The snow has finally melted in the high country, so it’s time to lace up the boots and bag a few (or perhaps a few more) 14,000-foot peaks. But what gear to bring in addition to your 10 essentials (map, water, food, etc.)? We have some recommendations.
The Middle Way
Start your mental preparation by checking out The Middle Way, a movie about Gold Hill resident Joe Grant’s self-powered, self-supported bike/run Tour de 14er project.
Oboz Sawtooth II
I’m all about fast and light trail runners for quick ascents up Sanitas, but for longer distances and rockier terrain, I’m willing to sacrifice a few ounces in favor of burlier footwear. Enter Oboz Sawtooth II for both men and women. Available in waterproof and non-waterproof, as well as mid and low versions, the Sawtooths feature chunky lugs for excellent purchase over boulder fields and fit perfectly out of the box. $110-$150 | obozfootwear.com
Mystery Ranch Coulee Packs
Clearly the standout feature on Mystery Ranch’s Coulee pack is the unique 3-zip accessibility, which makes rifling through your pack far less time-consuming. A fully adjustable yoke (i.e., shoulder and hip straps) allows this pack to fit perfectly no matter how many layers you start with or strip off. If you have more to carry and don’t mind a little extra weight, go for the 40-liter option. A 25-liter version is available as well. $169-$229 | mysteryranch.com
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Z Trekking Poles
Black Diamond’s line of Z Trekking Poles are my go-to for any hiking expedition that involves carrying a heavy load—typically my toddler. They clock in at about 14-16 ounces (roughly the weight of a football) and fold up quickly and easily. The uber durable, four-season Alpine Carbon Z model features cork grips and 100 percent carbon fiber construction. $190 | blackdiamondequipment.com
BioLite HeadLamp 330
Most peaks require an early start so you can be below treeline before mid-afternoon storms hit. Pack a headlamp to ensure a sure-footed ascent. Our pick? The rechargeable HeadLamp 330 from BioLite, which boasts a slim-fit, low-profile lamp that doesn’t slip. Its lumen count is, you guessed it, 330. $50 | bioliteenergy.com
Salomon Lightning Race Waterproof Jacket
Feather-weight and waterproof, the Lightning Race Waterproof Jacket is the perfect final layer for wind-whipped summits. Designed for ultra runners avoiding extra bulk, this minimalist shell crushes down small enough to fit in the palm of your hand while still boasting taped seams for full protection. Men: Check out the Lightning’s brother, the Bonatti Race Waterproof Jacket. $150 | salomon.com
Mammut Broad Peak Light Jacket
The Broad Peak Light jacket for him and her fits the bill for your trusted, puffy mid-layer. Goose down delivers warmth while its exterior Pertex Quantum is lightweight and water-repellent. The two front pockets are backpack- and climbing-harness-compatible so you can use them even when you’re loaded up. $279 | mammut.com
Fjällräven Keb Wool T-Shirt LS
With its comfort, durability, temperature- and moisture-regulating properties and anti-stink abilities, merino is hard to beat for a next-to-skin layer. Fjällräven’s Keb Wool T-Shirt LS (available for men and women) uses different weights of Merino in different areas to optimize warmth and ventilation. $105 | fjallraven.us
Norrøna’s Bitihorn Zip-off Pants
These pants put function first. Made with a patented softshell material, the Bitihorns are stretchy, durable, wind-proof and breathable. A custom-fit waist system keeps them in place. The ability to unzip the side leg in addition to zipping off the leg mid-quad allows the user to remove the lower section without removing their boots. Available in men’s and women’s. $199 | norrona.com
Optic Nerve Vettron
When the sun comes up, grab a pair of the Vettrons (or its cousin silhouette, the Vesper, if you have a smaller face) from Colorado’s own Optic Nerve. The shades’ easy-to-change lenses allow the user to begin the trek with a low-light-optimizing copper lens and then switch to the smoke lens in less than 30 seconds when the rays get brighter. $65 | opticnerve.com
Wigwam Arbor NXT Crew Sock
Long hikes turn into grueling slogs when blisters rear their ugly head. Dodge the pain with Wigwam’s Arbor NXT Crew Sock, which features a proprietary moisture-wicking padding on the sole that helps prevent blisters. $17 | wigwam.com
Patagonia Provisions Organic Savory Seeds
Apples, energy bars and jerky are all tried-and-true go-tos for Fourteener ascent energy. So is the celebratory chocolate bar at the summit. But if you’re looking for something different that still ticks the boxes for taste, easy-carrying and protein content, check out Patagonia Provisions’ line of Organic Savory Seeds. My fave: Mellow Curry. $24-$30 for 12-pack| patagoniaprovisions.com
Primus Lite+ Stove
Camping near the trailhead in order to get an early start? Bust out the Primus Lite+ and whip up a quick—as in 2:45 minutes to boiling quick—cup of Joe before hitting the trail. When not in use, the stove and all accessories fit compactly into the 500 ml aluminum pot. Willing to add 13.8 ounces to your pack? Bring this little number along for a mid-hike caffeine jolt. $115 | primus.us
Kavu Takeout Tote
You’ve just tagged the top, persevered through the descent and dished out a round of heck-yeah high-fives at the car. Now it’s time to enjoy that ice-cold beverage you’ve been dreaming of. Keep your can-of-choice cool with Kavu’s insulated Takeout Tote. $35 | kavu.com
