Hiking Boots

The most important item you need to have is a good pair of hiking boots. This is another investment that if well taken care of will last for years to come. You need to make sure that you have a good pair of waterproof hiking boots. Philmont’s back country is covered with streams and creek crossings. Some have crossings, a fair amount do not. Waterproofing is essential. Make sure you have a sturdy set of well broken in boots. When we say well broken in, we mean you probably should be wearing them right now. What ever you do, do not arrive at Philmont or start any backpacking trip with brand new boots, you will get blisters.

To break in your boots, start by wear them around the house for one to two hours a few times a week. After they start feeling comfortable, then start taking them out of the house and wear them around town at work or school. Then finally venture out onto the trail. If you have waited until the last minute to get your boots, for example the week before your trek, wear your boots all day every day. Wear them from now until you get off the trail. Seriously, we’re not joking. It is that important.

If you do not break in your boots you will get blisters while you are on the trail. Once you get a blister you cannot un-get it. You will have to deal with it until the trek is over. Make sure you break in your boots and wear good, clean, wool socks to prevent them.

When you buy your boots, make sure you get a backpacking grade boot. If you get a work boot or hiking boot it might last the entire trek, but it will not be useless after your trek. Invest the money for a good boot and you will get your money’s worth for years to come.