Get your hiking shoes ready because summer is just around the corner! This warm weather has us excited for alpine lakes, scenic vistas, and time on the trail. Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and experience the outdoors but it is important to be prepared no matter your experience level. Make sure you are ready to go with these essentials for your next hike.  

Layers

  • Outer Layer

    Your outer layer is what will protect you from the elements. It is common in the high country for quick afternoon showers or thunderstorms to sweep through making it important to have a waterproof outer layer such as a rain jacket. Bonus points if your daypack comes with a rain cover! Nobody wants to hike back to the trailhead with soggy clothes! Even if rain isn’t in the forecast, bring a rain jacket along just in case.

  • Mid Layer

    The mid-layer also called the insulating layer, is what will keep you warm and retain your body heat. Hiking in the high country, especially above the treeline can get colder than you might expect. Packing a puffy or fleece jacket is essential even on a warm day. If lower temperatures are expected, warmer mid-layer hiking pants can be worn over a base layer and provide extra warmth as well.

  • Base Layer

    The base layer is what is worn closest to your body with the purpose of wicking moisture and keeping you dry and warm. Ideally, base layers are made from wool or synthetic material (or a combination). Wool is natural, lightweight, and odor resistant, but can be more expensive. Synthetics on the other hand won’t keep you as warm but are better at wicking moisture and are less expensive. Either way, choosing a good base layer and avoiding hiking in materials like cotton will keep you warm and dry for your day in the outdoors!

Skin Protection

  • Sunscreen

    Colorado is famous for its 300 days of sunshine! The sun here at 10,000 feet can feel much more intense- the “thinner” air allows more UV rays to reach you. Even on a short hike, bring sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher and apply it to exposed skin to avoid a burn.

  • Hat

    In addition to wearing sunscreen, protect your face and neck by wearing a hat on your hike. A baseball cap will protect your face from excess sun exposure. A wide-brimmed sun or hiking hat will give added protection to your neck and ears. Another way to protect your neck from sun exposure is to wear a lightweight neck buff.

  • Sunglasses

    Protect those eyes! Exposure to UV rays can cause serious damage to your eyes. Choose sunglasses for your hike that block both UV-A and UV-B rays. There should be a label that says they provide 100% UV protection!

  • Lip Balm with SPF

    Your lips can burn just like anything else- in fact, they are even more sensitive. Sunburned lips are no fun- resulting in redness, swelling, and peeling. Avoid these symptoms by packing a chapstick or lip balm that contains SPF. Most brands have a sun-protective option and they can save you from discomfort!

  • Bug Spray

    Mosquitos tend to make an appearance if you are hiking near water sources, especially in the evening. If you have a hike to a lake or near a river on your agenda, pack some bug spray!

Hiking Gear

  • Footwear

    Having comfortable and appropriate hiking footwear can make or break your day! For hiking on trails in Colorado, the two most suitable options are either hiking boots or trail runners. Hiking boots are more sturdy and rigid, typically providing more ankle support. If your hike involves scrambling or hiking over boulders or scree fields, it may be a good idea to wear boots. Trail runners are lighter weight and lower profile, wearing more like a tennis shoe but with more traction. While trail runners do not offer as much ankle support, they will also generally keep your feet cooler. Look for waterproof options to avoid getting your feet wet!

  • Daypack

    With hundreds of options to choose from, it can be tricky to know where to start when it comes to choosing a backpack. If you plan on enjoying shorter hikes that will only last part of a day, look for options labeled Daypack. These packs will be lighter weight and smaller volume. Look for packs that are weather resistant, have a few compartments to keep you organized, and a method to store your water bottle or bladder.

  • Hiking Poles

    For hiking in the Rockies, especially for longer hikes, hiking poles can be a very helpful tool! They can help improve posture, aid in balance, and put less pressure on your knees. Poles can help get you through those uphill climbs as well!

Safety

  • First Aid

    You know what they say- expect the best, prepare for the worst.  Having a lightweight kit that you can stash in your pack for trips will prepare you for not only emergency situations but minor inconveniences and discomforts as well. Your first-aid kit should include the following at a minimum:

    • Over-the-counter medications: pain relief, antihistamines, insect sting relief, etc.
    • Wound care: bandages, gauze, antiseptic, etc.
    • Tools: tweezers, scissors, gloves

    Pack any medications or altitude relief you may need along with your first aid!

  • Navigation

    You would be surprised how many hikers get off track even on “easy” trails. Being prepared and having the ability to find your way back to a trail if you get lost are essential skills for any level of hiker. Many hikers will use applications such as AllTrails to navigate to a trail. If using something like this, download the offline map for use when you are out of cell phone service, make sure your phone has plenty of battery life, and bring a backup battery. More reliable navigation tools such as GPS, or map and compass are recommended with the knowledge of how to use them! Always make sure someone knows where you are hiking and when you are expected to return.

  • Safety Kit

    While it might feel unnecessary for a day hike, it is better to be overprepared and have nothing happen than the opposite! Having the following tools in a small, lightweight kit can help you through an emergency situation. You can build your own kit or there are several pre-made options you can buy!

    • Headlamp
    • Water purification tablets
    • Fire-starting tool
    • Safety whistle & mirror
    • Multi-tool
    • Paracord
    • Emergency blanket

Food & Water

  • Food

    When packing your snacks for the day, look for a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Here are a few great options to power you through your hike!

    • Trail mix
    • Jerky
    • Cheese and crackers
    • Fruit
    • Dark chocolate
    • Peanut butter and banana sandwich
  • Water

    This one is obvious! We use a lot of water while hiking- especially at high altitudes. While hiking, you should be drinking about one liter every two hours of hiking. Most people can hike about two to three miles per hour. Bring ample water for your hike in water bottles or a hydration pack.