Some thoughts after our most recent trip to Philmont:

-         Bring your contingent jacket on the train it’s chilly

-         Pack a small pillow for the train

-         Pack comfortable shoes for the return trip

-         When you come off the trail use the trail bound showers as they are  warmer

-         Purchase a liner for your sleeping bag it adds warmth and keeps it clean

-         Make sure your boots are fit correctly for steep descents to prevent toe injury

-         Stream crossings can be deep, wear over the ankle boots to prevent overtopping

-         Thick socks not thin

-         Dr shoal inserts for your boots

-         Take extra carabineers and mark them if you want yours back

-         Take some sort of pack chair

-         Adults need to begin aerobic conditioning no later than Jan 1^st you will have difficulty keeping up with the kids no matter how strong you are.

-         Mixed crews must meet often to bond

-         The crew leader is in charge not the adults if you bring a GPS keep it to yourself

-         Sunglasses are important

-         Platypus Big Zip is better than a camel back because it can be refilled while still in your pack, watch for sales

-         Practice cooking with your stoves make sure the boys can repair them and take two

-         The KELTY Noah’s tarp is a great rain fly

-         You only need 3 shirts wear one pack 2 at the most in fact you can really get by with 2

-         Same with shorts

-         Bring a multi tool or Swiss army knife with scissors to cut mole skin

-         Take extra mole skin

-         On at least one shakedown hike for 6 to 8 hours no matter what the mileage to prepare for the grueling days

-         A bright head lamp is important for early camp break down

-         Bring a spice wheel

-         Put a luggage tag on your pack for AMTRAK

-         Bring extra strong large zip lock bags

-         As soon as you select and win your TREK in March get the maps and have your crew leader study them

-         Get Claritin D enough for several people for each day

-         Bring a few TAMPONS for bloody noses

-         Always always ask for more toilet paper at each staffed camp

-         Mark your smellable nalgen

-         Nalgenes with straws are easier to drink from when hiking

-         Simple Simons calzones are great but too much for one person so share them