek. Most of Dave Parmly’s 2004 crew used them and did not experience any blister problems. They also tend to provide more positive arch support.
If you choose to do this, be sure to try out the new insoles during your shakedown hikes. It is not uncommon for your feet to ache slightly or to feel a slight discomfort the first few you’re your use these insoles because of the additional support provided and the different muscle groups used. Coop replaced his insoles and found that the new insole raised his heel out of the boot’s heel cup and caused a blister. Typically replacement insoles work best when they replace the original insoles, and are not placed on top of them. Because some boots require “high volume” insoles while others use “low volume” insoles, it is probably a good idea to take your boots with you when you buy you insoles to ensure you get the right type.
It is important that the boot be fitted properly. If your sales clerk does not know how to fit your boots, we recommend going to another store. Boots should always be fitted using the same socks that you plan to use on the trail. Usually, you can tell if you boot fits properly if you can fit one finger behind the heel of your foot after you have kicked your toes as far forward as possible in an unlaced boot. We recommend that you wear a loaded backpack while you try on your boots in the store, especially if you have high or flexible arches. Most stores will allow you to return your boots if you HAVE NOT worn them outside, so take them home, wear them and make sure they fit. REI allows returns on anything purchased in their store, even after use. So if a crew member has problems with boot fit, they may want to consider purchasing their boots at REI and to have the option of returning them after a shakedown if they don’t work out.
All crew members should wear two layers of socks unless using newer high tech socks designed to be worn alone. The inner layer should be a synthetic (polypropylene or CoolMax) sock liner. The liner wicks the moisture away from the foot to the outer sock. When the foot is dry, there is a decreased chance of a getting a blister. Some of the new high tech socks state that an inner layer sock is not required, and there are a growing numbers of hikers who successfully trek without sock liners. Christian Braunlich, a Philmont Ranger and REI employee, still uses two layers even when he wears his high tech socks for the extra protection. Heavy wool socks, as outer layers are great. However, some crewmembers do not like the feel of wool socks and they take a long time to dry out once they get wet.
Coop likes the all-synthetic Thorlo Hiking sock that does not itch and dries quickly because it contains no wool. Wally, Mimi and Mary Lane use Smart Wool socks, and Mimi pairs hers with Fox River X-Static liners which hold their shape well and contain silver-coated fibers to kill bacteria and fungus. Stephen Braunlich used Dalhgren Low Volume Alpaca wool for 75% of his hiking and never got a blister. The rest of the time he used a set of REI Merino wool socks. Even though these socks contain wool, they are very soft and dry much quicker than the all-wool ragg socks.
Like most backpacking equipment, it really comes down to a matter of personal choice. Whatever type you use, pack three pairs of outer socks and two or three pairs of sock liners. Make sure that you check the condition of your crew’s socks before you head for Philmont. Look for badly worn spots that will lead to blisters on the trail. Too often, crewmembers will buy new boots and neglect to buy new socks. Socks do wear out! If the socks’ padding capability is worn down, get new ones.
Hikers also need to pack an in-camp shoe that can be worn once you get into camp and can get your boots off. A set of moccasins or running shoes makes an excellent in-camp shoe. Crocs are becoming more popular as a lightweight in-camp shoe. Teva or Chaco style sandals without closed toes are now permitted in the backcountry, although Philmont requires that they be worn with socks. If sandals are selected as camp shoes, they are not permitted in cooking or activity areas. Philmont still requires the wear of a closed toe shoe or boot when cooking, branding, rock climbing, horseback riding, spar pole climbing, and your conservation project.
Getting into in-camp shoes gives your feet a rest and gives you an opportunity to sun dry your boots. You may want to bring along a set of in-camp socks. Mimi uses a Coolmax anklet style for her in-camp sock that is cooler and lighter than wool and dries quickly when washed. Whatever type of in-camp shoe you choose should have a low impact sole that keeps it from further damaging the ground of your already over-camped camp site. In-camp shoes should be easy to get on and off for those late night visits to the latrine. And finally, they should be comfortable enough for you to hike in to the next campsite, if you are having severe boot problems.
Cooper Wright
Co-editor of the Philmont Advisor's Guide
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Received on Wed Dec 5 06:09:46 2007
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