Sleeping Gear For Philmont

Troop 589 Recommendations For Sleeping Comfortably at Philmont

Getting a good night's sleep is critical at Philmont, and having the right gear makes all the difference. Below is a list of the essential items you’ll need for your sleeping system. These notes are based on Troop 589’s experience and are designed to help you stay warm, dry, and comfortable on the trail.

Dry Sack or Stuff Sack

Most scouts will need about a 13L size to store their sleeping bag. Line it with a trash bag to keep everything dry. If your full sleep system doesn’t fit, use a second sack.

Gym Shorts (Synthetic)

This is personal preference. I bring tights because they’re warmer and allow me to carry a lighter sleeping bag. Lots of options depending on what works for you.

Sleeping Bag (Minimum 25° Rating)

Plenty of good choices out there. Synthetic bags are safer for most scouts because down bags must stay dry, which can be tricky on the trail.

Sleeping Pad

I cannot recommend these highly enough—especially the Klymit Static V (non-insulated). Lightweight, comfortable, and a real difference-maker for a good night's sleep.

Socks (Synthetic, 1 Pair)

Bring a clean synthetic pair just for sleeping. (See the Socks section on the Clothing page for more tips.)

T-shirt (Synthetic)

A lightweight synthetic T-shirt for sleeping helps keep you dry and comfortable at night.

Dry Sack or Stuff Sack for Sleeping Bag

To keep your sleeping bag dry and compact, Troop 589 recommends using a 13L dry sack or stuff sack lined with a trash bag. This size works well for most scouts. If your entire sleep system doesn’t fit in one sack, use a second bag to store the remaining pieces separately. Keeping your gear dry is critical at Philmont—this simple setup helps ensure a warm and comfortable night’s sleep.

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

Sleeping Bag – Troop 589 Recommendation

A warm, reliable sleeping bag is essential for Philmont. Troop 589 recommends bringing a bag rated to at least 25 degrees to handle the cool mountain nights. There are lots of good options, but keep in mind that synthetic bags are often a better choice for scouts, since they perform better when wet. Down bags must be kept dry at all times, which can be challenging on the trail. Below are a few suggestions to help you choose the right sleeping bag for a comfortable and successful trek.

Sleeping Pad – Troop 589 Recommendation

A good sleeping pad is just as important as a good sleeping bag for getting quality rest at Philmont. Troop 589 highly recommends the Klymit Static V (non-insulated version) for its comfort, packability, and trail-tested durability. It's lightweight, easy to inflate, and provides plenty of support after long days of hiking. A solid sleeping pad can make a huge difference in how well you recover each night on the trail.

Small Camp Pillow – Troop 589 Recommendation

A small camp pillow can make a big difference in how well you sleep on the trail. Troop 589 recommends bringing a lightweight, compact pillow that’s easy to pack and quick to dry if it gets wet. You don’t need anything fancy or oversized—just something comfortable enough to help you rest and recover each night. Below are two great options that balance comfort, weight, and packability for Philmont.