The Ultimate Backpacking Gear List for the Colorado Trail
Alright here we go! This was my gear list for the Colorado Trail. Since this was my third official thru-hike, most of my gear was ultralight. Ultralight gear is an investment, so these aren’t all budget-friendly options, but every single item on this list gets my full check of approval. I cover all the essentials for a comfortable trip but of course you can adjust it to your needs…we all have those few “luxury” items we can’t live without.
My base weight (pack weight minus food and water) was about 15 pounds, including all of my camera gear. This was a very comfortable weight for me!
Jump Ahead
TEN ESSENTAILS:
On every outdoor adventure, you should start by packing the Ten Essentials. These items are necessary to keep you safe when the unexpected happens. To learn more about them, check out my post, The Ten Essentials.
HIKE:
Backpack
I used the Hyperlite Junction 55 L the entire trail and absolutely love it. It’s lightweight, waterproof, and comfortable. It has one mesh pocket that’s perfect for drying wet clothing and two closed pockets that are durable and protect gear.
If this is your first thru hike, and you prefer a supportive pack that can handle higher base weights, I’d highly recommend the Osprey Aura 65L. I’ve always been a fan of Osprey backpacks. They definitely aren’t the lightest bags but they’re super supportive, adjustable, and comfortable for days on end. I also love that they’re compartmentalized into three sections that make it easy to organize your gear.
If you choose a non-waterproof pack, like the Osprey Aura 65L, make sure to carry a rain cover for your backpack.
Trekking Poles
With all of the steep, relentless terrain on the Colorado Trail, trekking poles are a MUST. They make such a difference in maintaining balance and a consistent pace. I tried a few different options before finding my perfect pair. There are multiple features to take into account – material, gender, and grip.
Material (aluminum or carbon fiber) – carbon is significantly lighter while aluminum is more durable.
Gender (women or unisex) – women’s poles are shorter and have a smaller diameter hand grip. All poles are adjustable but unisex has a larger span of adjustments.
Grip (cork or foam) – this comes down to how sweaty your hands get. If you have sweaty hands, 100% get cork as it helps absorb the sweat. If you don’t sweat as much, foam is a comfortable option.
Collapsed length — all trekking poles collapse to different lengths. If you are traveling, it is more convenient to have a shorter collapsed length, or even a pair that folds down into thirds.
I have very small and sweaty hands and was looking for a more ultralight option so I ended up with women’s carbon fiber poles with cork grip — Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork. I also use the Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles as they are comfortable and collapsible, which makes them perfect if you are traveling to get to the trail. For a more budget-friendly option try the Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles – Carbon Fiber.
SLEEP:
Tent + Footprint
There are so many tent options out there, so it can definitely be overwhelming finding the right one. The best tents are ultralight, durable, weather-proof, and easy to set up. I found that the biggest issue on the Colorado Trail is condensation, so I highly recommend a double-wall tent. I even brought a small piece of highly absorbent cloth (aka ShamWow) to soak up the condensation in the morning.
If you’re looking for a two person tent, I highly recommend the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2. It isn’t the cheapest option but it has every feature you could want. It’s freestanding and has two doors (some ultralight only have one) and two vestibules. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, REI Trailmade 2 is quite a bit heavier (almost 3 pounds more than the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL1) but a good choice.
If you prefer an ultralight, non-freestanding tent, the Zpacks Zip Duplex is my favorite. It’s set up with trekking poles instead of tent poles and still has substantial space in the interior. It isn’t cheap but more than worth it if you want to save substantial weight.
If you’re looking for a one person tent, my personal favorite is the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL1. It’s freestanding, ultralight, and spacious. You can fit your backpack inside while you sleep and still have extra space.
Make sure to get the tent footprint that goes with whichever tent you get to protect it from wear and tear or getting dirty!
Sleeping Bag
There’s nothing worse than camping in the freezing cold without a warm sleeping bag. You can always unzip a little if you’re too hot. I use a Zpacks 10 degree sleeping bag - a full zip bag without a hood. However, I also have the Zpacks Down Hood to supplement the bag and keep my head warm. The full combination is extremely lightweight and keeps me warm at night!
I also have the REI Magma 15 sleeping bag and absolutely love it. It’s not too heavy and I’ve never gotten too cold (tested down to 20 degrees).
If you aren’t a fan of a mummy bag or want to save some weight, a quilt is also a great option. A quilt is not a sleeping bag and is meant to be used with a sleeping pad to provide insulation between you and the ground. The Enlightened Equipment Enigma 10 degree quilt is the best choice for a quilt.
Sleeping Pad
The greater the R-value the greater the insulation. R-values can range from less than 2.0 (minimally insulated) to 10 (extremely insulated). No one wants to sleep on a cold ground, so it’s important to have a sleeping pad with sufficient insulation. I have the Therm-a-rest Neo-Air Xlite which has an R-value of 4.2. It’s the perfect amount of insulation for a cold night in the Rockies!
