Preparing to hike a fourteener

There’s nothing quite like looking out over the world from an elevation of 14,000 feet above sea level. Therefore, we’re not surprised that the Colorado 14ers have become world-famous, drawing adventurers from near and far. Although there are 14er hikes that are ranked as “easy,” don’t be fooled. Hiking a 14er is not something you decide to do spontaneously; you need to properly prepared. Even the easiest hike can be dangerous. So, before you start to venture up the mountain, make sure you are properly equipped, both with gear and with knowledge.

Mountaineering safety

The first rule of mountaineering safety is to talk about mountaineering safety. The more you know about the dangers of taking on these peaks, the better and the more enjoyable your experience will be. When you are heading towards an elevation of 14,000+ feet, you’re going to encounter changing weather and terrain. You need experience and common sense to keep you safe on the peaks. You have to account for altitude sickness and fast-building storms, and you need to have the right gear and supplies to keep you hydrated, warm, and dry.

Before you take on any peak, familiarize yourself with the route, weather, and terrain. Take a class and do your research. If you are a beginner, head out with experienced mountaineers who can help you get to the top and make the right decisions in a pinch. The weather report may say something different than the dark clouds forming above. Don’t ignore warning signs because you insist on getting to the top. We know it sucks to have to turn around halfway up the peak, but it’s better to cut your hike short than to let your pride lead you into a life-threatening situation.

Camping gear for hiking 14ers

If you are staying overnight, be sure to get an all-weather tent. You’re also going to want a sleeping pad, sleeping bag, a properly fitted backpack and waterproof pack cover. You may also want to bring some waterproof bags and rope to keep your food and hang it in a tree. You could also bring a bear canister and a carrying case.

14er essential supplies

You’re going to need supplies to keep you hydrated. Make sure you have a lot of water and a hydration system that is easy to carry. Besides a lot of water, you’re going to need navigation equipment. There are great satellite GPS systems, but we also recommend a good old fashioned map and a compass. You can’t always rely on technology in the wild. Finally, you’re going to need proper shoes, clothing, hiking equipment, and a safety/emergency kit.

What a GPS Can Do for MTB  

You’ve probably heard the hype surrounding Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers lately or even seen someone out on the trails using one. But what can a GPS do for you as a mountain biker? If you’re currently using a cycling computer to keep track of ride data or you’re interested in making your rides safer, you may want to consider purchasing a GPS unit.
When I first heard about GPS a few years ago I didn’t understand the point. I mean, this thing can tell you your position at any time but who cares? Great, I’m at 39.30778 and 105.41283, now what? I was pleasantly surprised to find out that my GPS unit could does much more and was truly user-friendly.
First off, a GPS unit can do everything your cycling computer can do. The GPS unit will tell you your speed at any time and also the distance you’ve traveled. If you’re traveling in a relatively straight line to a known point the GPS can even estimate how long it will take until you reach your destination! Of course you can read your data any way you like to find average speeds, trip times, and more. More sophisticated units can tell you how much you’ve climbed or descended on your ride and can tell you in real time your rate of climb. If you’re a data junkie like me you’ll find that the GPS gives you something to look at while you’re struggling through that impossible climb or waiting at the top for your friends. No cycling computer can match the amount of data even the most basic GPS unit will provide.
Next, if you’re using a guidebook or map while riding an unfamiliar trail the GPS unit can help you determine where you are in the ride. For example, Falcon Guide Books give you maps, elevation profiles, and mileage-based descriptions in their trail descriptions. With a cycling computer you can certainly keep up with the mileage-based descriptions but the GPS lets you do much more. When you’re climbing that major spike on the elevation profile map it’s nice to know how much farther you have to reach the top. With the elevation data your GPS provides you’ll be able to figure it out quickly. Also the overview map can be helpful as well because your GPS unit draws a map (called a track log) that you can compare to the map printed in the book. For a loop trail you can estimate what portion of the loop you’ve completed and the types of turns coming up (switchbacks for example).
Another great reason to consider a GPS is for safety. The track log feature on a GPS is essentially a digital breadcrumb in case you get lost. Most mid-range units allow you to “back track” over the route you traveled, a great feature for an out-and-back trail. You can also mark landmark points (called waypoints) such as where you parked your car (always a good idea). If you find yourself lost you can navigate back to any waypoint via a straightline route and you can even see how far you are from that point. Because waypoint navigation is given as a straight line, as-the-crow-flies direction, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of waypoints marked so you can travel from one to the next without doing too much trailblazing.
Speaking of trailblazing, I’ve used my GPS unit more than once for this purpose. For example, you may have gotten off trail at some point and want to get back on the trail you traveled out on. With the GPS track log map feature you can see where you’ve already been and can head back to the trail you used to ride out. Most GPS units will also calculate the sunrise/sunset times for your particular location so you’ll know if you have enough time to get your ride in before it gets dark. Make sure the unit you choose also has a backlight feature for those times when you don’t quite make it back before sunset.
You might be wondering how you can effectively take a GPS with you when you ride. GPS units rely on a clear view of the sky and they like to be held face up so that the antenna is properly aligned, making it critical that you affix your GPS to your handlebars properly. Most GPS manufacturers sell or includehandlebar mountsand in my experience some work quite well. The GPS unit itself is usually larger and heavier than a cycling computer so you may not want to bring one along on your next race. However, the amount of data and sense of safety that having a GPS offers makes it a great thing to have with you on your next ride.

