Hiking Essentials Checklist!

Whether you are getting ready for your first ever hike in Rocky Mountain National Park or are a seasoned hiker and want to make sure you don’t forget anything; here is our hiking essentials checklist. We have even included links to some of our recommended gear if you are in need of any of these items! While this is not an exhaustive list, it will ensure you do not forget any of the essentials!

• Backpack

  Here is a Unisex option from CamelBak: MULE

• Water (prepare accordingly for each season)

• Food (Sandwich, PB&J etc.)

• Snacks (Trail Mix, Protein Bar, Beef Jerky etc.)

• Map

  Here is our favorite map pack of RMNP: National Geographic

• Chapstick

• Sunscreen

• Hat

• Sunglasses

• Rain Jacket

  Mens: Marmot Eco Precip

  Womens: Marmot Eco Precip

• Hiking Shoes/Boots

  Mens: Salomon Outline Mid GTX

  Womens: Salomon Outline Mid GTX

• First Aid Kit

  Small and compact option: First Aid Kit

• Clothing Layers

• Bug Spray

  OFF! Deep Woods

We have also created a list of extras you can take along if you like being extra prepared!

• Water Filter

  Sawyer Squeeze - great for groups: Sawyer Squeeze

  LifeStraw - Great for individual use: LifeStraw

• Extra Pair of Socks

  Mens: SmartWool

  Womens: SmartWool

• Rocky Mountain National Park Guidebook:

  This is the guide book we use: The Complete Hiking Guide

• Bear Bell

  Especially important if hiking alone: Bear Bell

• Compass

  SUUNTO Compass

• Headlamp

  Just in case you get caught on the trail after dark: Black Diamond

• Traction Device

  Snow can hang around at high elevations late into summer: Yaktrax

We hope this has helped you make sure you have everything you need to have the best hiking experience possible! Let us know if there are any topics you would like us to create a more in depth post about!

-The Mings