Philmont In a Kilt

[souzaphone711]

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]

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]

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

[Standard]

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!

[Arlen]

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!

[McMathTX]

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

[Freedomlover]

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."

[Splash_4]

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]

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!