Re: [Philmont]: Tenderfoot Questions

Martin,

Good questions. Here are my opinions with background notes.

Pack size is an open question. You'll see some HUGE packs at base camp.
Before you hit the trail, your crew will have to figure out how to carry all its
food, water, clothing, and equipment. Philmont food is bulky. It does not
lash to the outside of packs well. Equipment, on the other hand, may attach to
external locations in some cases. Cooking pots take up space, but have space
inside for "stuff." They fit inside internal frame packs and large pack bags,
but you must pack carefully in order not to create a smellable out of the
pack.

If you have small crew members, larger crew members probably will have to
shoulder more of the load. I'd use the 30% rule, if it was left to me. Less fit
crew members may have to shed weight once out on the trail. Again, shifting
weight to others is a possible option. Pack volume and weight will depend on
the individual. 3000 cubic inches might be a good planning minimum for an
external frame pack because you've got capacity to attach equipment outside the
bag. You may have some options on where you carry your water bottles. If you
carry a fanny pack, you will have some extra room there. Remember, internal
frame and external frame packs are designed differently and not directly
comparable for "volume" discussions. There may be points on both internal and
external packs where you can "hang" or "attach" items, like cameras and water
bottles to take them out of the volume calculation. Others will offer advice, I'm
sure.

Example: Our crew's packs ranged from 40 - 55 pounds, including water, when
we left base camp for the trail. Our crew of 11 was collectively fit. Our
body weights ranged from about 125 to about 180; our ages from 14 to 56. Two
adults; nine youth under 20. Most carried internal frame packs; 3 carried
external frame Keltys. We had to carry food for 12 because that's the way it's
packaged... swap boxes along the trail let you drop off food you don't use (and
pick up food others don't use). Your packaging waste won't take up much space
if you compress it carefully, and you'll be able to dispose of it at selected
camps along your route.

Boots. Get 'em broken in before reaching Philmont. Material is less
important that durability and good fit. Laced boots are preferred. Boys should know
how to tie their shoes so they stay tied! Philmont trails are rocky in
general, wet occasionally, and hard under foot compared to our trails here in the
southeastern US. Stream crossings do exist. Good foot protection and ankle
support are essential. Gaiters are optional; some swear by them. Ample space
at the toe will protect against jammed toenails or toe tip blisters on the
downhills. Watch out at the heel and be sure the fit is good there. Remember,
feet can muscle up and grow a bit during Philmont prep hikes, so a bit of extra
space at the toe for 2 pair of socks and bigger feet is a very good idea. On
the other hand, people losing significant weight in preparation for a Philmont
trek will find their feet get smaller (less fat). Really! Make sure boots
are wide enough for comfortable wear, 2 pair of socks (some wear 3), and normal
expansion/contraction during the day. For the growing boys in your crew,
delay boot purchases until March or April, and then be sure they break them in
well before the trek. Calluses are good. Bring them with you to Philmont.
Getting blisters at Philmont isn't fun and may not build character either.
Sprained or twisted ankles may end your trek and possibly your crew's trek.

Temperatures at Philmont, like rainfall, will vary year to year both by month
and with elevation. Base camp is 6500 feet and the rest of the ranch goes
pretty much up hill from there. In late July this year, base camp was hot (90s)
compared to everywhere else we went on the ranch. Nobody wanted to stay one
extra minute in base camp. It can snow in June/July/August in the back
country. Remember, what's cold for one person may not be for another. Plan your
clothes in layers. A light pair of gloves would be in order. You may not use
them, but you'll be glad you had them if it's cold and wet. A light, fleece
cap would be a good accessory, especially for those who chill easily or have
little/no hair. There's plenty of good advice on Coop Wright's resource
pamphlet, this list, and in the material Philmont sends out. Layers are the key. In
a pinch, you can sleep in layers as well as walk around in them.

Teach your crew to be neat and keep food off their clothing. That's no joke!
 Clothing up in a bear bag because you spilled something on it won't do you
much good if you're chilly at night.
  

Have fun.

Charlie Pineo
Crew Advisor, Philmont 2003, Trek 4, Expedition 721-B
Woodstock, GA

In a message dated 11/14/2003 6:20:14 PM Eastern Standard Time,
mjj1@lucent.com writes:

> Subj: RE: [Philmont]: Request for 2004 participants to announce their plans
>
> Date: 11/14/2003 6:20:14 PM Eastern Standard Time
> From: <A HREF="mailto:mjj1@lucent.com">mjj1@lucent.com</A>
> Reply-to: <A HREF="mailto:philmont@troop47.com">philmont@troop47.com</A>
> To: <A HREF="mailto:philmont@troop47.com">philmont@troop47.com</A>
> Sent from the Internet
>
>
>
> Rich,
> Having spent a year enjoying the Canoe List prior to our three crews
> canoeing up at Sommers this past summer, I have been surprised by how quiet the
> Philmont list seems in comparison. Perhaps it was the constant dialog from a few
> opinionated individuals that make the canoe list seem livelier.
> We have two crews of fairly young scouts going to Philmont with the Three
> Fires Council (Illinois) contingent this upcoming June. Many went to Sommers
> this year, so they learned the basics of minimal personal gear, bear safety,
> stove cooking, etc. However, we don't have a great deal of experience
> backpacking. So here's a few "tenderfoot" questions:
>
> * How large (in volume, cubic inches) a backpack do the scouts typically
> carry? Or another way to look at it, how much volume do they need to carry
> their share of the crew gear (above and beyond their personal gear)? And how
> closely do we need to enforce a maximum pack weight on the scouts -- I've heard
> its 25% to 30% of their body weight.
> * Do the scouts need to invest in expensive watertight leather boots, or
> will less expensive nylon and leather combinations work? Some of these kids
> will grow two shoes sizes between now and June!
> * What are the average high/low temeperatures in June at Philmont, and the
> corresponding requirements for clothing and sleeping bags?
>
> We are currently working with our Council contingent leaders and others
> who've been to Philmont to choose a trek route. Thanks in advance for all the
> list's collective wisdom.
> ________________________________________
> Martin Johnson
> Troop 34 Wheaton, Illinois
>

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Received on Mon Nov 17 12:30:34 2003