Every Ounce Counts: A Philmont Back Packing Blog for Treks from 7,000 to 12,000 Feet
- John Bedsole
- Feb 26
- 4 min read
Philmont Scout Ranch has a way of teaching lessons quickly. The climbs are long, the sun is intense, afternoon storms can roll in without warning, and the altitude—ranging from roughly 7,000 to 12,000 feet and some higher elevations —adds a quiet difficulty that you can’t fully understand until you’re breathing hard on a switchback.
One of the best reminders that Philmont is more about preparation than bravado is John Bedsole, who completed a Philmont trek at age 55. His accomplishment isn’t just inspiring—it’s instructive. On a long trek, success comes from doing the basics well: pacing, hydration, foot care, and especially packing only what you need. John states "I learned it the hard way."
Because at Philmont, every ounce matters.
Why every ounce matters on a long Philmont trek
A few “just in case” items don’t seem like much at home. But on day three, when your legs are tired and the trail keeps climbing, those extras become a tax you pay with every step.
Extra weight:
increases fatigue and slows recovery
adds stress to knees and feet (especially on descents)
makes altitude feel harder
turns packing/unpacking into a daily hassle
The goal isn’t to suffer—it’s to be smart. Pack for what you’ll actually use, and you’ll hike stronger and enjoy more of Philmont.
A more specific Philmont packing list (typical 7–12 day trek)
Use this as a practical baseline and adjust to your crew’s guidance. The theme is simple: enough to be safe and comfortable, not enough to be heavy.
Clothing (keep duplicates to a minimum)
Wear hiking (Day 1):
1 synthetic/wool short-sleeve hiking shirt
1 hiking shorts or lightweight pants
1 underwear
1 pair hiking socks
Trail runners or light hikers (broken in)
Pack:
1 extra hiking shirt
1 lightweight long-sleeve sun shirt or thin base layer top (pick one)
2 extra pairs hiking socks (3 total)
2 extra underwear (3 total)
Insulation layer: light puffy or fleece (one)
Rain jacket (must)
Rain pants (recommended)
Sleep layer: lightweight top + bottom (dedicated, dry)
Beanie (warm hat)
Sun hat
Lightweight gloves (optional)
Sleep system
Sleeping bag (commonly 20–30°F depending on season)
Sleeping pad
Stuff sack “pillow” (optional)
Pack / storage
Backpack (properly fitted)
Pack liner (trash compactor bag)
2–3 stuff sacks/dry bags max (don’t over-organize)
Water (Philmont reality: you’ll drink a lot)
Capacity for 3–4 liters total
Crew water treatment method (filter/purifier/chemicals)
Eating / crew gear (you may be assigned some)
Personal:
Spoon (all you need)
Mug/cup (optional)
Often crew-issued/assigned:
Stove + fuel
Pot(s)
Bear bags/rope system (per crew/Philmont method)
Navigation / light / essentials
Headlamp + spare batteries
Whistle
Map + compass
Sunglasses
First aid / foot care (priority at Philmont)
Leukotape or moleskin + small scissors
A few bandages + small gauze + wide gauze
OTC pain relief you can take
Personal meds
Toiletries (small)
Toothbrush + small toothpaste
Small hand sanitizer
Small sunscreen
SPF lip balm
Small insect repellent
Bandana/small pack towel
Toilet paper plan per crew + zip bag for packing out as required
Trekking tools
Trekking poles (highly recommended for descents)
Small pocketknife
Optional (where ounces creep in—be ruthless)
Phone (airplane mode) + small power bank (only if needed)
Ultralight camp shoes (optional)
Common overpack traps: extra heavy clothes “just in case,” full-size toiletries, big knives/hatchets, heavy gadgets/speakers, multiple spare shoes.
Practice hikes: where your packing list becomes real
Practice hikes are the difference between guessing and knowing. They help you:
dial in pack fit (hip belt, shoulder rub, hot spots)
test boots and socks to prevent blisters. (make sure you have quality boots)
learn your real water needs
identify what you never use so you can remove it
build legs for long climbs and long descents
Do several hikes before Philmont, including at least one longer hike with your pack close to trek weight. Then be honest: if you didn’t use it, it probably doesn’t belong.
This is the “every ounce counts” mindset that makes a trek smoother—especially for anyone, like John Bedsole, proving that smart preparation can carry you a long way.
Altitude: 7,000 to 12,000 feet changes the game
At Philmont elevations, even fit hikers can feel the effects—especially above about 9,000–10,000 feet.
What to expect
slower pace and heavier breathing on climbs
lower appetite (but you still must eat)
higher dehydration risk (dry air + exertion)
poorer sleep the first nights
Altitude sickness (AMS) signs
persistent headache
nausea/loss of appetite
unusual fatigue/weakness
dizziness/lightheadedness
trouble sleeping
Red flags (urgent): confusion, trouble walking straight, worsening shortness of breath at rest, chest tightness, coughing/frothy sputum—get help and descend.
How to reduce risk
start the first 1–2 days at a steady, conservative pace
hydrate consistently (don’t wait until thirsty)
eat even if you don’t feel hungry (carbs help at altitude)
sleep warm and dry
avoid “bonus exertion” early (racing to camp, big side hikes day 1–2)
if symptoms start: stop, rest, hydrate, eat; if they don’t improve or worsen: descend and get staff/medical guidance
Closing: pack smart, hike strong
John Bedsole’s Philmont trek at 55 is a reminder that the trail rewards the prepared. If you practice hike, respect the altitude, and pack only what you need, you’ll keep more energy for what matters: the views, the crew, the challenge, and the satisfaction of earning every mile.
At Philmont, every ounce you leave behind is strength you keep for the trail.
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