A Simple Guide to Preparing For a Backpacking Trip

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A Guide for Every Backpacker: How to Pack for Adventure

Preparing for a Colorado backpacking trip can be daunting - especially if you're a beginner. With possible torrential rain, snow, flies and wind to consider, it's important to make sure you have the right layers and gear in your bag.

Don't worry though!

Enjoying a Colorado backpacking trip in the Maroon Bells

We've made all the mistakes so that you don't have to. From our ultimate backpacking checklist to our detailed guide on packing supplies, we provide everything you need to take the stress out of packing for your next Colorado adventure.

Our variety of resources organized by category make it easy for organizing supplies before your trip. Plus, we even offer a FREE downloadable ultimate backpacking checklist for you to print and check off when setting up for each journey.

Download, Print, Check, Repeat!

CoHH Tip! The ultimate backpacking checklist works for hikes outside Colorado so this is an anywhere, anytime checklist! Put the list in a ziplock bag making it super handy to pack and go.

The Ultimate Backpacking Checklist for Colorado Hiking

Clothing

Personal Toiletries

  • Sunscreen

  • Lip Balm with SPF

  • BIFF (Bathroom in Forest Floor) bag

    • TP/sealable bag

    • digging trowel *found in hardware or garden supply store

    • hand sanitizer

  • WAG bag

  • Menstrual supplies/ziplock to carry out

  • Toothbrush + paste

  • Floss

  • Prescription Rx

  • OTC meds + vitamins

  • Contact lenses + supplies/glasses

  • Lotion

  • Eye Drops

  • Bug repellent

  • Hair ties *optional

  • Pee rag *optional

  • Ear plugs *option

Optional Equipment for Snow & Icy Trips

Backpack & Storage

Shelter

Sleep System

Tools & Accessories

  • Trekking poles

  • Pocket knife or multi-tool

  • Whistle

  • Phone *keep on low power + airplane mode

  • Bear Spray

  • Camera and extra battery *optional

  • Headlamp *bring spare batteries

  • Power bank

  • Cash, ID + Credit Card + Insurance Card

Hydration

Pack in CAr

  • Parking pass for car *as needed

  • Clean clothes + shoes to change post trip

  • Phone charger

  • Water + snacks (Chocolate melts)

Entertainment *optional

  • Book, Kindle *pen/paper

  • Playing cards + headphones

Camp Kitchen

Navigation Equipment

  • Waterproof map/ziplock

  • Compass *optional

  • Watch *optional

  • GPS phone app with maps downloaded

  • Satellite Messenger/Garmin inReach *optional

  • Download driving directions for offline use

  • Check current weather before trip

  • Call ranger station pre-trip for trail conditions + regulations (water, bugs, snow, road, etc)

  • 2 itineraries: 1 left w/friend + 1 under car seat

  • Backpacking permits *as needed

Emergency Kit

Food

  • Provisions - aim for 2,000-3,5000 calories a day (meals)

  • Extra day’s supply of food (for emergencies)

  • Bear can/Ursack *required on Four Pass Loop

  • 50’ nylon cord + small carabiner for bear bag hanging and clothesline

  • Electrolytes/energy gels/calorie dense snacks such as jerky, trail mix, dried fruit

  • Premade Meal kits *optional but super handy on trail

Essential Backpacking Tips for Beginners

First time backpacking doesn’t have to be stressful. Spend some time reviewing an online backpacking guide (for remote hikes, consider looking at wilderness backpacking guides).

Top Ten Colorado Backpacking Tips

*These tips are great for Four Pass Loop, one of Maroon Bells hiking trails famous for views, wildflowers, alpine lakes and close proximity to Crested Butte and Aspen.

For a complete rundown on Four Pass Loop, check out our detailed post here. We share how to plan and hike this stunning three or four day Colorado hike.

Four Pass Loop Maroon Bells Backpacking

Backpacking Tips 101: Ask the Questions First

  • How many days will my first time backpacking hike be?

  • How far ahead should I start preparing?

  • How far can I hike each day?

  • What’s the weather going to be like?

  • What is required for the backpacking hike? Bear Can?

  • What gear should I rent vs buy or borrow?

  • Who has done this hike before? What did they bring?

Spend some time researching the backpacking gear checklists of fellow hikers who’ve done the trail. Read hiking trail reviews, particularly if this is your first time backpacking.

