First time 14er gear

[AndrewLyonsGeibel]

I think a lot of what you need depends on you specifically. Don’t know what Achilles’ tendon issues mean in terms of footwear. You’d have a better idea of that than me. I personally use trail runners and have one waterproof pair and one non waterproof. One thing a lot of people don’t mention is a good pair of socks. That can make or break your day. I have a bad back and shoulder so needed a pack that was mostly hip supported, even with just a daypacks worth of gear. Trekking poles would probably help you. They don’t need to be expensive nice ones really. I use them even though I don’t have any lower body issues. A rain shell is a good idea. I always carry a small amount of duct tape since it can be used to temporarily fix most things. I’ve even used duct tape on blisters and cuts till I can get home and take better care of them.

[mtree]

I agree with pvnisher. You don't have to go all REI to hike in Colorado. I summited Longs in a pair of "sneakers", a windbreaker, water flask, and my school backpack. I wouldn't recommend going so light on that trek, but it just goes to show you don't need a lot for a successful hike.

Just pack what you normally would hiking in NH. They have real mountains, too. Rain gear, comfortable hiking shoes/boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, and some warmth and water and you'll do just fine. Turn back if the weather goes sideways. The more you hike the more you'll figure out what works for you. Most of my gear is surplus or clearance rack stuff. Enjoy!

[ker0uac]

I think these videos are very informative if you are just starting out
https://www.youtube.com/user/CO14ersInitiative/videos

[two lunches]

while anyone new to 14ers is working through the excellent suggestions before this one (specifically the 10 essentials and layers) i just wanted to encourage buying used and/or cheap gear for your first round, then refine it as you go along.
in spite of the plethora of information available to us about the best hiking footwear, mid-layer, or brand of backpack, you are your own person and i don't think there is any substitute for trial and error when it comes to learning your personal preferences -- things like pack volume (do i need a 15L or a 30L?), hiking boots v. trail runners, how much water to carry and whether it's in a bladder or a bottle, etc. there's only limited sense in spending $200 on some trekking poles if you haven't ever used trekking poles before. alternatively, you might discover that the wind, weather, exposure, crowds, or alpine starts aren't your cup of tea. there are plenty of hobbies to pursue in colorado that suit all kinds of kinds, so it's good to not throw tons of money at something you're not 100% about, right out of the gate.

[mtree]

while anyone new to 14ers is working through the excellent suggestions before this one (specifically the 10 essentials and layers) i just wanted to encourage buying used and/or cheap gear for your first round, then refine it as you go along.
in spite of the plethora of information available to us about the best hiking footwear, mid-layer, or brand of backpack, you are your own person and i don't think there is any substitute for trial and error when it comes to learning your personal preferences -- things like pack volume (do i need a 15L or a 30L?), hiking boots v. trail runners, how much water to carry and whether it's in a bladder or a bottle, etc. there's only limited sense in spending $200 on some trekking poles if you haven't ever used trekking poles before. alternatively, you might discover that the wind, weather, exposure, crowds, or alpine starts aren't your cup of tea. there are plenty of hobbies to pursue in colorado that suit all kinds of kinds, so it's good to not throw tons of money at something you're not 100% about, right out of the gate.

Spot on!!!

[DArcyS]

I agree with pvnisher. You don't have to go all REI to hike in Colorado. I summited Longs in a pair of "sneakers", a windbreaker, water flask, and my school backpack. I wouldn't recommend going so light on that trek, but it just goes to show you don't need a lot for a successful hike.

Pretty much like I did when I was 20. (Decades ago, uggh, getting old...)

The key is to make sure you pick a nice day of weather so you don't need that extra gear.

[pvnisher]

The key is to make sure you pick a nice day of weather so you don't need that extra gear.

This.
If it's nice then shoes, shorts, sun hat, and water is all you need!

[peter303]

If you do need some equipment, keep your eyes open for outdoor store sales in May.
The king of sales is the REI Memorial Weekend sale coming up soon.
I hope they can figure out how to reopen this month. I prefer to examine gear in person rather than order from pictures on the web.

