Hiking Essentials to Pack for your First Colorado 14er.

Packing for your first 14er. Get Ready to Summit.

People don’t normally think about cold weather things in August. I know I didn’t when I set out to tackle my first 14er. BUT what I learned is that the weather is a WHOLE LOT different when you reach altitudes of 14,000 ft. It’s crucial that you prepare yourself for anything… rain, snow, lightning, fog… heck, even mountain goats. I put together a list of hiking essentials to pack for your first Colorado 14er to ensure a successful summit. You’ll want to dress in layers, wear appropriate footwear for the terrain, have plenty of snacks and water and a good game plan to tackle the top. Check out the full list below.

Hiking Essentials to pack for your first Colorado 14er.

This is a detailed list of the items I bring along when hiking a 14er. As I always say, “Safety first, Summit second”. If you want to keep hiking them then you’ll need to know what to take to the top with you.

• Daypack – preferably a hydration pack (I have this one by Camelbak https://www.camelbak.com/recreation/packs/hike/CB-1110.html?dwvar_CB- )
• Good hiking shoes (https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/x-ultra-3-gtxr-w.html#color=23728)
• Dress in layers, rain repellant if possible.
• Wool hiking socks + moleskin for blisters
• Hat/Beanie/Ear warmer
• Gloves + hand warmers
• UV Sunglasses
• Dehydration = Danger. Water, water and more water – do NOT attempt a 14er without ample hydration to get you to the top.
• Snacks (think nutrient dense, protein/carbs, I like trail mix, granola bars, m&ms and beef jerky)
• Sun Protection – Sunscreen and chapstick with SPF.
• First Aid Kit
• Flashlight or Headlamp (a lot of times its dark at the start of your hike)
• Cardboard summit sign (optional obviously but if you want to capture a pic at the top it adds a little something to the photo op – see the pic above)
• Summit Beer – celebratory brew to go with the stunning views?
• Camera/Tripod/GoPro/Cellphone charged with any accessories
• Map + Compass + GPS watch/tracking device
• Trekking poles
• Directions (no seriously, get familiar with the trail to the summit BEFORE you start your hike. Take screenshots on your phone of any directions you’ll need to make it to the top. There is no service so if you lose the path you can get into a really dangerous situation).
• Bear spray or bell. Colorado is no stranger to wildlife. Make sure you have bear spray or a bell with you to deter any grizzly or black bear encounters and protect yourself should a “wild” situation occur.

Okay, you’re ready to tackle the summit. Happy hiking!

In conclusion, with this list of hiking essentials to pack for your first Colorado 14er you should be all set to conquer your first mountain over 14,000 feet. Don’t forget to enjoy the views on the way up as well as the way down. Lastly, remember to pack it up and pack it out. Keep Colorado wild. Don’t be a jerk. Stay the trail.

Check out my blog post for the Ultimate guide to successfully summit a Colorado 14er for more ways to prepare for hiking a 14er. Find me on instagram @adventure.with.jen. Pin this article for later so you can come back to the checklist.