Therm-a-rest Neo-Air Xlite
Pillow
I’m so happy with my choice of pillow. Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow. It’s only 2.5oz., quick to blow up, and comfortable. If you want to save weight, you can use a stuff sack full of clothes as a makeshift pillow.
Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow
KITCHEN:
Cooking System + Fuel
The BRS Stove is small, lightweight, and compatible with many different pots. If you want to stick with an ultralight setup, the Toaks 650mL Titanium Pot is a great option.
If it’s cold out, make sure to always sleep with your fuel in your sleeping bag or the fuel may stop working!
Mug
I use the GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug and it keeps my coffee hot. Added bonus that it only weighs 3.5oz. If you want an even more ultralight option, Sea to Summit X-mug is only 2.4 oz but doesn’t have a closed lid.
Spork
The longer the better. Trust me, you’ll want those lasts bits of food at the bottom of the bag at the end of a long day. Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spork – Long is perfect.
Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spork - Long
Cozy
Re-packaging all of your backpacking food into freezer bags is key to saving space and weight. However, once you re-package, there’s no place to “cook” your food after adding hot water, especially in the cold. I use the Hyperlite Cozy as it fits a freezer bag perfectly and lasts a long time. However, in the past I’ve used a DIY cozy that fit a freezer bag perfectly and could be reused for every meal. Click here to see directions on how to make your own!
WATER:
Filtration System + Dirty Water Bag
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter. The best. So incredibly quick and easy to use and fits perfectly onto all smart water bottles. You can use this piece as a connector between the Sawyer and water bottle (and it can be used to backflush your sawyer when it needs cleaning). The water filter is now sold together with the CNOC 2L Dirty Water Bag. This bag is extremely durable.
If it’s cold out, make sure to always sleep with your water filter! Otherwise, any water stuck in the inside may freeze.
Water Bottles
I bring 2 smart water bottles (1 L and 1 700mL with a sports cap). They’re durable, lightweight, and fit onto the Sawyer. I also like to add electrolytes to the 700mL bottle once per day.
Purification Drops
Always have a backup form of water purification just in case. The Chorine Tablets are a great option.
ELECTRONICS:
GPS Device
Garmin InReach Mini 2. This is a must have. It’s the only way to have two-way communication outside of cell service and therefore my parents’ favorite gear item (letting them know I’m still alive lol). There’s an SOS button in case of an emergency that will send a helicopter right away…so don’t accidentally press it!!
FYI to activate your device, you must pay a yearly subscription fee as well as a monthly plan. Each month you’ll chose a specific plan that works for you, or turn it off if you don’t plan to use it.
Portable Charger
I chose to use two Nitecore NB10000 Battery Packs. There is a Nitecore NB20000 option but I found it better to have two 10k packs just in case one fails. Together they last me 6 days charging my phone (on airplane mode), Garmin watch, Garmin InReach Mini, and camera batteries. They recharge completely in only 4 hours which is convenient for short resupply stops.
One battery pack only weighs 5.29 oz.
Nitecore NB10000 Battery Pack
Charging Cords
Don’t forget your charging cords! You will also need the battery pack cord and a block for the wall in order to recharge your battery pack at resupply stops.
*NOTE always sleep with your electronics as they will lose charge if they are too cold.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Headlamp (+ extra batteries)
To ensure that my clumsy self can hike in the dark without falling, I have a powerful headlamp. Nitecore NU25 Headlamp does the trick. It’s super bright and the battery lasts a long time. It also works as a “lantern” inside the tent (place it on the top mesh panel) or a flashlight while going to the bathroom in the night. Obviously don’t use your phone’s flashlight or you’ll run down the battery!
Another great option is the Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp.
Pee Rag
This may be my favorite item. Kula Cloth is a reusable antimicrobial pee cloth. It keeps you from having to carry tons of toilet paper (and pack it out).
Kula Cloth
Trowel (+ toilet paper)
Dig your hole and do your business. Deuce Backcountry Trowel is easy to use and super durable.
Instead of toilet paper I like to bring Portawipes. They are small, coin size dehydrated towels that just need a few drops of water to expand. Make sure to pack them out even if they are gross (I like to use dog poop bags)! Check out How to Properly Follow Leave No Trace to learn more about how to properly go to the bathroom in the wilderness.
Multi-Tool
Small, lightweight, durable and has all the tools you could possibly need. Scissors and pliers are definitely good to have. I use this Mini Swiss Army Knife and a small knife.
Water-proof matches
UCO Survival Matches. Always bring in case of an emergency.
UCO Survival Matches
Duct tape:
You never know what you’ll need duct tape for. Repackage to save weight by either wrapping a few feet around your trekking pole or a small piece of cardboard.
Massage Ball
HIGHLY recommend this small, ultralight, Rawology Cork Ball. I use this every night on my legs and shoulders. Relieves a lot of pain and tight muscles.
Rawology Cork Ball
Seat Pad
Trust me, you want this in your backpack. Sitting on sharp rocks while trying to enjoy your lunch isn’t too fun. Therma-a-Rest Z Seat Pad.