[PJ88]

Hi everyone. I am fairly new to Colorado and mountaineering as well and felt it would be appropriate to piggy back my gear questions onto this thread. I did Sniktau and then Quandary by myself two years ago and really started climbing in earnest last summer. I have learned a lot about what works for me gear wise but have come to the realization that as I continue, I need to take certain aspects more seriously to make sure I stay as safe as possible out there.

The first question I have is about maps. I have only done mountains that have pretty well defined trails but as I keep going I figure I will need to start to carry something. I generally just study route guides on here to know what to look for and what to avoid before I go but what does everyone usually carry with them? The official maps you see in stores and online? Do you just print off copies and carry them? Not sure I want to buy a GPS device but if it is worth it maybe I consider that?

I am also looking to add to my gear for this summer. I think I am in a good spot with clothing and plan to replace my boots after this year, but was wondering what would be most useful/essential to add so I am doing a little bit at a time. I already have most items on the basic list but would an ice axe, gaiters, or a helmet really be necessary at this point? Maybe that GPS device?

[TomPierce]

PJ88: As with most things in the internet, opinions will vary, often widely. The topic of maps is one of those issues with varying opinions. I'll give you my opinions, you'll of course filter all of the advice as you see fit.

Some who venture into the backcountry are pretty old school, nothing wrong with that. I am too, to an extent. But I mention that with regard to a map & compass because many seem to think they are like lucky charms, just bring them and you'll be fine. Eh, not so easy. Of course you need to know how to use them, duh. But as tools (which is all they are) they do have limitations which I think old schoolers tend to discount (or maybe they haven't actually had to use them except during super easy simulations). Quick: When do you need to know how to use a map & compass? Well...when you're lost, right? By definition that means you don't know where you are, or maybe not very precisely, and quite possibly it's dark or soon will be. And are you in the woods, or above treeline? I pose all these questions to highlight those limitations: Very few people know how to find their location on a map with only a compass if they're lost. If you don't know where you are it's damn hard to know how to get somewhere else. And (a) at night or (b) in a forest it's really damn hard to do so (read: nearly impossible). I do a lot of off trail travel in rugged terrain and have occasionally gotten disoriented (the latest a couple of years ago: pitch black night in a broad canyon, etc.) A map & compass would have been worthless to fix my position, and certainly useless to navigate back to our campsite. So I used my phone, and fixed my position and route in about 90 seconds.

So do I take a map? Yes, occasionally if I don't know the area very well, otherwise no. I don't for 14ers or most alpine work, the trails are easy to spot and above treeline navigation is pretty simple (unless it's a really dark night). If you want a map the standard USGS topos are good ones, but you can print smaller ones you download yourself online.

Now to the useful info: Learn how to use a GPS. No, not a fancy expensive machine. Download a GPS app for your smartphone and learn to master it. These apps do NOT require cell phone service. Yes, yes...naysayers will retort: "You might run out of power!" How often has that happened to me? Zero, never. There are a ton of tips online on how to maximize your battery life, use them, and if you want you can buy an external battery. But I can go for days with my phone and still have power to spare. One tip: switch your phone to airplane mode when in the field, and don't leave it on all the time, etc. Just go to the app's website, pull up the map/satellite imagery or where you're going, then plot your course with waypoints. Start hiking, then occasionally check your route vs. your waypoints. A GPS is hyper accurate, works in the dark really well, and will work in a forest or during a whiteout in a winter blizzard. Carry both a map and your phone, but for real world "sh*t I'm lost" situations a GPS will save your butt. But you have to master your tool! It's not hard, pretty simple actually, but requires just a bit of practice. The two main GPS apps: Gaia and Backcountry Navigator. I prefer Gaia, fwiw.

-Tom

[mtree]

Hi everyone. I am fairly new to Colorado and mountaineering as well and felt it would be appropriate to piggy back my gear questions onto this thread. I did Sniktau and then Quandary by myself two years ago and really started climbing in earnest last summer. I have learned a lot about what works for me gear wise but have come to the realization that as I continue, I need to take certain aspects more seriously to make sure I stay as safe as possible out there.

