Clothing for Philmont

Having the right clothing at Philmont is all about staying dry, comfortable, and prepared for changing weather. Below is a list of the essential clothing items you’ll need based on Troop 589’s experience. These notes are meant to help you pack smart, stay organized, and be ready for whatever the trail throws at you.

Convertible Zip-Off Pants with Legs:

Bring 2 pairs in different colors to help keep track. Only pack one set of legs to save weight. Bottom leg zippers are nice but not as important as they are on rain pants.

Crew T-shirts (2 Provided)

You’ll receive two crew shirts—plan to rotate and wear these most of the time.

Dry Sack or Heavy-Duty Ziplocs for Clothes

Use these to keep your clothing dry and organized inside your pack. Simple, lightweight, and very effective.

Socks – Heavy Synthetic (1–2 Extra Pairs)

Bring extra synthetic hiking socks. Choosing different colors makes it easier to keep track of clean vs. dirty socks. (And no white socks—trust us!)

Liner Socks (Optional but Recommended)

Thin liner socks can help prevent blisters. Highly recommended if you’re prone to hot spots, but not required.

Underwear – Synthetic Quick-Dry (1–2 Extra Pairs)

Choose synthetic quick-dry underwear for comfort and fast drying on the trail.

Packing the right clothing is a key part of preparing for your Philmont trek. Troop 589 recommends lightweight, quick-drying clothes that can handle the rugged trail and changing weather. One important tip: bring two pairs of convertible zip-off pants in different colors — but only pack one set of legs to save space and weight. Pants with bottom leg zippers are helpful for quick changes, but not as critical as they are for rain gear. Below is a list of clothing items we recommend to help you stay comfortable, dry, and ready for anything Philmont throws your way.

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Clothing Storage – Troop 589 Recommendation

Keeping your clothes dry and organized on the trail is just as important as what you pack. Troop 589 recommends using either durable dry sacks or heavy-duty Ziploc bags to store your clothing inside your pack. This keeps everything protected from rain and morning dew, and helps you stay prepared no matter the weather. The linked set of 5 bags below is all you’ll need—they’re lightweight, effective, and budget-friendly. Trust us, these make a big difference on the trail.

Socks – Troop 589 Recommendation

Good socks are a game-changer on the trail. Troop 589 recommends bringing heavy synthetic hiking socks, along with 1–2 extra pairs to rotate and keep your feet dry and blister-free. A smart tip: choose a multi-pack with different colors or patterns so it’s easy to keep track of which socks you’ve worn—especially when doing laundry or drying gear. And one last thing: no white socks! (Trust us… Kurt knows why.)

Liner Socks (Optional but Recommended)

Liner socks can help reduce friction and prevent blisters. While not required, many in Troop 589 swear by them for added comfort on long hikes.

Synthetic Underwear – Troop 589 Recommendation

When it comes to underwear for Philmont, no cotton is allowed. Cotton holds moisture, which can lead to chafing and serious discomfort on the trail. Troop 589 recommends bringing synthetic, quick-drying underwear that stays comfortable and dries fast after long days of hiking. Below are a few good options to keep you feeling your best on the trek.