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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bring a clean synthetic pair just for sleeping. (See the Socks section on the Clothing page for more tips.)
A lightweight synthetic T-shirt for sleeping helps keep you dry and comfortable at night.
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.
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The Sea to Summit Evac Compression Dry Bag is a lightweight, roll-top/compression strap dry bag with an air-permeable base—air can be pushed out, but water can’t get in—and four straps for even compression. Ideal for backpacking, sea kayaking, and tr... Show More
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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.
Kelty Cosmic Ultra 20 Deg 800 Dridown Long Rh
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Let’s face it- when is backpacking ever actually easy? While we can’t take the pain out of your elevation gain, we can put you on the trail with the new Cosmic Synthetic sleeping bag. It’s a fully equipped mummy bag that’s light on weight and your ... Show More
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Remember the trapezoid from high school geometry? Turns out, this funky ol' shape is ideal for helping sleeping bags retain heat. Our trapezoidal baffle construction is just one of the reasons the Cosmic Down is still our favorite three-season superstar. W... Show More
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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.
SLEEP COMFORT ALL NIGHT: Affordable lightweight camping pad with V-chamber design to limit air movement and heat loss for better support and comfort
EASY-TO-USE valve allows for quick inflation and deflation of the Static V sleeping pad
INCREDIBLY LIGHTWEIGH... Show More
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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.
Cotton
INFLATES INSTANTLY WITH 3-5 BREATHS - Our unique two-way air value lets you blow up this pillow fast without any air escaping by opening only the top valve. When you are ready to deflate, just open the bottom valve and air will flow freely out, allow... Show More
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80% Polyester
Imported
Small in Size - Big on Comfort! This is the most compact & lightweight inflatable camp pillow on the market – folds down to 5x2 inches, smaller than a soda can! Inflates to a comfortable pillow for head or lumbar support. Deflati... Show More
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