Philmont In a Kilt

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I worked two summers (1960, 61) as a Ranger at Philmont...

Unless the program has changed, a Ranger will be with you for the first two or three days, and then you will be on your own.

James, I didn't know if anyone else on this board had worked at Philmont. I too was a Ranger back in '84 and taught rock climbing up at Miner's Park in '85 and have taken several crew back since then.

You gave some good advise when you spoke about boots. The number one thing to have at Philmont is sturdy, well fitting, well broke in boots. Yes, your Ranger will still stay with you on the first two days on the trail. Be prepared to defend your choice of the kilt for hiking. Since it is very out of the ordinary most Rangers will not know quite how to react to one. Be prepared to show that you are comfortable wearing and hiking in one for LONG periods at a time, and I'd also recommend a pair of lightweight shorts or zip-off pants be carried on the trail. Some programs such as rock climbing and spar-pole climbing that require the wearing of a harness and being overhead of other scouts (both male and female), and activities such as horseback riding aren't necessarily the most kilt friendly.

My mainconcern would be with the choice of material for your kilt. Will it dry relatively quickly when you get into the inevitable afternoon rains? You certainly want to think long and hard about that aspect of your hiking attire wheather kilted or not.

Good luck at Philmont, you'll have the time of your life. Be sure to post pictures for us when you get back.

IWGBTP,
Mitch

[Weasel Mender]

I live in NM and have hunted for extended periods in the very area you are going to (E.S. Barker WMA) everyone had mentioned broken boots, a no-brainer. They also have mentioned water..... so will I bladders are your friend the Camelback 3 liter unbottle is great protective cover hangs on your pack anywhere when I hunt that area it is late sept. and about 15 degrees cooler my basic loadout is 6 liters of water at startout in the morning. Even though the terrain is mountainous the cilmate is desert!!!!!!! The basic safety rule for the desert and hydration is "if you don't need to pee you need to drink" that will keep you safe and the bushes will thank you. The good thing about an overload of water in the morning is that it corrects itself during the day. The other thing mentioned is the altitude..... you ARE a flatlander and untill you become aclimated to a 7 to 10k change in altitude it WILL kick your butt! Aririve in the area as early as you can, don't plan you most toughest challanges for the first couple of days and it will make your trip even better!


Weasel Mender

P.S. Get a diaphram elk call and learn to "cow talk" you are in a world class elk area and you may get some great photos and memories if you cal coax elk into view!

[LordKiltClad]

You might be in luck while there. Anthony Akins is a ranger out there this summer. He's a youth member of my Venturing Crew. Part of his crew uniform is a kilt. Although he has hiked a few treks kilted. Each time he buys a new one. Some of the brush in back country can snag even a UK.

....And Congrats on Eagle and ENJOY!!