Therm-a-Rest Z Seat Pad
CLOTHING
Hiking Shoes
What shoes to use is one of the most debated topics in hiking/backpacking. I use to be a boot girl but made the switch to Altra Lone Peak Trail Runners and have never looked back. They are lightweight, quick drying, comfortable and have a huge toe box so you’re less likely to get blisters or toe bang while hiking downhill.
Camp Sandals
At the end of a long day of backpacking, the first thing you’ll want to do is take off your hiking shoes. I like the Xero Sandals, which are super ultralight. The Chaco Lowdown Sandals are another great option because they’re lightweight (ish), comfortable, and can also be used as a water shoe to cross creeks or to swim in rocky lakes.
Down Jacket
I have the Arc’teryx Cerium LT and it’s lightweight, extremely warm, and can pack into itself into a little tiny ball. I have found this to keep me warm even in sub-freezing temperatures. However, sometimes I’ll layer my rain jacket on top as an extra wind-breaker.
Rain Jacket
I experienced thunderstorms almost every afternoon on the Colorado Trail. It is SO important to have good rain gear. I splurged on the Arcteryx Beta Rain Jacket and never looked back. It’s worth every penny. If you are looking for something cheaper, I would recommend either the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket or the REI Rainer Rain Jacket. Make sure the “type of waterproofing” is Gortex (completely waterproof membrane).
Rain Pants
Essential on the Colorado Trail! Not only do they keep you dry when it rains, but they are wind-proof and therefore add another layer of warmth in the cold. I have the OR Helium Rain Pants which are very lightweight and comfortable.
OR Helium Rain Pants
Tops
This is personal preference. I normally hike in a long sleeve shirt to get as much sun protection as possible (especially at high altitudes). The Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie is my favorite sun hoody. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and breathable. Another great sun hoody option is the Ridge Merino Solstice Hoody. If you want a simple long sleeve shirt, the Lululemon Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve 2.0 is a good choice and odor-resistant. All of these options are made of synthetic fibers, like polyester and nylon, which are breathable and lightweight.
Bottoms
Again, this is all personal preference. I like to bring just one pair of shorts. My favorite shorts are the Lululemon Hotty Hot Shorts (running shorts). If you prefer to hike in leggings, I love the Lululemon Wunder Train High Rise Leggings.
Sleep Clothes
I like to wear thin merino wool base layers to sleep. They keep me warm when I’m cold and they don’t get smelly for days. I have the Icebreaker Oasis 200 Base Layer and the Icebreaker Merino Wool 200 Oasis Leggings.
Sports Bra
Whatever works best for you! I love the Lululemon Free to be Wild Bra. It’s cute and has just the right amount of padding/support.
Lululemon Free to be Wild Bra
Underwear
I personally like thin seamless workout underwear like the Lululemon Seamless Thong. However, merino wool underwear is definitely a better option to resist odors. If you choose to go the “hiking underwear” route, Icebreaker Siren Thong is a great choice.
Socks
Darn Tough Socks are the best hiking socks I’ve ever worn. You don’t need anything else. Make sure to get merino wool as it helps to breathe and wick away moisture. Plus, they have a lifetime warranty!
Darn Tough Socks
Beanie and Gloves
I have the Coal beanie and the Arc’teryx Venta Gloves. They both keep me plenty warm. The gloves have touchscreen compatibility and GORTEX which helps in rain/wind
Sun Hat
Any sun hat will work. I like the Arc’teryx Calidum 5 Panel Cap. It’s breathable and doesn’t fall off when it’s windy.
Arc’teryc Calidum 5 Panel Cap
Sunglasses
I can’t tell you how many sunglasses I’ve shattered while hiking so I leave my nice ones at home. Anything polarized and lightweight will work. I use Goodr and they have some cheap, fun options!
TOILETRIES:
I keep all my toiletries in a Zpacks Stuff Sack (very lightweight) or a small Ziplock bag.
Essentials:
Mini toothbrush + toothpaste + floss
Body wipes (Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes)
Face wipes (Ursa Major Face Wipes)
Mini hairbrush + hair ties
Mini deodorant (optional)
Sunscreen (Supergoop SPF 50)
Bug spray (Picardin)
If you’re going during a high mosquito time of year, make sure to treat all your clothes and gear with Permethrin before leaving!
Chapstick (Aquaphor SPF)
Hand sanitizer
Q tips
Nail clippers
First Aid Extreme Moisturizer (in tiny travel container)
FIRST AID:
I have the Ultralight/Watertight 0.5 Medical Kit which comes with band aids, gauze, wound care, tweezers, Neosporin, safety pins, and some medications. I repackage what I need of that and add:
Leukotape (the best for blisters – wrap some around your trekking pole or a small piece of cardboard to save weight)
Hydrocortisone
Ibuprofen (regular and PM)
Imodium
Zofran (nausea)
Benadryl
*I put all medications loose in a small Ziplock bag and wrote down a small key of what each looked like.
PERSONAL:
Cash, Card, and ID
FOOD:
For ideas on food to bring, check out my Backpacking Food Guide.
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