Philmont Equipment Questions

[CRK7376 10]

One of the items listed that Crews need to bring ontheir Philmont Trek is a shovel. Our Crew are all 1st timers to Philmont. What kind of shovel are they talking about? An Army folding shovel, good but heavy, small gardening trowel, BSA Spade? What about cooking pots, did you use Philmont gear or bring your own. WHat size works best?

Thanks for the help.

[Chief Decorah 10]

Each crew brings a shovel (or trowel) for Leave No Trace bathroom techniques when you're on the trail and don't have the luxury (insert big-toothed grin here) of a red roof inn or a latrine box in the woods.

 

As for the type of shovel you need, simply go to an outdoors sporting good store and pick up a plastic spade. They're usually orange and cost less than $5.00. Plus, they're lightweight. http://www.rei.com/product/407146

 

You will likely get multiple responses on the cooking gear, but we used the Philmont-issued cook set and it worked out fine. Can you go lighter? Of course. Do you need to? That's your call, but the stuff is fine for hundreds of crews each summer. It it's good enough for them, it's good enough for us.

 

If you haven't done it yet, check out www.Philsearch.org . I have no vested interest in the site, but it's worth it's weight in gold for trek preparation.