The first question I have is about maps. I have only done mountains that have pretty well defined trails but as I keep going I figure I will need to start to carry something. I generally just study route guides on here to know what to look for and what to avoid before I go but what does everyone usually carry with them? The official maps you see in stores and online? Do you just print off copies and carry them? Not sure I want to buy a GPS device but if it is worth it maybe I consider that?

I am also looking to add to my gear for this summer. I think I am in a good spot with clothing and plan to replace my boots after this year, but was wondering what would be most useful/essential to add so I am doing a little bit at a time. I already have most items on the basic list but would an ice axe, gaiters, or a helmet really be necessary at this point? Maybe that GPS device?

I sometimes print maps and bring them with me if its a new route and seldom traveled or complicated. Otherwise, I'm pretty good at route finding. Everyone is different.

Unless you're planning to learn how to use it and doing a steep snow climb, skip the axe, even though it makes you look really cool. Gaiters? I've never used and don't own any. A helmet? Definitely for class 3 and above. Otherwise, I don't bother. Microspikes are a nice addition and something you may find useful (or necessary) most any time of year. Its one of those items that's better to carry and not need than not have and suddenly need.

Don't just buy gear to buy gear. Get what you need and skip the rest. I find great clothing at army surplus stores, Walmart (yes, indeed!), and the clearance rack at REI or other stores. The only thing I won't go cheap on is footwear. I don't go crazy, but I don't skimp either. My boots need to fit right and work for me under a wide variety of conditions. I also bring a knife. The more unique the better. A knife is cool. And useful. If you can wear it so others can see it all the better. Everyone needs a knife.

[TomPierce]

PJ88: As with most things in the internet, opinions will vary, often widely. The topic of maps is one of those issues with varying opinions. I'll give you my opinions, you'll of course filter all of the advice as you see fit.

Some who venture into the backcountry are pretty old school, nothing wrong with that. I am too, to an extent. But I mention that with regard to a map & compass because many seem to think they are like lucky charms, just bring them and you'll be fine. Eh, not so easy. Of course you need to know how to use them, duh. But as tools (which is all they are) they do have limitations which I think old schoolers tend to discount (or maybe they haven't actually had to use them except during super easy simulations). Quick: When do you need to know how to use a map & compass? Well...when you're lost, right? By definition that means you don't know where you are, or maybe not very precisely, and quite possibly it's dark or soon will be. And are you in the woods, or above treeline? I pose all these questions to highlight those limitations: Very few people know how to find their location on a map with only a compass if they're lost. If you don't know where you are it's damn hard to know how to get somewhere else. And (a) at night or (b) in a forest it's really damn hard to do so (read: nearly impossible). I do a lot of off trail travel in rugged terrain and have occasionally gotten disoriented (the latest a couple of years ago: pitch black night in a broad canyon, etc.) A map & compass would have been worthless to fix my position, and certainly useless to navigate back to our campsite. So I used my phone, and fixed my position and route in about 90 seconds.

So do I take a map? Yes, occasionally if I don't know the area very well, otherwise no. I don't for 14ers or most alpine work, the trails are easy to spot and above treeline navigation is pretty simple (unless it's a really dark night). If you want a map the standard USGS topos are good ones, but you can print smaller ones you download yourself online.

Now to the useful info: Learn how to use a GPS. No, not a fancy expensive machine. Download a GPS app for your smartphone and learn to master it. These apps do NOT require cell phone service. Yes, yes...naysayer will retort: "You might run out of power!" How often has that happened to me? Zero, never. There are a ton of tips online on how to maximize your battery life, use them, and if you want you can buy an external battery. But I can go for days with my phone and still have power to spare. One tip: switch your phone to airplane mode when in the field, and don't leave it on all the time, etc. Just go to the app's website, pull up the map/satellite imagery or where you're going, then plot your course with waypoints. Start hiking, then occasionally check your route vs. your waypoints. A GPS is hyper accurate, works in the dark really well, and will work in a forest or during a whiteout in a winter blizzard. Carry both a map and your phone, but for real world "sh*t I'm lost" situations a GPS will save your butt. But you have to master your tool! It's not hard, pretty simple actually, but requires just a bit of practice. The two main GPS apps: Gaia and Backcountry Navigator. I prefer Gaia, fwiw.

-Tom