Ten Essentials
This is what we recommend to pack on any outdoor outing, whether for a day hike or week long adventure. You never know when any of the listed equipment may come in handy—or be life saving!
1.) Navigation—Map & Compass
- This is necessary for any time in which you may be lost or have taken the wrong trail. It can help vastly in a dire situation.
2. ) Sun Protection—Sunglasses/Hat/Sunscreen
- This is to prevent heat stroke, exhaustion, and any unnecessary problems due to heat. It's always good to have a hat on.
3.) Food (and extra lunch and plenty of snacks)
- You never know if you get lost, or if you will have a longer stay than planned. We know we've been there, so make sure to pack more than you think you'll need!
4.) Water—Bottle and Extra
- Make sure to pack 3 Liters of water per person and also pack extra in case of any emergency purposes. You never know when the worst comes to worst.
5.) Sleeping Bag (and ideally a Sleeping Pad)
- This one is pretty basic, in case you are needing to sleep in the wilderness for the night, it helps you stay warm. If possible, try to pack a sleeping pad as well just in case.
6.) Rain Jacket/Gear
- Especially in Colorado, you want to make sure you are always prepared for rain. If you're outdoors after noon, make sure that you have proper warmth/coverage. Afternoon storms are a very regular occurrence here near the Rocky Mountains.
7.) First Aid—Bandages (Various sizes), Antiseptic Ointments, Splints, Gloves, Medicine, Gauze, Cold Packs, Scissors, Tweezers
- This one should be self explanatory, however if you are going through any kind of injury, scrape, sting, bite or anything else that may require immediate medical attention, make sure you have a good first aid kit in any pack you bring with you on your outdooring adventures.
8.) Fire Starter—Flint & Steel, Matches, Lighter, etc.
- Warmth is beyond essential when surviving in the wilderness. Bringing a match, lighter, firestarter, or something similar can be the line between life and death. Make sure to always have one on hand. You never know when you'll thank yourself later for packing properly beforehand.
9.) Pocket Knife
- This is a crucial and essential piece to this list. It helps you cut anything and everything, screw things together, and utilize a multitool whenever handy.
10.) Extra Clothing
- Whether this is an extra jacket, pants, spare underwear or socks, it is crucial to have an extra set of clothing to ensure your own warmth and safety when hiking or travelling anywhere in the outdoors. We really recommend this during winter, but every season is equally important to pack for.