Want to know what to pack to go hiking in Colorado? You’re in the right place!
I’ve lived in Colorado for over 9 years (on the Front Range and the West Slope) and have gone on hundreds of hikes across the state. Trails in Colorado can run the gamut from casual urban strolls, to intensely challenging mountain peaks. Hiking in Colorado also comes with unique considerations, like the altitude, dry air, and unpredictable mountain weather.
Since not all Colorado hikes are created equal, inside this guide I explain when and why you should carry each piece of gear. You don’t necessarily need to same gear to go for an easy hike in the foothills of Denver as you do for climbing a 14’er, but there are some items you should always have before hitting the trail.
Please keep in mind that you probably already own a lot of these items, even if you’re new to hiking. I want you to be safe and prepared for your Colorado hike, but I also don’t want you to feel like you need to run out and purchase a ton of new stuff. Work with what you’ve got, prioritize safety essentials, and upgrade gear like your backpack and water bottle over time as you start hiking more regularly.
What Are the 10 Essentials?
Throughout this guide you’re going to see me reference “the 10 essentials.” These are 10 categories of hiking gear that you should ideally always carry with you when hiking. It includes things like extra water and food, along with items like emergency shelter and a first-aid kit. Hopefully you won’t need to use most of these items during your hike, but if you find yourself in an emergency situation you’re going to be glad you have them!
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Colorado Day Hike Packing List
1. Backpack
Arguably the most important piece of gear that you need when hiking in Colorado is a backpack. I personally use and love the Osprey Sirrus 24L day pack. It’s extremely durable and the perfect size to carry the 10 essentials, along with extra gear. Here is my complete review of the Osprey Sirrus 24L pack.
Of course, a backpack isn’t the only type of pack that you can carry. My husband is a big fan of wearing a fanny pack on day hikes to reduce the strain on his shoulders (he found a vintage Osprey hiking fanny pack at a thrift store in Ketchum). A trail running vest is also a great option for shorter hikes where you want to be able to carry sufficient water while staying light on the trail.
Gear Recommendations:
2. Water
Between the dry air and elevation you may find yourself feeling thirstier than usual when hiking in Colorado. It’s very important to stay hydrated throughout your hike, which means carrying enough water, either in a water bladder or water bottle.
The general rule of thumb is to carry 1L of water per hour of hiking, but you may need more or less depending on how difficult the trail is or how hot out it is. You can also filter water along the trail (if the trail was water access) with a water filter. Never drink directly from creeks, streams, and lakes because you can get Giardia.
To ensure you’re staying properly hydrated, consider carrying electrolyte packs like Scratch to add to your water, especially if you’re hiking during warmer months!
Gear Recommendations:
3. Snacks
While you may not need to eat much during a short or easy hike, longer, more challenging trails require proper fuel. It’s always a good idea to carry more snacks or food than you think you need on your hike in case you’re extra hungry or find yourself out on the trail longer than expected. Protein bars, trail mix, pb&j sandwiches, dried fruit, gummy candy, and jerky are all great hiking snack options!
4. First-Aid Kit
You never know what might happen on a hike, so carrying a well-stocked first-aid kit is considered one of the 10 essentials. There are a lot of pre-packaged first-aid kits for hiking on the market, but you can also create your own.
Band-aids, moleskin, gauze, tape, Ibuprofen, Benedryl, and any medications you may need (including Epipens or insulin) can be helpful when hiking in Colorado.
Gear Recommendation: Adventure Medical Kit
5. Map & Compass
Most popular hiking trails in Colorado are well-maintained and fairly easy to navigate, however you should always carry a map & compass while hiking in case you get lost. There are also a number of apps that allow you to download trail maps directly to your phone, including COTREX, AllTrails, and Gaia GPS. If you are going to rely on a digital map, then it is important to also carry a backup battery charger in case your phone dies.
6. Sunscreen
Sun exposure in Colorado is no joke! Wearing sun protection is essential when hiking here, especially if you’re on an exposed trail or hiking above tree line. I recommend applying sunscreen before hitting the trail, and/or wearing clothing with sun protection, like a sun shirt.
Gear Recommendation: Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen
7. Sunglasses
In addition to sunscreen, a good pair of sunglasses is a must when hiking in Colorado. I’ve personally noticed that my eyes are much more sensitive to the sun here than they are in other places (I literally can’t leave the house without sunglasses!). Look for sunglasses with polarized lenses to help reduce glare.
Gear Recommendation: Sunski Polarized Sunglasses
8. Lip Balm
There’s nothing worse than getting sun or windburned lips while hiking. Make sure to toss some lip balm (ideally with SPF) in your pack (in a deep pocket where it won’t get hot and melt) to keep your lips hydrated and plump. While this isn’t absolutely essential, you will be happy you have it!
Gear Recommendation: Badger SPF 15 Lip Balm
9. Headlamp
Carrying illumination, like a headlamp, is another one of the 10 essentials. If you’re going on a day hike you probably won’t need to use your headlamp, but it’s important to carry one in case you find yourself out after dark. There are a lot of things that can go wrong during a hike, from getting lost to getting injured, and a headlamp is going to be able to help you navigate if your hike takes longer than expected.
