Colorado Trail Gear List
Introduction
This is an example gear list for thru-hiking the Colorado Trail. I used these items hiking Southbound early in the 2017 season. Gear that works for one person may not be the best for another. Hike your own hike and enjoy the outdoors.
Most of the weight was taken up by the Big 3: Backpack, Shelter, and Sleep System. Many of these items can be split with a hiking partner to reduce weight.
Total Weight: 22 lb
Backpack: 4.3 lb
Tent: 3.1 lb
Sleep System: 2 lb
Clothing: 6.9 lb
Water System: 0.5 lb
Electronics: 1.4 lb
Other: 2.2 lb
Backpack
Shelter
Sleep System
Clothing
Cooking
Water
Electronics
Other
Additional Comments
Post-Hike Changes
There were several changes that I made to my gear during or after the Colorado Trail Tru-Hike.
- Sent home headlamp. I never used my headlamp because I was so exhausted every day that I fell asleep before the sun set. The light on my smartphone worked in the situations that I needed light. Later in the trip when we started staying up later with trail friends I wished I had something similar to this inflatable solar powered lantern.
- Picked up Trekking Poles. Before hiking the CT I assumed hiking poles were for older hikers and I wouldn't need them. They were a game changer when I picked up a pair in Breck. They let you use some of your upper body strength to propel your body up hills and act as a stabilizer when going downhill. They saved me from falling countless times.
- Comfort over Practicality. I ended up replacing some of my sweat wicking and odor resistant with old comfortable clothes. Everything gets wet and worn down. Might as well be comfortable.
Homemade Medical & Repair Kit
The following are things to bring in a medical/repair kit.
Medical:
- Anti-diarrhea pills
- Ibuprofen
- Benadryl
- Bandages/bandaids
- Toenail clippers
- Floss
- Crazy glue. For cuts
Repair:
- Aquaseal. For sleeping pad repairs
- Tenacious Tape.For sleeping pad repairs
- 6ft of utility cord. Was a lifesaver