Philmont Tips, Tricks, and Lessons Learned

This page is a repository of resources gathered from voluntary submissions of participants after returning from Philmont in 2024. It's purpose is to provide tips, tools, and insights for future trekkers. The order of display is the order in which submissions were received.

If you would like to submit to this page, please contact brianandlaurakeenan@gmail.com

WORD OF CAUTION: What works for some won't work for all. If you are new to backpacking, or of limited experience, be careful when adopting any single person's recommendations - especially with regards to gear. Philmont's recommended items list is conservative and built on years of experience. That's not to say that better solutions don't exist. (If you carefully study the gear I took verses what Philmont recommends, you'll see I deviate significantly in a number of places. But I have many years experience, and know what compromises and risks I'm taking.) If you aren't sure, or don't have significant experience to know better, you should default to Philmont's recommendations.

Click HERE for a curated/aggregated summary of the submissions below. (This feature to be enabled after the 2024 Philmont season has completed, and all submissions have been submitted.)

Jeff Cress, Administrator of Philmont Trek Talk Facebook Groop, Troop 49, Gibsonville, North Carolina. Multiple treks. Jeff has put together a page devoted to Philmont on Gear-Report.com, Also hosts monthly Philmont Trek Talk Q&A sessions. LOTS of good info. This should be your first stop when looking for info, lessons learned, and recommendations, especially on gear.

Brian Keenan, Troop 485, San Antonio Texas, 2023 629-9F, Itinerary 9-12 (Super Strenuous).