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.
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!
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.
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 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.
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.