We finally made it to the Welcome Center of Philmont Scout Ranch! We drove in right beside the gateway to the unloading area and were immediately greeted by staff members who gave us our instructions for unloading and parking. While in the bathroom I bumped into a Ranger -- he would turn out to be our assigned ranger for the hike and accompany us for the first two days on the trail, coaching us on camping and hiking skills.
Before we even hit the trail, there was a whole series of tasks we had to complete. We were assigned tents, medically checked, and took a crew photo. Then we got our food and logistics sorted; this was important, because while I had aimed for 35 lbs. of gear, we were assigned 5 liters (10 lbs.) of water and at leas 5 to 7 lbs. of food, plus crew gear (tents, poles, cooking pots, bear bags, etc.). Our packs would actually weigh a little over 50 lbs. each for the adults, and around 45 lbs. for the Scouts.
In D&D 5th Edition (including the 2024 Player's Handbook), a creature's normal carrying capacity is its Strength score multiplied by 15 pounds. For instance, a character with a Strength of 10 can comfortably carry up to 150 lbs, while a burly Strength 16 character can manage 240 lbs. However, some DMs opt to use the Variant Encumbrance rules from the 2014 version, which add granular penalties for progressively heavier loads. Under these optional rules, your 50 lb. pack can quickly become a significant hindrance, even if it's below the absolute maximum carrying capacity. If a character carries weight in excess of 5 times their Strength score, they become encumbered, reducing their speed by 10 feet. For example, a character with a Strength of 8 would become encumbered at 40 lbs, meaning a 50 lb. pack would immediately reduce their movement. Even a Strength 10 character carrying 50 lbs would find their speed reduced by 10 feet. This is all without factoring in difficult terrain and altitude sickness.
The Shakedown was a big deal. Our Ranger took us to a designated spot where we had to unpack absolutely everything. He reviewed our necessary items and showed us the best ways to pack for Philmont. Any excess items went into our vehicle, with a strict warning: after leaving Camping Headquarters, there’s no turning back for forgotten or excess baggage. Our Ranger couldn't carry anything back to Base Camp, and we were reminded that we were responsible for everything we took for the entire trek. I made several mistakes in judgement in determining what to take and what to leave behind.
Weather-wise, we braced for anything. Daytime highs could reach the upper 90s to low 100s°F at lower elevations, but it would cool significantly as we gain altitude. Overnight lows were typically in the mid-50s°F, but could drop into the 30s°F at higher elevations. We were expecting daily afternoon thunderstorms, which could be brief but intense, and to prepare for significant temperature drops when rain hit or after sunset. I foolishly left some gear behind, including my rain pants, which I would come to regret.
Before we even hit the trail, there was a whole series of tasks we had to complete. We were assigned tents, medically checked, and took a crew photo. Then we got our food and logistics sorted; this was important, because while I had aimed for 35 lbs. of gear, we were assigned 5 liters (10 lbs.) of water and at leas 5 to 7 lbs. of food, plus crew gear (tents, poles, cooking pots, bear bags, etc.). Our packs would actually weigh a little over 50 lbs. each for the adults, and around 45 lbs. for the Scouts.
In D&D 5th Edition (including the 2024 Player's Handbook), a creature's normal carrying capacity is its Strength score multiplied by 15 pounds. For instance, a character with a Strength of 10 can comfortably carry up to 150 lbs, while a burly Strength 16 character can manage 240 lbs. However, some DMs opt to use the Variant Encumbrance rules from the 2014 version, which add granular penalties for progressively heavier loads. Under these optional rules, your 50 lb. pack can quickly become a significant hindrance, even if it's below the absolute maximum carrying capacity. If a character carries weight in excess of 5 times their Strength score, they become encumbered, reducing their speed by 10 feet. For example, a character with a Strength of 8 would become encumbered at 40 lbs, meaning a 50 lb. pack would immediately reduce their movement. Even a Strength 10 character carrying 50 lbs would find their speed reduced by 10 feet. This is all without factoring in difficult terrain and altitude sickness.
The Shakedown was a big deal. Our Ranger took us to a designated spot where we had to unpack absolutely everything. He reviewed our necessary items and showed us the best ways to pack for Philmont. Any excess items went into our vehicle, with a strict warning: after leaving Camping Headquarters, there’s no turning back for forgotten or excess baggage. Our Ranger couldn't carry anything back to Base Camp, and we were reminded that we were responsible for everything we took for the entire trek. I made several mistakes in judgement in determining what to take and what to leave behind.
Weather-wise, we braced for anything. Daytime highs could reach the upper 90s to low 100s°F at lower elevations, but it would cool significantly as we gain altitude. Overnight lows were typically in the mid-50s°F, but could drop into the 30s°F at higher elevations. We were expecting daily afternoon thunderstorms, which could be brief but intense, and to prepare for significant temperature drops when rain hit or after sunset. I foolishly left some gear behind, including my rain pants, which I would come to regret.
