Hike Big

What do you need to hike a 14er? Grizzly balls of steel and calves as dense as a dying star. OK, maybe you don’t need balls of steel or calves like Lance Armstrong, in fact you really don’t need a whole lot more then a few necessities, a plan and a willingness to adventure.

For a moment I’m going to assume this is your first summit attempt. I’m going to assume you’ve picked one of the more accessible 14ers (probably a class 1 or 2) and that you’re doing your trip in the summer/fall before the snow has swept in. This is what I would consider to be a basic 14er kit in order of importance:

1. A Plan: First thing first, have a plan. Look up the peak you’re looking to summit on a site like 14ers.com or any guide book that will spell out how to make your accent. I would even go as far as to print out a map or purchase a National Geographic map (they are seriously awesome maps and if you plan to be an out doors-person I recommend it) of the area. After you know where you’re going, what you’re doing and whom you’re going with, tell your friends and family. I recommend writing an email that details what mountain you plan to climb, when, what car you’re going up in, what clothes you will have on and when you anticipate on being home. I know it seems like over kill but in the event something goes horribly wrong you want the people who will be looking for you to have as much info as possible. Plus, it lets everyone know just how awesome you are.
2. Boots: Not everyone can afford a super hot pair of boots, especially if you’re just “trying this out” but from my experience you are going to want three things out of your footwear, a rugged sole, high tops and water proof. A rugged sole saves the bottoms of your tender feets and will help you last longer. Most, if not all, 14ers are composed of uneven trails and rocky summits. A good high top boot will help save your ankles, trust me, you’ll be thanking me on the way down. Those nasty rocks your rugged soles are protecting you against also provide marvelous opportunities to roll your ankles (this is especially important if you’re new to hiking). The mountains can also be a snowy/wet place to be. Melt off happens year round and the trail up can sometimes involve large patches of snow and stream crossings; having a water proof (NOT water resistant) boot will save you from blisters and torn up feet later down the trail. Try finding all of these features in a mid weight boot, something that fits snug and isn’t too heavy. Your feet will thank you.
3. Backpack/Hydration: Do not worry about looking like a goof, nearly everyone brings a backpack. Those that don’t either don’t know what they are doing or are capable of consuming rocks for lunch. Personally I have a Camelback backpack and hydration system. I find about 2 liters is necessary for most day trips up a peak. That and it’s nice not to have to carry anything in your hands, it’s safer and it makes the hike that much more enjoyable. Don’t get too carried away here, you do not need a backpacking bag, just a good backpack with a hydration pouch and a chest strap should do. At the very least a normal backpack will suffice but I promise you will be wishing you had a Camelback.
4. Food: Always bring something to eat. It doesn’t matter if you plan on having lunch at the top or not but always bring three or four Cliff Bars/granola bars and a sandwich/something hearty. In the event you are out later then you anticipate it’s always good to have some extra food. I could write an entire article on trail foods but what it boils down to is you’re gonna get hungry. It’s also a safety measure; if you get lost and end up spending the night terrified and cold at least you won’t be hungry to boot. Just try and avoid anything with excessive packaging or anything that will rot/go bad.
5. First Aid Kit: At least one person in two should have a basic first aid kit. Again, I know that sounds excessive but if you get split up and something goes wrong you want as many people as possible to have access to a first aid kit. Some things your kit should have would be bandages, both big and small, sun block (at 14000 feet there isn’t a whole lot between you and the sun), an ACE Bandage type wrap, pain killers, Neosporin, and if possibly some type of After Bite (It smells something awful but works amazingly well). You can purchase a full first aid kit at nearly any outdoor/sporting goods store that will have everything you need. I’ve had the same first aid kit for a few years now and I’m constantly surprised at how many times I go back to it for totally random stuff. All it takes is a bee sting or a gouged eye to ruin a perfectly lovely day.
6. Outerwear: This can vary from season to season but the basics should be a light pull over, a water proof (NOT water resistant) jacket, spare socks (seriously, you never know), a pair of sunglasses and a warm hat (like a beanie). I may exclude some of these things if it’s later in the season and I’m aware of the conditions at the top but if it’s still spring and moving into fall the temperature at the bottom can be vastly different from whats on top. Dressing in layers always helps and being able to adjust those layers as you go will make you more comfortable. At the very least bring a rain jacket and a warm hat.

There is a LOT of other stuff you can bring with you, but the goal is to travel as light but as safe as possible. You want your alpine experience to be as enjoyable as you can make it and the more you go the better idea you’ll have of what it takes to stay safe and have fun.

Here is what I have with me personally when ever I go up solo or in a group:

• Base layer: Under Armor boxers (eliminates chafe, you know, for boys ;)), Smart Wool socks, Under Armor Moc Turtle (depending on the season).
• Outer layers: short sleeve Northface wicking tee (light weight and it pulls the moisture off your body) or any other kind of shirt that wicks, Northface zip pants or shorts (again I buy items with a quick dry/wicking feature) and a wide brimmed hat.
• Optional Layers: I always carry a light weight micro fleece, a knit beanie, a thin pair of Under Armor gloves (they double as my glove liners during the colder seasons), Marmot Precip rain shell, and a Turtle Skin neck warmer/face shield (depending on the season).
• Food: A honey and peanut butter sandwich, four Cliff Bars, 2 liters of water and sometimes some home made trail mix or home made energy bars. I can’t count the times others have come under-prepared and I ended up sharing my food so I always bring a little extra.
• Other Stuff: First Aid kit, small tube of SPF 30 sunblock (always reapply at the top!), camera, trip log (I keep times, and notes about the trail), a pen, a willingness to lead people in to certain danger and out again, Camelback Backpack, lip balm, a pair of Oakley sunglasses, an adventurous attitude, a safety whistle (Do not use unless it’s serious or your really scared) and a pocket knife.

The Thinker on Mt. Lincoln

It’s a lot of stuff, not all of it is necessary but it makes me feel better prepared. Just keep in mind these things: You’re gonna be out there for more then 3 hours, it could get wet, it could get cold, and you could get lost. If you cover your bases for those things then you should do just fine. Oh and remember, bears eat people.