Philmont In a Kilt

**souzaphone711** · 1st July 08, 09:18 PM

Hello, It's been a while since i have posted here but I had a kilt question for the community at large and figured I would ask.

I'm a boyscout and I am headed to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. i just got my Eagle also. At the moment I'm debating taking my Kilt ( a black original Utilikilt) and I was wondering if there was anyone here that had done so or has gone long distance hiking in theirs. Our itinerary is rougly 82 miles in about 12 days. It seems like it would be a particularly comfortable item to bring on the warmer days. Any experinces, tips, advice, or anecdotes are welcome!

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 1st July 08, 10:19 PM

Congratulations on attaining your Eagle Scout Badge. If it were me, I'd try to be the most by-the-book Scout at Philmont as an example to those Scouts who are still working their way along the scouting trail. Sometimes being a leader means giving up a bit of yourself so that you can inspire those you lead to do more than they thought they were capable of doing.

There are a lot of ticks, deer flies, and other critters that bite and sting out in the wilderness of New Mexico, so from a purely practical stand point I'd pass on wearing the kilt in favour of long pants or shorts. But, unless there is a required uniform/dress code, the choice is really yours.

**James MacMillan** · 1st July 08, 10:53 PM

I worked two summers (1960, 61) as a Ranger at Philmont and I think you should be OK kilted. I didn't have the option back then of being kilted, because then the appropriate kilts weren't available.

The "ticks, deer flies, and other critters" shouldn't be of any more problem to you than for any other person. The vast majority of staff and guests wear shorts, and I don't think shorts are any less or more protection than a kilt. You should put in some long miles kilted before you go to ensure that it will work for you.

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.

Good luck, it is truly a wonderful experience.

Pay much more attention to your hiking shoes or boots than your kilt or shorts. You will also want to review the list of things that is provided for you from Philmont. There is a very good web-site ..here..

OH and

**Arlen** · 2nd July 08, 04:29 AM

I do all of my hiking in a Kilt. I climbed Ben Nevis in a Kilt last year. So long as you have some good bug repellent you'll be fine.

Our very own Andrew Breecher has hiked the Appalachian trail and the Continental Divide trail and done most of it Kilted.

It's a good experience and I find that I can get a lot more distance in a day because I am comfortable and me temperature is better regulated.

Congrats on your eagle scout and good luck!

**Freedomlover** · 2nd July 08, 04:46 AM

Congratulations, Eagle. It was suggested that you ought to give up the kilt as an example of leadership. I just have to disagree with that. You lead by doing, not by meekly following the pack. And as James said, "Pay much more attention to your hiking shoes or boots than your kilt or shorts."

**McMathTX** · 2nd July 08, 04:49 AM

I've never had the good fortune of hiking Philmont, but I've walked the Taos area pretty well, and know folks who've done the Philmont trek. Kilts vs. shorts is a BSA thing, so I'll leave that to others, but like an earlier post, I can't emphasize enough that you take care of your feet, socks, and boots. Also, the Ranger will nag you guys incessantly about drinking water. Follow his advice! The air is extremely dry at that altitude in New Mexico. Hydrate at every opportunity! You'll stay sharp and won't miss anything the mountains have to offer.
Dean

**Splash_4** · 2nd July 08, 04:55 AM

Man, it has been a while! I am glad to see you posting here again. I think Arlen above has given you one of the best answers. Andrew (Haiku) has hiked over 5,000 miles in a kilt. I hope he pipes in here.

**Kerr the Walker** · 2nd July 08, 05:00 AM

Congrats from a fellow Eagle!
Add a decent set of gaiters (sp?) for the mornings when it's a little chilly and hiking Philmont in a kilt should be a blast. A conversation starter at the very least.

Have a blast!

**souzaphone711** · 2nd July 08, 08:44 AM

Thank you for the advice everyone, but considering the fact i need to be an example for the younger scouts on my trip I'm going to pass on taking it on the hike. I do plan to wear it on the way home though. I figure after 12 days of hiking, a little comfort is in order for the ride home.

**Avonlea22** · 2nd July 08, 08:47 AM

Congratulations on earning your Eagle Scout, from a fellow Eagle and Philmont alumni.

Sorry I can't give you any advice, but logically it seems like a great idea.

Have fun!