Overpacking AND underpacking have consequences

Too little gear can make for a terrible experience. Snow in August is common in Colorado’s high country. August often brings monsoon rainstorms accompanied by thunder and lightning. Getting caught without a dry layer or rain jacket could result in hypothermia.

Too much gear can cause physical ailments, bum knees and fatigue.

Be like Goldilocks - find your sweet spot well BEFORE the hike.

Download the ultimate backpacking checklist for Colorado hiking, marking off what you have, need and want.

Backpacking Tips 2: Get a Backpack

Ideally you’ll want a 50-80 liter pack. Unless you’re a minimalist, first time backpacking involves some hit or miss items. It’s okay to leave some gear at home but don’t be stupid light. Ultralight is below 10 lbs. Stupid light is when you fail to bring something important to save weight.

REI rents great packs for first time backpacking. Renting is a small investment of money (under $100), allowing you to see what feels good, works for your body and holds what you need.

Osprey backpacks have superior systems for air flow, great hip and chest belts along with tons of pockets to stash gear. Consider using their packfinder tool to find the perfect pack for you!

Backpacking Tips 3: Print (and read) the Ultimate Gear List before Gathering Gear

I’m a “show me, don’t just tell me” kind of planner. Before I started backpacking, I spent a lot of time asking others what gear they liked and used. Below is a list of my absolute favorite backpacking for beginners gear. Each of the pieces I list are items I use EVERY SINGLE backpacking trip.

Any hike requires research. For an upcoming trek in Peru and Ecuador, I’ve spent copious hours research trail conditions and weather along with local resources in case I forget something.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

Favorite backpacking pillow on Mt. Kilimanjaro

CoHH favorite Colorado Backpacking Gear

When backpacking, a good night's sleep is crucial for energy and endurance on the trail. Choosing the right sleeping bag is essential for a comfortable and restful night's sleep.

LINK: 5 FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN A BACKPACKING SLEEPING BAG

Essential gear for Four Pass Loop backpacking trip

Backpacking Tips 4: Have all your gear organized before packing

Outdoor kitchen items for wilderness backpacking

Lay out all your items before packing your backpack. Using a wet bag or waterproof compression sacks for clothes. Organize your gear according to the categories listed in our ultimate backpacking checklist.

Divide gear among your hiking group, keeping everyone’s weight around the same if possible. For our Four Pass Loop backpacking trip, we made sure our packs did not weigh over 30 lbs/each.

Ziploc bags or Stasher bags (Melody’s new favorite eco friendly on the trail storage) work great for keeping things organized in your pack. Seeing everything laid out, including food and gear helps you know what is necessary vs luxury items.

For meal prep, consider what types of meals you want. Prepackaged dehydrated meals are super easy to prepare for your first time backpacking. While a bit pricey, the ability to get calorie dense, great tasting food with a “just add water” component is super nice.

Carabiners are great ways to carry cups, camp shoes and water filters outside your backpack.

PRO TIP! Keep your power bank and water filters inside your sleeping bag. These items are fickle when it comes to cold weather. I sleep with them in the bottom of my sleeping bag.

Keep layers handy for sudden weather changes

Backpacking Tips 5: Divide and Conquer *Your Gear

Place heaviest items at the bottom of your backpack. For essential backpacking gear used only at campsites, place in the bottom of your backpack. The middle section of your pack should clothes and extra food.

example of sleep/hydration basics for beginners backpacking

Wrap your sleeping bag and quilt in a trash bag or waterproof stuff sack. Keeping this dry will help keep you warm on the trail.

PRO NOTE! Bear cans are heavy and bulky. Be judicious with how much food you bring, knowing you’ll be carrying it all on your back including trash created during the hike. Ursacks are easier to manage in backpacks, less bulky and allowed for many Colorado hikes.

Keep your rain jacket, hats/gloves and extra layer easily accessible. Pack in a large garbage bag or waterproof sack to ensure they stay dry when sudden rain hits.

Items such as water bottles/hydration pouch and water filters need to be in close reach. Rule of thumb: When you find water, fill up, keeping your reservoirs full to avoid extreme thirst.