Hiking Overnight

Day hikes are usually simple affairs that start and end at the door of your vehicle at a trailhead, or maybe at your own front door.
When you get the urge to travel further than your legs can carry you in a day, the affair becomes a bit more complicated. More skills, gear, food, and planning are required for a successful multi-day hike.

Styles
No two people hike the same. We each have our own pace, endurance, nutrition and comfort needs, as well as sources of enjoyment. Some are willing to sacrifice comfort to cover many miles while others prefer slower, more comfortable, and possibly heavier hiking.

Shelters
Nomads have carried their homes along with them for eons. You will be a nomad on your long hike, taking your home along mile after mile. Choose a lightweight, comfortable shelter that protects from the environment.

Sleep Systems
Cowboys used to throw down their saddle for a pillow and wrap up in an old blanket. That can still work for you, but there are other options to stay warm and comfortable through many cold, wet, windy nights. Flexibility to work with varying temperatures is a good goal for your sleeping system.

Cooking
There's nothing wrong with planning a completely non-cook menu for a multi-day hike. You can live for days and weeks eating crackers and cheese and jerky, but at some point, you'll be ready to kill for a hot, steaming meal. On long-distance hikes, there are quite a few options for cooking your food so you can choose which works best for your trek.

Long Distance
Hiking in 5 miles and back out the next day is a great weekend trip. A 40-mile loop through the mountains over a week is a real challenge. But, what happens when you get the bug to really hike far? There are special concerns when hiking for weeks or months on end, but the rewards are immeasurable.

Campsites
Depending on the trail you hike, there may be permanent shelters, established campsites, open camping, or no legal camping allowed. Decide what kind of camping you are willing to do and then plan your day hikes to end where you are able to camp.

Equipment Used for Hiking

When out in wild country, the gear you have along is all you have to rely on. Until you get back to the comfort and safety of your home, it is up to you and whatever equipment you bring along to make your hike comfortable and safe. Failing to bring along the right stuff may mean a miserable experience or worse.

Gear Up, Dude!

Hiking Essentials
Anywhere on the trail, you can have a fun debate about what are the 10 most critical items to take on a hike. You may find that you absolutely must have a fingernail clipper, but other than that, this list should be a good starting point for the gear that is essential for safety and success.
 

Gear List
In addition to the ten essentials, most folks take along a bit more. This checklist gives the more common items to take along and reasons why you should consider them.
 

Hiking Boots
Your feet are your vehicle while hiking. Treat them well by supporting them and protecting them with sturdy, comfortable hiking boots or shoes and your trek will be oh so much more enjoyable. Unfortunately, there are gazillions of marketing ploys for hiking gear since it is such big business. You can spend as much as you want.
 

Hiking Socks
Socks aren't discussed much outside of the hiking community, but they are extremely important when you are counting on your feet to convey your tired body over miles and miles of rocky terrain. You may not realize it, but there are good socks and bad socks - choose wisely, grasshopper.
 

Hiking Clothes
Just like there are snowbunnies, there are hikebunnies. People that dress the part, but don't really walk the talk. Real hikers come to grips with the fact that no one looks good after grueling along for 6 or 7 miles in the dusty heat. The clothes we wear can make the trip more comfortable and safe if not better looking.
 

Hiking Packs
Day hikes don't require a lot of gear, so a small pack is just fine. Even in small packs, there are quite a few choices to make and your personal preference along with expected conditions and group size will help you pick a perfect pack.
 

Hiking Sticks, Poles, and Staffs
OK, if you tired of the 10 essentials debate on your next hike, ask fellow hikers what they think about hiking sticks and poles. That's sure to be a healthy conversation for an hour or more. Hiking poles have religious believers as well as nay-sayers. They can be useful, but learn to use them correctly and don't expect miracles.
 

Hiking Umbrellas
For heavy rain, or wind-driven storms, a full rainsuit provides protection. For occasional showers, better ventilation, and sun protection, consider taking an umbrella on your hikes.