Colorado Summits -Gear List

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This picture is kind of a joke, because we certainly won’t be carrying bottles of San Pellegrino and cans of Heineken on this strenuous backpacking trip (maybe whiskey… more bang per ounce!) but it is meant to declare “We travel in style!” Black Bear prides itself on providing delicious, healthful food on the trail and believes delicious meals must not necessarily be sacrificed in the back country.

Be aware that food and certain other “community equipment items” will be divided evenly between all group members. In the end this will actually mean less weight for each person, another great benefit of traveling in a group!

Items marked with a *star on this gear list are required items, necessary for a safe and successful backpacking experience for yourself and the group.

TRAVEL AND PERSONAL ITEMS

• *Spending cash – Although meals, transportation and accommodations are included in the price of the trip, you might like to buy some gifts, snacks, or things along the way. Additionally, you will be responsible for getting yourself to Albuquerque or Durango on September 3rd, as well as hotel accommodations in Durango that night. The trip officially begins on September 4th at 8:00 AM sharp. Please register, or contact us for more information.
• *Medications – please let us know in advance if you require refrigeration, otherwise you are responsible for storing and administering your own prescribed medication.

HIKING

• *Hiking boots or sturdy shoes, medium weight, broken-in
• Waterproof sandals or shoes, to provide protection and support in swift water during river crossings
• *Backpack (3500 to 6000 cubic inches)
• *Small bag, backpack, or removable backpack top pouch for summit day-hikes.
• *Waterproof pack cover, extra straps
• Walking stick or trekking poles (very highly recommended)

CAMPING

• *Tent or bivy sack with rain fly and repair kit
• *Sleeping Bag (at least a 30F degree bag recommended)
• Sleeping Pad (highly recommended)

EATING AND DRINKING

• Water filter and iodine tablets for backup (we can usually share this with everyone)
• *Water bottles (enough to carry 1/2 gallon)
• Backpack stove and fuel (each person needs one medium canister of fuel- stoves can be shared)
• Cooking pot and cleaning pad (item can be shared)
• *Eating utensils & plate or bowl
• *Drinking cup or insulated mug for warm drinks
• *Lighter or waterproof matches
• Fishing tackle if desired
• Biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer, small towel

CLOTHING

• *Rain jacket (Must be waterproof!)
• *Rain pants
• *Long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and jacket
• *Shorts, short-sleeved shirt, and underwear (quick-dry fabrics are preferred)
• *Wool hiking socks
• *Hat
• Gloves
• Swimsuit

OTHER ESSENTIALS

• *Waterproof bags (for storing clothes and sleeping bag)
• Sun hat and sunglasses (highly recommended)
• *Small first aid kit
• *Sunscreen
• Pocket knife if desired
• *Headlamp, extra bulbs and batteries
• *Toilet paper in plastic bag
• Trowel for digging cat holes (see previous item)
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
• Camera, waterproof camera or waterproof stuff sack recommended

The total weight of your pack (including two quarts of water) should weigh no more than 1/3 of your body weight.  Try to pack as light as possible- easier said than done!