Colorado backpacking bathroom in the woods ‘how to’

Backpacking Tips 6: Have Your BIFF Bag Handy

If you’ve never used the BIFF - bathroom in forest floor (yes, we mean pooping in the woods), you’ll need to get familiarized with Leave No Trace Principle 3 - Dispose of Waste Properly.

Gear Needed: small lightweight shovel, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, bag for used toilet paper and/or WAG bag

  • Find your bathroom spot 200 feet from trail and water (about 70 steps).

  • Dig a cathole at least 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter.

  • After doing your business, cover hole completely and place used TP in bag to pack out.

  • WAG BAGS: Think dog poop bags for humans. Do your business in the bag, fold up and pack out. 

Backpacking Tips 7: Keep snacks and lip balm nearby

Some packs have a detachable fanny pack to place a cellphone, snacks and lip balm in. If your pack does not, bring a fanny pack to wear.

Once you take off your backpack, it’s really hard to put it back on. Keeping snacks and water handy allows you mini breaks throughout your wilderness backpacking trip.

Grabbing a shot of energy on Four Pass Loop Colorado backpacking trip

Favorite Backpacking Snacks

  • Calorie dense, easy to carry jerky sticks, dried fruit and nuts

  • Protein bars in variety of flavors

  • Cliff Blok shot *margarita flavor is one of our favorites

  • Honey mustard pretzel sticks and salt and vinegar almonds

  • Gummies *the candy variety

  • Water flavoring packets *NUUN, lemonade powder

Trekking poles are invaluable for Colorado backpacking

Backpacking Tips 8: Have and Use trekking poles

My eldest daughter was not convinced she needed trekking poles. Until she put on her backpack and started climbing some steep hills. There are so many benefits to using trekking poles on Colorado backpacking trails.

  • Protect knees, especially on downhills

  • Improve posture

  • Reduce fatigue and increase endurance

  • Keep the “fat finger” syndrome at bay *Gives your arms something to do vs. hang by your side, hands getting puffy

  • Test depth of water which comes in handy for river crossings

PRO TIP! Speaking of water crossings: Make sure to unclip your hip and chest straps when crossing any moving water. If you go down, it’s better to say good-bye to your pack vs. be swept under because it’s still attached to your back.

RELATED LINK: HIKING POLES: YOUR TRAILSIDE SUPERPOWER!

Yoga Stretch Session on Trail

Backpacking Tips 9: Add a stretch session each night

You’ll be sore, no matter how much you train. Take advantage of the fresh mountain air and freedom from electronics and screens to move your body.

Find yoga in nature. Look for a relatively flat patch of earth, preferably in view of the spectacular nature you just hiked to see. Remove your pack, grab some water.

Start with breathing. Breath in and out, arms lifting overhead, stretching out shoulders and neck.

Follow with basic body stretches allowing you to release tension from a day of hauling a large pack on your back. Think soft and gentle movement, giving your body a chance to unwind from the day’s journey.

End your nature yoga session with legs up tree, allowing the blood to circulate and keep swelling down. Backpacking for beginners can be hard on the body. Give it some TLC (tender loving care).

RELATED LINK: Try these simple yoga poses that work great on (and off) the trail!

Backpacking Tips 10: Train your body and mind

For all the backpacking hikes I’ve done, my backpacking physical training began 6 months prior to the hike. Winter in Colorado is cold and icy. On especially miserable days, the stair climber with a weighted pack was essential for backpacking preparation.

Train in the shoes and socks you plan to backpack in. Wear your backpack or at least carry the weight you plan to bring on several hikes prior to your first time backpacking.

For my Kilimanjaro summit hike (5 days), I spent a fair amount of time at altitude, hiking several 12,000’ mountains for altitude preparation.

There are so many online plans for how to train for backpacking from start to finish. Training for your first backpacking trip doesn’t have to be hard.

At the end of the day, no practice training will compare to the actual hike. However, your mind and body can be ready to push through IF you train.

Sunrise on Mt. Kilimanjaro

Backpacking tips summary: Prepare and Share

Safety first!

  • Bring a first aid kit.

  • Carry moleskin and KT tape for blisters.

  • Carry bear spray.

  • Don’t leave the layers behind.

  • Tell someone where you’ll be and when you expect to be back.

  • Check the weather.

For more essential hiking tips, head to our top tips for hiking alone. These work great for groups who are Colorado backpacking as well as day hikes.

Melodie Monberg