What to Pack!!

Packing Tips and Advice

This is going to vary for everyone because everyone's travel style is different. Some of you might be camping and others might be staying in luxury resorts. With this in mind here are our biggest tips on packing for the Rockies! I will also include my backpacking and hiking gear list here too!

Clothes

Make sure you pack layers! The weather is very unpredictable and can change very quickly. Good quality outerwear and hiking shoes are essential!

• Layers: Pack moisture-wicking base layers (long and short sleeve shirts, long pants), a fleece jacket or sweater, and a waterproof and breathable jacket or windbreaker. These are essential for hiking.

• Hiking Boots/Shoes: Choose comfortable and supportive footwear for walking and hiking. 

• Warm Jacket: A down or puffer jacket is always recommended as they fit easily in your day bag and keep you really warm. Definitely bring a fleece and merino wool shirt for under your jacket. Along with a puffer, make sure you have a good rain jacket!

• Warm Hat and Gloves/Mittens: These are essential for protection against the cold even in summer.

• Shorts and Long Pants: Pack a couple of pairs of both for varying temperatures. 

• Swimsuit: If you plan to visit hot springs, hot tubs, or swim in the lakes. I always bring at least 2!

• Casual Clothes: Pack jeans, t-shirts, flannel shirts, and sweaters for relaxed evenings. I like to bring one nice outfit in case we go out for a nice dinner or stay in a nicer hotel.

Hiking and Outdoor Gear

• Backpack: A daypack or lightweight backpack for carrying essentials on day trips. If you plan on doing any multi day treks you obviously need a larger hiking bag.

• Water Bottle: A refillable water bottle is a must. We also like to bring our 2-3 liter camelbaks for hiking.

• Water Filtration: if you are going into the back country for multiple days make sure you have chlorine pills or a water filtration system.

• Hat, Sunglasses, and Sunscreen: obvious reasons

• First-Aid Kit: A small first-aid kit is always a good idea

• Bear Spray: The Rockies is grizzly bear territory, always pack bear spray even on short walks. You can't bring bear spray on a plane so if you are flying buy or rent it in town for 10$ a day. Not necessary in winter.

• Bug Spray: there are a lot of mosquitoes

• Toiletries: Pack your necessary toiletries for personal hygiene. 

• Headlamp: for sunrise hikes, emergency and camping

Optional:

• Sleeping Bag: If camping, a warm sleeping bag is essential

• Sleeping Pad: A foam mattress or Therm-a-Rest can provide extra comfort and warmth

• Tent: whether it is for front country or back country

• Trekking poles: I find poles really help with knee pain on long hikes

• Snacks!!

Electronics

• Phone and Charger

• Headphones

• Ebook or Regular book

• Power Bank