What to Carry

Still, packing right will often determine the difference between a safe, enjoyable hike, bike or ride in the mountains and an unpleasant, or even potentially disastrous, experience. Whether preparing for a day trip on the CT, or a multiday trek, always start with the “Ten Essentials” as your foundation (see below). Add to those based on the length or type of trip you plan to take. There are numerous resources to guide you, including guidebooks, the websites of equipment makers and retailers, social media sites, and backpacking and biking chatrooms.

Fast growing in popularity is the “ultralight” movement, particularly when it comes to traversing long-distance trails like the CT. But again, it all begins with the basics:

REI.com provides some excellent checklists spanning backpacking, ultralight backpacking, backpacking repair, day hiking and first aid. Click on “Expert Advice,” then “Hiking.”

We also highly recommend PMags.com as a resource on backpacking equipment and advice on traveling The Colorado Trail. Paul Magnanti, the man behind the website, is a Triple Crowner, having hiked the Appalachian, Continental Divide and Pacific Crest trail. “Mags” has also thru-hiked the CT and other long trails and is a fount of backpacking information.

For those wondering about what shoes to wear on the CT, we say it’s generally a matter of personal preference. It also can depend on the length of a trip and terrain to be traveled. Today we see more and more Trail users wearing “trail runners” or other light footwear in lieu of the more traditional leather boots. Yet some still prefer the stability and cushioning provided by low-cut or ankle-high boots. Whatever type of shoe you choose, however, DO, DO, DO wear them before you take them on the Trail on the type of terrain and with the loads you plan to carry on your adventure. Nothing can ruin a trip faster and more completely than ill-fitting footwear.