RE: [Philmont]: Pack Weights at Philmont <under weight boys thread>

Snip <"Strictly enforce 20% for smaller boys. This limits the 100 pound
and below boys participation to the very special. Once the boys
approach 150 lbs, I pay much less attention. So does Philmont.">

We took a crew of 9 scouts and 3 advisors to Philmont in 2002. Our pack
weights with normal water ranged from 35 pounds to 47 pounds. Normal
water defined by me is 3 litres.

Advisors carried 43-47 pound packs. The advisors all worked to get in
backpacking shape, but at altitude and dry, trail camp water weights the
advisors were puffing. The advisors helped one another shoulder their
packs as opposed to being manly and doing it solo. All the advisors
should be in shape. You are there for the scouts, without you they
don't have a trek. Check out the great advice in the "Philmont Advisors
Guide" by Cooper Wright and Wally Feuratdo. (Try to spell that real
fast 10 times) This is the best $10 an advisor will spend prior to the
fun stuff at Tooth of Time Traders. "Philmont Advisors Guide" is
available from CoopWright@aol.com .

The scouts weighed from 100 to 150 pounds (aged 13.8 to 14.8). In this
case the oldest scout was also the lightest. The 100 pounder carried
35-37 pounds and the heavier, larger scouts carried 39-43 pounds with
normal water.

Our ranger did not press this issue real hard, but I know that he
observed the scouts and the adults closely during his time with us to
evaluate our ability to handle our trek. If he had seen our 100 pounder
struggling, he would have asked for weight to be shifted around. One of
our larger scouts was our least enthusiastic backpacker and did not
train well. He struggled on the long hike from Sawmill to Mt. Phillips
and we had to share his load. This was a heavy water day as well, since
there is no water along this trail. Make sure all scouts are able to
handle the trek you have chosen. The Phimont Advisors Guide covers this
in detail as well.

I would not worry too much about the enthusiastic, well-trained 100
pound scout. Your biggest problem may be fitting his pack, not how much
he is able to carry. (Hip implants maybe)

Thanks to Rich for seeding the list.

Larry Sims
Philmont 2004 Expedition Coordinator
718-G1 1965
609-A3 2002
610-C4 2004
IWTGBTP

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Received on Sat Nov 15 08:40:25 2003