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Nylon Cord

When you’re on the trail at Philmont, having the right rope is essential for several tasks. Philmont recommends that each crew bring three 50-foot lengths of 1/4-inch nylon cord. You’ll use about 40 feet of one length to set up your dining fly, which serves as a shelter for meals and protection from the elements. Once your ranger helps you set up the fly, don’t undo the rigging until you’re back at base camp—this ensures you don’t waste time reconfiguring it each day. Another length of cord may come in handy for setting up a clothesline to dry your gear after a rainy day or a quick rinse.

It’s important to note that you should never tie or hang anything directly on trees at Philmont. The preservation of the wilderness is a top priority. Consider this: each summer, around 25,000 people passed through the Philmont backcountry. If every crew tied rope to trees at campsites, the bark would wear away, exposing the tree to disease and infection. You don’t have to take our word for it—look at the trees around the bear bag areas. Many of them show clear signs of bark damage from where ropes have been tied in the past. When bark is stripped or damaged, trees become more vulnerable to disease, pests, and environmental stressors, compromising their health and longevity.

While it might be tempting to splurge on parachute cord because it’s lightweight, trendy, and durable, it’s not the most practical or economical choice for this purpose. Instead, opt for the simple and inexpensive nylon cord you can find at your local hardware or department store. It’s perfectly suited for setting up dining flies and other camp tasks, and you’ll save money while still meeting all your needs on the trail.

Gear Category: PhilmontRecommended Quantity: 3

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