What to take on a backpacking trip - a handy list

 

In addition to those items you bring on a day hike, http://colorado-wilderness.blogspot.com/2009/12/your-day-pack-contents-what-to-carry-on.html, your backpack will contain those things necessary for spending one or more nights in the wilderness.  Because you'll be carrying everything for miles, sometimes with significant elevation gains, it's important to consider the weight and necessity of each piece of camping gear you put in your backpack.

• Tent - lightweight backpacking tents have been around for a while; depending on the season and climate of your trip, you may go with as little as a rain fly or as much as a four-season tent
• Sleeping bag - possibly the bulkiest thing in your pack, the right sleeping bag can make a big difference in your comfort
• Sleeping pad - inflatable foam core sleeping pads insulate you from the cold ground and give you a soft surface on which to place your sleeping bag
• Biodegradable soap, camp towel, and other toiletries
• Toilet paper and trowel (plus the knowledge of how to use them in the wilderness)
• Lightweight stove and fuel, pot for boiling water, cup or mug, spoons, water filter
• Second flashlight - I prefer LED flashlights, and will take one handheld and one headlamp
• Garbage bag (pack it in - pack it out)
• CLOTHING - in addition to what you would pack or wear for a day-hike, bring extra clothing depending on your comfort level wearing dirty clothes; a fleece vest might be the only additional insulating layer you'll need
• FOOD - some people take great pride in their ability to make "gourmet trail meals;" I prefer to think food-is-fuel, and bring things that are dense with calories, low in water (weight), and easy to clean up; see (insert post url here) for a complete discussion of trail food
• to be continued...

Fresh Tracks

The wilderness areas that we hike in all summer are too snow-bound for day hikes in the winter.  Many trailheads are inaccessible, the trails themselves are in avalanche-prone areas, and we just can't go as far on snowshoes in deep snow as we can in hiking boots on dirt trails. 

So we stay closer to home, and explore the local areas that are easy to overlook in the summer.  Today we we went up Basalt Mountain Road, on Missouri Heights.  Cross-country skiers, many with dogs, were drawn to this route.  Most of the snow was trampled, but I found a few clean patches, including this one with the tracks of a mouse that had run across it.

The Columbine is Colorado's state flower

Colorado's state flower is the columbine.  Last summer's hikes took us through fields dense with wildflowers, including some great examples of columbines like this one.

Buy t-shirts, mugs, and other gifts with this image on it at: http://www.cafepress.com/colorado_flower

Not only does it show your love for Colorado, but they're great conversation starters.

If horses are your thing, I've got products with horses too: http://www.cafepress.com/I_Love_Horses

Your day pack contents - what to carry on every hike in the mountains

 

It may sound like a cliche, but the weather in the mountains is very unpredictable.  It can snow any month of the year, and afternoon thunderstorms are very common in the summer.  Being prepared, by bringing the right things in your pack, can make the difference between a pleasant backcountry outing and a very uncomfortable - or dangerous - day in the wilderness.

• A day pack should be large enough to hold your things, and have a hip-belt for both support and stability.  Pockets and loops for strapping on additional items are helpful.
• Water - I bring two liters for every hike, and a water filter for long days.  It's easy to get dehydrated in the upper elevations, especially on strenuous hikes.
• Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and sun hat - the high altitude sun is laser-like, and can scorch your skin in little time
• Rain jacket and rain pants - the waterproof and breathable materials are well worth the extra cost; they're much more comfortable and keep you drier because they allow your body's moisture to evaporate
• Fleece jacket and pants - there have been days in June and August when I was glad to have the added warmth of a fleece layer under my rain gear; if you have room, throw in a fleece hat and gloves
• First aid kit, LED flashlight, butane lighter, pocketknife, and some nylon cord - you probably won't use them, but they take up little space, and you'll be damn glad you have them should the need arise
• Food - you know what your body needs, so adjust accordingly; I tend to favor fruit (dried and fresh), nuts, cheese, and crackers, because they pack a lot of calories in a small amount of space and are very satisfying
• A good topographic map - so many of the trails are easy to follow, and as you gain experience you'll be more confident in your ability to find your way around, but maps are helpful in identifying surrounding landmarks and knowing your elevation
• Camera - whether it's a lightweight point-and-shoot or a fancy DSLR, you'll want to capture the scenery to share with friends and family
• OPTIONAL (items that aren't necessary, but make things more comfortable if you're willing to carry them) - toilet paper, camp chair, light tarp (with grommets), camera tripod, spare socks
• CLOTHING - the new wickable fabrics make life outside so much more comfortable, as they pull moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry and warm; whether you wear boots or sturdy shoes is your choice, but respect your feet in your choice of both footwear and socks - your feet are your way back to the trailhead

Hanging Lake, Glenwood Canyon, Colorado

Hanging Lake is over a thousand feet above the Colorado River, in a small canyon off of Glenwood Canyon, upstream of Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Winter Landcape

A hike up Avalanche Creek on a cold wintry morning yielded this photo of steam rising from the rapidly freezing water. Avalanche Creek is in the Crystal River valley, south of Carbondale, Colorado.

See more photos from the day, as well as photography from other outings, at:
www.flickr.com/photos/silbecl