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.
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.
You’ll receive two crew shirts—plan to rotate and wear these most of the time.
Use these to keep your clothing dry and organized inside your pack. Simple, lightweight, and very effective.
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!)
Thin liner socks can help prevent blisters. Highly recommended if you’re prone to hot spots, but not required.
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.
Tropp 589 Philmont Shopping List participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com
Fabric type 90% Polyester, 10% Elastane
Care instructions Machine Wash with low temperature or Hand Wash Recommended
Origin Imported
Closure type Zipper
CQR Convertible Pants Series designed for all outdoor activities and sports.
[Materials] Mix of Cott... Show More
* We earn a commission if you buy through this Amazon link. We personally selected this recommendation.
Fabric type 85% Nylon, 15% Spandex
Care instructions Hand Wash Only
Origin Imported
Closure type Zipper
Multi-Pockets: 5 Pockets in total, including 2 front pockets, 2 side pockets, and 1 zip-closed rear pocket. No problem to carry your 6.5" phone or a... Show More
* We earn a commission if you buy through this Amazon link. We personally selected this recommendation.
These REI convertible pants are ideal for long days and changing weather. Side zippers switch them into shorts while your shoes stay on. Plus, the breathable UPF 50+ fabric shields you from the sun.
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.
Keep Your Gear Organized: A set of 5 ultralight Dry Sacks in Five Different Colors and Sizes (3L,5L,10L,15L,20L), so you can easily recognize the contents. Best design for food, clothes, hats, and all of the outdoor gear.
Stay Dry on your Adventure: Pro-gra... Show More
* We earn a commission if you buy through this Amazon link. We personally selected this 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.)
Dickies dri-tech moisture control for women's crew socks combines moisture wicking fibers and mesh ventilation channels to keep feet dry and comfortable.Since 1922 Dickies has been making hard-duty work products built to stand up to whatever life throws at... Show More
* We earn a commission if you buy through this Amazon link. We personally selected this recommendation.
Dickies dri-tech moisture control for women Mid-crew length sits below the calf delivering non-restrictive, all day comfort and combines moisture wicking fibers and mesh ventilation channels to keep feet dry and comfortable. For Over 95 Years Dickies has b... Show More
* We earn a commission if you buy through this Amazon link. We personally selected this recommendation.
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.
These crew liners with Wick Dry technology keep feet dry, avoiding the moisture build up that causes blisters. Sizing: Small (Men's 3-5.5 Women's 4-6.5); Medium (Shoe Sizes: Men's 6-8.5; Women's 7-9.5); Large ( Shoe Sizes: Men's 9-11.5; Women's 10-12.... Show More
* We earn a commission if you buy through this Amazon link. We personally selected this 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.
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
* We earn a commission if you buy through this Amazon link. We personally selected this recommendation.
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
* We earn a commission if you buy through this Amazon link. We personally selected this recommendation.
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
Multi Packs of 24/7 An... Show More
* We earn a commission if you buy through this Amazon link. We personally selected this recommendation.