Mountaineering has been a popular hobby. Beautiful views, as well as physical and mental challenges, keep people coming back for more. Those who love to summit mountain peaks know Colorado is one of the best places to do that!
The key to being successful while taking on these major hikes is to have everything you need on hand. Before you even step onto the mountain, you should spend time getting as prepared as possible.
Since you have to carry everything with you, you only want to bring the essentials. It can be difficult to know what you will (or won’t) need on your trek. Follow this guide for the perfect packing list for all your upcoming hikes!
Sturdy Backpack
Arguably, the most important piece of gear you’ll need for mountain climbing is a backpack. This is how you ensure you have everything you need with you at all times while hiking.
The key to finding a good backpack is to test out several options. You’re looking for something that is roomy enough to hold all your gear but comfortable and light to wear for long periods of time. You want high-quality materials that will stand up to the elements. And you want something that will work for all different kinds of hikes.
Once you have the right backpack, you can start collecting all the other pieces you need.
Comfortable Shoes
Even the easiest 14ers in Colorado are still a challenge to the summit. But the right shoes can make all the difference as you work towards the top.
Regular athletic shoes aren’t going to give you the support your feet need to navigate the terrain. You need legitimate hiking shoes that are sturdy and fit well. They should feel comfortably tight on your feet to avoid being a tripping hazard and the potential for blisters. Take a couple of shorter hikes in your pick to make sure they’ll hold up on a longer trek.
Climbing Equipment
Depending on the specific area you’re hiking through, you may need climbing equipment as well. It’s important to check out the official information about the trail so you can have exactly what you’ll need along the way.
Gather ropes, harnesses, a helmet, belay equipment, and anything else you may need.
It’s also important to know how to use all of these things on your own. The last thing you want is to face an injury because you didn’t know how to properly climb using your tools.
Clothing for All Weather
The temperature won’t stay the same throughout your climbing trip, so you’ll want appropriate clothing options for the variety.
Since everything you aren’t wearing will have to fit in your backpack, you won’t want a ton of extra layers. Luckily, there are a lot of options for just these occasions. Consider choosing light, thin layers that can add warmth without a lot of bulk.
Bright Headlamp
An often-forgotten piece of climbing equipment is the headlamp. Since you can’t have an exact timeline for your hike, you need to be prepared to walk in the dark as well. Having a high-powered headlamp makes it easy to see without the hassle of using a flashlight.
Make sure the lamp is charged, or you have extra batteries as well!
Food Packs
Keeping energy levels up is one of the most important steps in making it to the top. The best way to do that is to have enough food and water on hand to keep you going.
There are many different types of food designed to be used on hiking trips like these. They are small, easy to pack, and simple to consume. But they have a lot of nutrients and calories for a major punch. Taking a good inventory of your food supply before you start off will be a huge help as you walk.
Shelter Options
Some mountain climbing trips take more than one day to complete. If that is the case, you’ll want to have proper shelter options to keep you safe, dry, and warm.
Two of the most important things to gather are a tent and a sleeping bag. Those two things will make all the difference in your comfort level. Check the predicted weather and make red these things are rated for those temperatures.
Ice Tools
For those trips where there is going to be ice and snow, you’ll want a specific set of tools in your backpack. Obviously, things like an ice pick or an avalanche pack are critical for safety. But don’t forget the basics like crampons that can make every step much easier.
These additions to your shoes give you much more traction. Making it possible to continue your trek even in the colder temperatures.
Entertainment for Downtime
Not all of your time up the mountain will be spent walking or climbing. There’s often considerable downtime that can get pretty boring if you’re not prepared.
It’s a good idea to add a book or journal to your pack that can help pass the time where you’re sitting. Even a small pack of cards can be a great choice.
Don’t forget a camera option so that you can document your trip. There’s nothing better than looking back at photos of previous mountaineering adventures to get you excited for your next trip!
Must-Have Mountaineering Gear
For those that want to get outside and be a little adventurous, mountaineering is the perfect hobby. While going out on these hikes, you’ll be able to push yourself, get outside, and see amazing sights. There’s really no other sport like it!
While it’s a good time, it can be a difficult activity to get into. There’s a lot of planning and preparation that has to be in place before you can start. The best thing you can do is follow the advice from those who have been doing it successfully for a long time.
If you’re interested in learning more about trying new adventures, check out our other articles today!
