| This section describes the basic equipment you need to go on most CMC trips in safety and comfort. The section does not attempt to describe specialized equipment such as technical climbing gear, skis, snowshoes, etc. Leaders may refuse to take a participant on a trip for lack of appropiate equipment (ie. sandals for hiking, no raingear). If you are unsure of the equipment appropriate for your trip, contact the leader.
The CMC Essentials
Various hiking guides have lists of basic equipment needed for every hike, such as the "Ten Essentials," etc. The CMC's members have found through experience that the following items are essential for every trip for every participant; please carry them in your standard trip pack and don't go on a trip without them. Don't "share" your essentials with other people, and don't rely on the leader to have extra water, food, or gear for your use.
- At least 2 liters or 2 quarts of water. (Do not drink untreated stream or lake water! Many streams and lakes in Colorado and elsewhere are infected with parasites.)
- Lunch, plus extra food.
- Rain/wind parka and pants.
- Extra layers of clothing: wool or synthetic insulating layer, gloves/ mittens, warm hat and socks. (Avoid cotton clothing because cotton does not insulate when wet.)
- Waterproof matches and lighter, plus fire ribbon or other commercial firestarter.
- Sunglasses/goggles.
- Sunscreen/lip balm.
- Pocket knife.
- First aid supplies.
- Toilet paper in waterproof bag; please also consider a ziplock bag to carry out used toilet paper.
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Additional Safety and Emergency Items
You need even more equipment for longer, more difficult trips, and to help lead trips. Consider carrying these additional safety and emergency items on more difficult day trips.
- Space blanket (can be used as a windbreaker, heat reflector, and signaling device).
- Large plastic leaf bags for quick rain and wind protection.
- Low-temperature electrician's tape or duct tape for general repairs.
- Ensolite pad to reduce body heat loss when sitting or sleeping on the cold ground.
- Metal cup to melt snow and boil water.
- Whistle, signal mirror, 100 feet of parachute cord, and flagging tape.
- Snow shovel on trips where snow is expected.
- Map, compass, altimeter, GPS device
- Climbing helmet and climbing gloves, if trip is technical or if loose rock is a possibility. A climbing helmet is required on all climbs or hikes rated Class 4 or above.
- Ice axe, for glissades and self-arrest if snow travel is a possibility.
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Additional Equipment
for Overnight Trips
For overnight trips, a sleeping bag, shelter, large backpack, stove and utensils, toiletries, extra water and water-purification systems, emergency gear, and enough clothing to keep you warm in the evening and early morning are all essential. Camp is often at high altitude with cold nights. We strongly encourage you to share your shelter and stoves with others on your trip. Please use stoves for all backcountry cooking and heating. For ecological reasons, the CMC strongly discourages wood fires except in emergencies.
Back to top Footwear, Raingear,
Non-cotton Clothing, Layering
Footwear Wear appropriate footwear, such as good hiking boots with firm lug soles. Boots should fit comfortably snug, with free play for toes and little slippage in the heel. Fabric running shoes or sneakers usually aren't sturdy enough for most CMC trips. The more weight you carry, the sturdier the boot you'll want. Even if you anticipate walking on easy trails, you may need to bushwhack across rocks and rough terrain where a sturdy boot will protect you from ankle injuries. Make sure your footwear is weatherproofed and well broken in before your hike. Don't use cotton socks; they get cold and cause blisters when wet. Many hikers prefer to wear two pair of socks: a thin inner liner, and a thicker sock outside.
Raingear Don't rely on flimsy raingear such as cheap, plastic ponchos. Carry a quality, wind-and-waterproof jacket with a hood. Your jacket should be large enough to accommodate multiple insulating layers underneath. Your pants should be loose, warm, comfortable, and quick-drying. If you aren't sure whether your jacket is totally waterproof, take along a large plastic leaf bag: with a hole cut out near a bottom corner for your head, it can keep you dry and warm even in very wet weather.
Non-Cotton Clothing Wear-or at least take with you-synthetic or wool clothing, not cotton. Cotton clothes such as T-shirts and jeans may be adequate for short summer hikes, but never rely on cotton to protect you from cold or rain. Cotton soaks up many times its weight in water and is a worthless insulator when wet. Remember, afternoon thunderstorms occur frequently during Colorado summers, and at higher altitudes snowstorms can occur any day of the year. If you're not sure about what to wear, call the trip leader.
Layering To keep warm, dress in several layers instead of relying on one heavy, impractical garment. The first or inner layer is next to your body and serves to wick moisture away from your skin. Popular inner-layer fabrics include Thermax®, Capilene®, silk, and polypropylene. The second layer is the insulating layer, usually made of wool, fleece, Thinsulate®, or down. The third, outer layer is a waterproof jacket or shell, providing lightweight protection from rain, snow and wind. Popular fabrics include Gore-Tex®, Entrant®, Helly-Tech®, and coated nylon. Wind pants, especially those with a full-length zipper enabling you to take them on and off without removing your boots, are nearly essential for winter trips.
Gloves and Hats Gloves and warm headgear are essential on cold days, and should be kept in your pack for all trips. Hikers lose most of their heat through their heads; thus the old adage: "If your feet are cold, put on a hat." Waterproof overmitts are highly recommended to keep your gloves dry in wet or cold conditions.
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