Reference

Bear Bag & Smellables

What goes in. What's prohibited.

Deodorant is not allowed in the Philmont backcountry. Philmont ranger staff will check. This is not a suggestion.
01

Required in bear bag · every night

  • ▸All food and snacks
  • ▸Toothpaste and floss
  • ▸Sunscreen and lip balm
  • ▸Insect repellent
  • ▸Soap and hand sanitizer
  • ▸Trash and food wrappers
  • ▸Chapstick
  • ▸Scented lotion or wipes
  • ▸Any scented medication
  • ▸Empty food bags
  • ▸Gum and candy
02

Prohibited in backcountry

  • ✕Deodorant — NOT ALLOWED in Philmont backcountry
03

The rule

If it has a scent or could attract an animal, it goes in the bear bag. When in doubt, hang it. Philmont ranger staff will check. This is not a suggestion.
04

Bear hang system

  • Ropes. Two issued ropes — 100 ft × ¼" nylon. ¼" diameter mandatory. No Dyneema substitution. This is a Philmont spec.
  • Bags. 4 woven polypropylene bags issued at HQ. Distributed across the crew to balance loads.
  • Carabiners. Locking, climbing-rated. Crew-supplied — Philmont does not issue these.
  • Timing. Hang every smellable before crew sleeps. Last duty of the day — everyone helps.