Gear Recommendation: Black Diamond Cosmo Headlamp
10. Extra Socks
Having a pair of extra socks in your pack can come in handy on hikes that have water crossings or where your feet might get wet. Keeping your feet dry while hiking helps prevent blisters and keeps them healthy. It also feels luxurious to swap out your socks in the middle of a long, challenging hike! Opt for lightweight wool socks for their quick drying, moisture-wicking properties.
Gear Recommendation: Smartwool Low Cut Performance Socks
11. Hat
A hat is an optional piece of hiking gear, but it can serve as another form of sun protection OR as a way to stay warm depending on the time of year. I like wearing a baseball cap or wide-brim hat during warmer months to help keep the sun off of my face, and switch to beanies during the winter for warmth.
Gear Recommendation:
12. Rain Jacket and/or Windbreaker
Colorado’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains. Afternoon rain and thunderstorms are common during the summer and can pop up unexpectedly. It’s also common to experience windy conditions if you’re hiking above tree line. Carrying a rain jacket and/or windbreaker when hiking in Colorado can be helpful in case you find yourself in inclement weather.
Gear Recommendations:
13. Gloves
You won’t need gloves on every hike (especially if you’re hiking in the summer), but if you’re hiking in the fall, winter, early spring, or above tree line, then carrying gloves is highly recommended (if not essential). I typically keep a pair of lightweight Merino wool gloves in my pack year round, and add a heavier pair of gloves or mittens in the winter.
Gear Recommendation: Smartwool Merino Gloves
14. Emergency Shelter
While you hopefully won’t need it, it’s important to carry an emergency bivvy or space blanket to help you stay comfortable and safe in the event you have to spend an unexpected night outside. Other lightweight and inexpensive emergency items you can carry, especially if you’re on a solo hike, include a whistle (your pack may come with one) and small mirror.
Gear Recommendation: SOL Emergency Bivvy
15. Emergency GPS Device
Carrying an emergency GPS and communication device, like a Garmin inReach mini, allows you to quickly get in touch with emergency personnel, even if you’re out of service. This is definitely a pricey piece of gear, and you don’t necessarily need to carry one, especially on easy or heavily-trafficked trails, but it’s something that could save your life.
If you get into the backcountry regularly I would invest in one. Some phones also offer a way to contact emergency officials while out of service, but they may not be as precise as an emergency GPS device.
Gear Recommendation: Garmin inReach mini 2
16. Knife
A knife is another one of the 10 essentials that can come in handy in a variety of situations on a hike, from gear repairs to protection in the event of an extreme emergency. You can also carry a multitool to provide even more tool options (mini-scissors can be useful).
17. Hiking Poles
Carrying hiking poles on your Colorado hike is totally optional, but they can be a really useful piece of gear to have on certain trails. I break out my poles whenever I climb a mountain or hike a long, steep trail. There are a number of benefits of using hiking poles, including taking pressure off your knees, helping with stability, and providing momentum to help you hike faster.
Gear Recommendation: Trekology trekking poles
18. Bug Spray
Do you need to wear bug spray when hiking in Colorado? The answer is probably not for the most part (I can’t remember the last time I wore bug spray on a hike here), but there are definitely trails where you may want to have it.
Coming from the Northeast, I don’t think that the mosquitos in Colorado are bad at all (and I’m someone who gets eaten alive!). They are definitely out there, but there have only been a handful of hikes where I felt like I truly needed bug spray. With that said, it can be helpful to have in your pack, especially if you’re on a trail known for mosquitos (hot tip: if you’re hiking in the Flat Tops, bring it!).
Gear Recommendations: Quantum Health Buzz Away
19. Camera
Carrying a camera on your hike is totally unnecessary, especially since your phone probably takes high-quality photos and videos. However, if you’re a photographer or just want to be more intentional about the photos you take, it can be a great item to bring along. Most of my favorite hiking photos have come from my Sony a7iii.
Gear Recommendation: Sony a7iii
Download the Complete Packing List
FAQs: Hiking Gear in Colorado
Should you carry bear spray in Colorado?
A common question that people ask when visiting Colorado is whether or not they should carry bear spray on hikes. While Colorado is home to black bears, they generally aren’t aggressive so carrying bear spray isn’t encouraged like in other areas that have grizzlies. You certainly can carry bear spray if it makes you feel safer, but make sure you know how to use it properly first.
What should you wear to go hiking in Colorado?
Just like your packing list, what you should wear to go hiking in Colorado is going to depend on the time of year, the type of hike you’re doing, and personal preference. I have two guides to help you put together a cute and functional outfit to go hiking in Colorado depending on the season. Check out what to wear in the summer and what to wear in the fall.
What should you carry if you’re hiking with your dog?
If your dog is joining you on your Colorado hike make sure you have a leash, dog poop bags, a bowl for water, and extra food/treats depending on how far the hike is (remember they need fuel too!). Dog waste should always be packed out. Read my review of the Ruffwear Roamer leash, which I consider to be one of the best hiking leashes.
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