Re: [Philmont]: Gear questions

The following is just my opinion. I am sure you will get many more....

>1. 6 - 12 Ziploc bags for packing clothes. Necessary? Are
compression sacks fine, or should one bring the Ziplocks too?

Ziplock bags are to keep them dry. I used a combination of folded
trash bags held tight with compression sacks. Not sure of the source
but one of our families brought a plastic roll up compression device
which seemed to work well. It had a one way valve which allowed them to
squeeze all the air out of the clothes.
 
>2. Is there a suggested way to pack one's sleep clothes to keep the
smells to a minimum?

We kept sleeping clothes packed inside the sleeping bag. Didn't get
in until we were clean and de-stunk. Sleep clothes were not used for
any other purpose.
 
>3. Besides sneakers, are there any particular types of "camp shoes"
that work better than others?

I used moccasins (sp?) with a rubber sole. (Those without a rubber
sole would not provide adequate protection for my tender feet)
  
>4. Deep bowls? Plastic or lexan materials ok? Is it best to have
them all the same for packing purposes?

I used a plastic cup for the first 2 treks and it worked fine. I added
a lexan bowl last trek and that allowed me to have a drink in a cup and
food in a bowl. It was a little added luxury. :-)
 
>5. Lexan fork, knife & spoon ok?

I never needed anything other than a lexan spoon.
  
>6. Flashlights - better to have a small flashlight or is a headlamp
better?

I like a headlamp - hands free to work. Used LED type for long battery
life and light weight. Did 6 pre treks and all of Philmont on one set
of batteries.
 
>7. Trail money - For what will the boys need money on the trail?
We're doing Trek 4.

None. Unless one of them has a specific need there is no reason for
them to enter the commissary stores. I carried $40 to purchase extra
fuel and camp suds (after my least cooperative adult decided that you
had to use half a bottle to get clean). Brought back most of the
money. Still, it is nice to have cash on hand if you have a crew
emergency need.
 
>8. Sewing kit - What should the kit include? Can we just buy it at
Philmont?

Needle, thread, thimble. Scissors from first aid kit will work.
 
>9. Metal tent pins - What type of tent pin is it? Should they
available locally or is it best to buy them at Philmont?

I took MSR ground hog stakes last time and never had a bit of trouble
with them. Lightweight and strong. They've also got a reflective loop
on the top that helps you find them in the dark (or walk around them
instead of tripping over them). I have replaced all my tent stakes with
MSR ground hog stakes.
 
>10. Spices - Other than salt & pepper, any particular seasonings that
are best to bring? Regular seasoning salt (i.e. Lawrys, etc.)?

Depends on whether you know how and intend to use them. They will
provide salt and pepper in your crew food. Mike Floyd our troop's
culinary expert has us carry parmesan cheese (really nice with the
tomato sauce meals) and a couple of other seasonings that some of the
crew used. They are always appreciated by those who want more spice in
their meals.

He also sent packs of Lipton dehydrated soups. We carried them until the
last day - a cold and dreary night on the stream in the valley. I can't
tell you how good those hot cups of soup tasted. :-)
 
>11. Is one multi-tool enough for a crew?

Yes - and a small one will do.

> In personal gear, it recommends each person to bring a small pocketknife.

We suggested one per tent. I have a 2" bladed stainless knife with a
hot pink plastic handle. Easy to see, lightweight, none of the boys
likely to pick it up and be seen in public with a pink knife. :-))
 
>12. White gas - If we bring one fuel bottle for each stove, will we
be able to refill them along the trail or do we need to carry ten days
worth of fuel?

There are commissaries where fuel can be purchased. I usually carry a
spare full bottle. If the weather gets cold and crew members need extra
hot meals of liquids, the extra fuel can come in handy.
  <>
>Any other tidbits of information you would deem important for a first
time crew to know would be greatly appreciated.
 
Take enough pre hikes with your full crew early on so that each crew
member can test equipment, see what others are using and make
adjustments. Most will want to improve their gear and Christmas before
a trek is a good time to ask for gear.

YiS
Doug
Troop 149
Watkinsville GA

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Received on Mon Jun 27 15:38:22 2005