FAQ and threads for those just starting to hike the Colorado 14ers.
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osprey wrote:
Bottled water may save a few ounces of weight but disposable plastics are an environmental disaster.
if you think that disposable plastic bottles are the problem, that is, to use the current parlance, fake news. next thing you know you'll be after my plastic straw.
osprey wrote:
Bottled water may save a few ounces of weight but disposable plastics are an environmental disaster.
if you think that disposable plastic bottles are the problem, that is, to use the current parlance, fake news. next thing you know you'll be after my plastic straw.
Straws are a huuuuuuuuuge problem too. +1 for banning plastic straws.
osprey wrote:I respectfully disagree with the suggestion to buy bottled water. Bottled water may save a few ounces of weight but disposable plastics are an environmental disaster. 18 billion tons of plastics wind up in the oceans every year. May I suggest a stainless steel bottle such as Klean Kanteen.
It will last an entire lifetime and save untold number of plastic bottles winding up in landfills, oceans, etc. It weighs more than a plastic bottle but Mother Earth will bless you for your kindness.
i would like to point out that some of us reuse store-bought plastic water bottles for years.
“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” – Mary Davis
#1 - Don't overthink this. If you're going up one of the standard routes along the front range you won't need much more than what you'd take for any 5 hour outdoor trek.
#2 - Dress warm enough. Bring layers. You can hike in tennis shoes or whatever. You'll be fine. If it rains you'll get wet feet.
#3 - Bring rain gear. In a pinch, a large plastic garbage bag will work.
#4 - Bring water in whatever container you have.
#5 - Bring whatever food you have on hand.
#6 - Have fun.
That pretty much covers it. All the rest of the stuff is nice to have, but you probably won't need any of it. Just be smart, stay on trail, and don't take any unnecessary risks. Remember that if you find yourself in a questionable or dangerous situation, you can always turn back. Almost forgot...wear sunscreen and sunglasses. Done.
- I didn't say it was your fault. I said I was blaming you.
I imagine Protein bars and high calorie/high protein items are priority
I've seen people take full meals, seems overkill, but whatever floats people's boat. I go with epic protein bars and some pieces of gluten free bread, and protein / energy bars.
I imagine Protein bars and high calorie/high protein items are priority
I've seen people take full meals, seems overkill, but whatever floats people's boat. I go with epic protein bars and some pieces of gluten free bread, and protein / energy bars.
It seems overkill until you bring your high-metabolism significant other along and they get hangry 6 miles away from the TH...
I imagine Protein bars and high calorie/high protein items are priority
I've seen people take full meals, seems overkill, but whatever floats people's boat. I go with epic protein bars and some pieces of gluten free bread, and protein / energy bars.
It seems overkill until you bring your high-metabolism significant other along and they get hangry 6 miles away from the TH...
I like to bring along something that I consider a treat (fresh bagel with cream cheese from my favorite local spot, peanut butter and nutella sandwich, a couple of pieces of fried chicken, oreos or some other tasty sweet...). I often find that my appetite decreases with altitude, and sometimes I have to force myself to eat a little something on the summit. For me this is easier to do with something that I would WANT to eat under normal circumstances, rather than with a boring protein bar
derekesq wrote:
I've seen people take full meals, seems overkill, but whatever floats people's boat. I go with epic protein bars and some pieces of gluten free bread, and protein / energy bars.
It seems overkill until you bring your high-metabolism significant other along and they get hangry 6 miles away from the TH...
I like to bring along something that I consider a treat (fresh bagel with cream cheese from my favorite local spot, peanut butter and nutella sandwich, a couple of pieces of fried chicken, oreos or some other tasty sweet...). I often find that my appetite decreases with altitude, and sometimes I have to force myself to eat a little something on the summit. For me this is easier to do with something that I would WANT to eat under normal circumstances, rather than with a boring protein bar
I am so impressed you bring fried chicken with you. That is not something I'd expect to see as a trail snack but I bet is life-changing on the summit
1) Agree 100% with mtree. I wear whatever trail runner feels comfortable to my feet. I grab whatever food I find in a closet, add a couple bottles of Walmart water, and throw in a puffy jacket + rain jacket. If the conditions get really bad, I head down fast. A phone + power bank is my navigation and emergency light source. Day hiking 14ers with trails doesn't require too much stuff. I add a helmet for class 3+ peaks.
2) If you get into multi-day trips, embrace lightweight gear once you decide that you truly love the mountains. It is possible to have a 2 or 3 day backpack that weighs less than 10 pounds. https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight
3) Get the peakbagger app and visit Peakbagger.com if you become a hardcore outdoor addict
