The Philmont Forum

Check out a new campfire song inspired by Philmont on Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz5sSZfM4gQ

Dim lights Embed Embed this video on your site

Fun to listen to.   Photos of a Mountain Trek.  Might be good addition to the Philmont song book to consider.

I was shocked when I encountered a female staff at Philmont that had no idea what a female urination device was. Any woman coming to Philmont needs to immediately order one on line to use while at Philmont. The device allows you the freedom to urinate standing up just like the guys. Forget the whole idea of squatting under a poncho. I ordered mine from Krista's cups and it worked great. I even used it in the tent at night with a beverage bottle so I didn't have to worry about bears.

Other items I strongly recommend are hiking poles, a wicking hat, an inflatable neck pillow, a camelback bladder, and clothes that fit. The hiking poles helped soften the load from my knees and actually built muscle in my arms. The wicking hat pulled sweat from my head and allowed it to evaporate. The pillow worked great for travel and camping and weighed almost nothing. Because of its shape it even allowed me to breathe when I slept on my stomach. I didn't have a Camelback, but I am going to buy one. The boys that had them did so much better and didn't have to stop to hydrate. I was always fiddling with my water bottles. I know how it is not wanting to spend another dime, but it will be worth every penny. I tried to save money by buying men's clothing. It was cheaper and the shirts are fine of course, but the pants are ill fitting and not very comfortable. I thought it was fine for a week, but I really regret the purchases now since I have been hiking twice since I returned last week and the pants are really uncomfortable. As I said, the women's versions are more expensive since they are harder to find, but now I realize it would have been worth it to spend the extra money for clothes that actually fit me comfortably.

I bought a lot of gear through Sierra Trading Post. They seemed to have very cheap pricing compared to the big box sports stores in our area. Good luck and enjoy. Our troop is talking about returning in three years and I can't wait. I LOVED every minute I spent at Philmont. Relax, let the boys take charge and enjoy it. Try not to mother them. I really bonded with the boys and I can only hope they enjoyed my company as much as I enjoyed theirs.

If your troop has won a 2011 trek through the lottery but are unable to use it, My troop is very interested in talking to you. We have a full group of boys that would love to attend but didn't get a trek for 2010 or 2011. You can email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Thanks!!

Can anyone confirm or deny a rumor?  Rumor is that only a certain type of "swallowable"
tooth paste is allowed at Philmont this year.  In other words spitting in the Sumps is not allowed.

Thanks

Hello All,

I have a question about Treking poles from anyone who has been to Philmont this year or last.  I have heard that Philmont is requiring that all treking poles have have rubber or plastic tip covers before hitting the trail.  I wanted to hear from anyone if they have heard this while at Philmont.  In '07 this was not an issue.

Peace,
Brian