Mountaineering in Colorado requires a certain set of gear. Sure, there are some optional items like a GPS or trekking poles, but there's plenty of gear you should always have on the peak. Weather can change fast and the wind can be brutal on a 14er. First, don't wear jeans or cotton clothing. Synthetic clothing can save your butt when things turn nasty. The following list includes most of the gear you will need, and a few extras. To the right are some BackCountry.com and REI gear links for further research. Note: This list does not cover the required equipment for technical climbing.
| Main Gear: | BackCountry.com | REI.com |
| Food and water (plenty of water) | ||
| Hat | All | Men's | Women's |
| Gloves | All | Men's | Women's |
| Synthetic shirts | Men's | Women's | Men's | Women's |
| Synthetic long underwear | Men's | Women's | Men's | Women's |
| Fleece or Wind-Block jacket | Men's | Women's | Men's | Women's |
| Waterproof shell/jacket | Men's | Women's | Men's | Women's |
| Nylon shorts | Men's | Women's | Men's | Women's |
| Hiking pants | Men's | Women's | Men's | Women's |
| Hiking boots / scrambling shoes | Men's | Women's | All |
| Hiking socks | All | All |
| Watch | All | All |
| Pack (that fits the hike/climb) | All | All |
| Headlamp | All | All |
| Sunglasses | All | All |
| Knife or multi-tool | All | All |
| Water bladder or bottles | All | All |
| Compass | All | All |
| Maps | All | |
| Tape | ||
| Matches/lighter | ||
| 30spf+ sunscreen | ||
| TP (in ziploc bag) | ||
| Cell phone | ||
| Emergency supplies, including a first aid kit | All | All |
| Climbing helmet | All | All |
| Optional: Trekking poles | All | All |
| Optional: GPS | All | All |
| Optional: Water filter | All | All |
| Optional: Satellite Phone (expensive) | ||
| Colder Weather and Snow Climbing: | BackCountry.com | REI.com |
| Waterproof shell | Men's | Women's | Men's | Women's |
| Waterproof pants | Men's | Women's | Men's | Women's |
| Mountaineering boots | Men's | Women's | All |
| Mountain axe | All | All |
| Snowshoes | All | All |
| Crampons | All | All |
| Gaiters (ankle or knee-high) | All | All |
| Winter hat | All | All |
| Balaclava or fleece face mask | All | All |
| Avalanche beacons | All | All |
| Avalanche probe | All | All |
| Shovel | All | All |
| Gear for Overnight Summer Trips: | BackCountry.com | REI.com |
| Tent | All | All |
| Sleeping bag | All | All |
| Sleeping pad | All | All |
| AT / Tele Backcountry (BC) Skiing Gear: | BackCountry.com | REI.com |
| AT skis / bindings | All | All |
| AT boots | All | All |
| Tele skis / bindings | All | All |
| Tele boots | All | All |
| Climbing skins | All | All |
| A few gear favorites: | ||
 Axe - Black Diamond Raven Pro |
 GPS - Garmin eTrex Vista HCx |
 AT Bindings - Fritschi Freeride Plus |
| BackCountry.com | REI.com | BackCountry.com | REI.com | BackCountry.com | REI.com |
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