Colorado Trail 2018 Gear List

[Nathan L]

<p class=”bbp-user-nicename”>@lhefling</p>
https://www.insectshield.com/EZ-Packs-P442.aspx

They have EPacks now so they send you a bag (I think it is actually a USPS container) that you stuff everything into, says you can put 10 items per bag, but if you can stuff more then good.  No underwear.

Ranges between $69.95 – $159.95 depending on how many bags you want.

I have not used this yet, but I plan to do this in a couple months as I get closer to hiking season for my clothes, wife’s clothes and my kid’s clothes.

[Dave S]

Larry,

That was my thinking as well if I was going to climb any of the 14’ers along the CT. My only advice to you is when you get close to Mt. Albert think twice before you pass up the chance to summit it. I myself used Trailjournals.com to keep an on-line journal, it was the first time I’ve ever did something like that. It wasn’t to hard to do and my family and friends really liked following along. I’d update the journal at the towns I stayed/resupplied at. All the hostels I stayed in had wifi service, some were slow and made uploading pictures difficult.

One thing that surprised me was how often and for how long my feet would get/stay wet. I was also surprised how muddy the trail could be in many segments. So based on my experience last year plan on dealing with wet feet for extended periods of time. I used Body Glide on my feet every day on the trail, once in the morning I would apply it and once at night before I go to bed. I used light weight polypropylene socks to sleep in so as not to get the Body Glide all over my sleeping bag.

If you have any more questions I’d be happy to help. It is an amazing trail that is well maintained. Good luck to you and happy trails.

[Larry H]

Great advice Dave – thank you!

I haven’t used body glide yet but I do like Injinji toe socks – I wonder if the combination of the two would be smart.

I’ll check out your Trailjournal if I can find it :)

Thanks again !

[Dave S]

Link to my journal

http://www.trailjournals.com/journal/entry/537617

[Larry H]

Thanks David

[Bill]

Larry – just saw your post and it was like looking in the mirror.  Everything from 56 years old and self-employed to Aug/Sept CT thru hike schedule and shooting for 15# base weight.  Enjoyed checking out your gear list.  I haven’t quite got mine dialed in yet.

[Valerie E]

I did the CT in 2015 (July into August).

I generally agree with Dave S.’s views, except:

I used my headnet ALL the time — you’ll miss mosquito season, but the CT has all these biting flies. Tons of them. Maybe ol’ Dave just wasn’t tasty…but maybe you will be.

I actually wished that I had brought an umbrella. SO many days where the rain would be on/off, on/off, on/off. I got horribly sick of putting on/taking off my rain jacket every 15 minutes.

I did about the same pace as you’re planning, happily used a 700ml pot (cooked 1/day, cold coffee in the AM), enjoyed lots of nearo/zeros, and resupplied on a similar schedule to yours (which worked very well, although I didn’t have someone to come resupply me — I had to hitch into towns).  For extra trail calories, I carried potato chips (crunchy! salty!).

I second the suggestion that you go to Fairplay from Kenosha Pass instead of Jefferson (there’s NOTHING there).  And the Bivvy is good, but I preferred the Fireside Inn in Breck (loaner clothes, Nicki does your laundry and cooks you a great big breakfast, right in the middle of town).

And finally, if you’re only going to do ONE 14’er, I’d make it San Luis Peak…it’s easy from the trail, and it’s a hard one (long approach) for a day hike…so it’s much less crowded than most 14’ers.

In 2015 I took the Eastern Collegiate option, but went back in 2017 for the Collegiate Loop. West side RULES!  All the beauty of the San Juans without the ATVs and dirt bikes…but it is definitely tougher than the east side. You’re gonna walk a lot of talus.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.  Don’t overstress about gear. It’s more a mental challenge than anything, really. You have to pack the right attitude and roll with the punches – far more important that what gear you have!

[Roger Caffin]

Hi Valerie

I got horribly sick of putting on/taking off my rain jacket every 15 minutes.
Totally agree – which is why we now use ponchos.
When it is not raining the poncho is thrown back and hangs off my pack; when it starts to rain I bring it forward around my shoulders. I do not need to break stride for the change.

Cheers

[Larry H]

Fantastic post Valerie – thank you!  I am starting the CT on 7/15 and am planning to take my umbrella as well. My hiking partner is going the poncho route. Lots of great info in your post!

[Matt Smith]

Hi Larry, looks like you’ve allredy have things pretty dialed in. And great feedback from everyone as always.  I hiked the Colorado trail last summer (aug 5 – 24).

Clothing:

Right before hitting the trail I ditched my long underwear and rain skirt and only carried wind pants.  It was foolish to not bring the rain skirt, although I hiked through a hail storm near cottonwood pass without problems.  unless you like having them specifically to sleep in, I don’t find long underwear bottoms necessary. there was no time I wish i had an extra lower body layer. Coldest night I experienced was 19* F.

charger:

i can make it 5+ days with iPhone/inreach/sonya6300, or any other electronics I decide I want to take.  Depending on your resupply plans and/or random town stops, you may not need one

these are just little things I would personally not need. You’re gonna have a great trip regardless of what you take at this point!

 

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