These are the items you should either wear on the first day of the trek or have easily accessible in your pack. You’ll use them frequently - some every day, others as needed - so make sure they’re packed where you can reach them quickly. This gear helps you stay prepared, safe, and comfortable from the very first step on the trail. Below is Troop 589’s recommended list based on years of Philmont experience.
Your full pack, loaded and ready for the trail. Make sure it’s adjusted for comfort and weight distribution.
Multipurpose gear for sun protection, sweat wiping, or even as a towel in a pinch.
A sturdy belt helps keep your pants in place—especially with a loaded pack.
Small and powerful. Rechargeable preferred, or bring extra batteries. This one’s highly recommended.
Handy for attaching gear (like a mug or gloves) to your pack. Lightweight and versatile.
Whatever works best to keep your hair manageable on the trail.
Lightweight, synthetic, and quick-drying—ideal for changing trail conditions.
Wear one crew shirt while hiking. It’s your go-to top on the trail.
Required item—provided by Philmont. Keep it handy.
Essential for sun protection at elevation. A wide-brimmed hat is best.
Well broken-in and trail-tested. Don’t wear them for the first time at Philmont.
Small but important—for notes, journaling, or marking your guidebook.
A simple knife is practically mandatory. Skip the bulky tools. Write your name on it (red ones are cheap and easy to find).
Comfortable, moisture-wicking socks are critical for foot health.
The sun is intense at altitude - don’t lose your shades to the wind.
Great for stability and reducing knee strain, especially downhill.
Comfortable and fast-drying for trail use.
Essential for keeping track of time, pace, and crew schedules. Don’t rely on your phone.
Needed for warmth and especially important for the conservation project.
A compact, dependable flashlight is a must-have for Philmont. It’s perfect for quick night tasks, finding gear in your tent, or early morning starts. Troop 589 highly recommends the NICRON EDC Keychain Flashlight N1—it’s small, waterproof (IPX7), lightweight, and runs on a single AAA battery. Whether you choose rechargeable or battery-powered, make sure to bring spare batteries or a way to recharge. Don’t rely solely on your headlamp—having a backup light is smart and lightweight peace of mind.
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☆Tiny & Lightweight: Only 15.4mm in length and 15.2g in weight. It can be your excellent unaware companion when Hiking, Walking.
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[Single Output] IMINI 2 produces a wide and balanced output of 50 lumens
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☀【SMALL BRIGHT BUT POWERFUL】 mini as your pinkie but high bright 150 lumens and 3 levels with strobe very nice EDC AAA keychain flashlight
☀【PORTABLE MULTIPURPOSE】 this mini keychain flashlight is easy to clip everywhere you want (such as handhe... Show More
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A wide-brimmed hat is essential for protecting your face, ears, and neck from the intense New Mexico sun. Look for something lightweight, breathable, and with a chin strap to keep it secure on windy ridges. Below are two solid options that offer UPF protection and all-day comfort—both have been popular choices for Philmont and other outdoor adventures.
You don't have to be in Bora Bora to enjoy the benefits of this breathable, sweat-wicking headband, sun-protecting hat—but no complaints if you are, right? A high-tech, highly functional hat that features mesh venting for added breathability. The UPF 50 ... Show More
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Fabric type 100% Polyester
Care instructions Machine Wash
Origin Imported
Closure type Drawstring
UV Protection: Wide brim sun hats men, sun hats for women, boonie hats for men sun hats for men with UPF 50+ keep you safe from UVA/UVB harmful rays
Stay C... Show More
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A small pocket knife is a must-have at Philmont—practically mandatory for daily tasks like cutting cord, opening food, or minor gear fixes. Skip the bulky multi-tools and Leathermans—they add unnecessary weight. Troop 589 recommends the Victorinox Classic SD in red: it’s light, reliable, and easy to find if dropped. Pro tip: write your name on it so it doesn’t get mixed up at camp.
Product Description It all started with the Swiss Officer’s Knife – and more than a century later, the Swiss Army Knife is still an icon of sleek functionality. Each one is built to last a lifetime and in the Classic you'll find all the functionality y... Show More
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While optional, trekking poles can make a big difference on long days—especially during steep climbs and descents. They help with balance, reduce strain on knees, and can ease the load when carrying a heavy pack. If you bring poles, rubber tips are mandatory at Philmont to protect the trails. Troop 589 recommends the Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Trekking Poles—they’re lightweight, durable, and come with the tip kit you’ll need.
Exceptional Quality and Comfort - Crafted from aircraft-grade 6061 aluminum, each 10-ounce trekking pole is highly durable in all conditions.
Quick Lock Mechanism - Designed with rugged terrain in mind. Easily adjust your trekking poles from 26”- 54” wi... Show More
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When it comes to trail underwear, comfort and quick-drying fabric are key. Philmont is no place for cotton—synthetic or modal boxer briefs are the way to go to help prevent chafing and discomfort on long hikes. Look for styles that are moisture-wicking, breathable, and stay in place under a pack. Below are a few recommended options that strike a great balance between performance and comfort on the trail.
Introducing the adidas Men's Performance Boxer Brief Underwear, an essential choice for anyone seeking comfort and functionality. This 3-pack of men's athletic underwear is designed with the modern man in mind. Crafted with precision, the mens boxers brief... Show More
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Fabric type Body: 95% modal, 5% spandex. Crotch: 95% modal
Care instructions Machine Wash
Origin Imported
ULTIMATE SOFT MODAL BOXER BRIEFS: Made from premium Micro Modal fabric that is responsibly sourced from wood-based materials, you can enjoy a butte... Show More
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Fabric type 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex
Care instructions Machine Wash
Origin Made in USA or Imported
Rise style High
Ultra Soft Brushed & Stretchy Flexible Fabric: 92% Polyester / 8 % Spandex Perfect Form Fitting Stretch Fabric
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A sturdy pair of work gloves is required at Philmont—not just for protection during the conservation project, but also for warmth during cold mornings on the trail. Choose gloves that offer a good fit, durability, and grip, without being too bulky. Leather gloves or reinforced synthetic styles both work well. Below are two reliable options that Troop 589 recommends for both comfort and performance.
Grain Cowhide
Imported
PREMIUM LEATHER WORK GLOVES: Crafted from 100% grain cowhide, these leather work gloves for men provide excellent abrasion and puncture resistance for tough jobs
REINFORCED PALM: Added leather palm patch increases grip, wear resistance,... Show More
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Professionals and enthusiasts agree – the Mechanix Wear FastFit glove is a toolbox must-have. These touchscreen safety gloves include form-fitting stretch panels between your fingers provide a snug fit and the elastic cuff offers easy on/off flexibility ... Show More
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