| 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. Carry an extra set of socks
in your pack in case you need dry socks!
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Rain Gear
Don't rely on flimsy rain gear 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.
Back to top 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.
Back to top 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 Polartec, 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.
Back to top 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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