Don’t Forget This Stuff: A Hiker’s Reality Check

by Melody Monberg, Hike for Life Operations Manager

It’s January in Colorado, which means two things: we’re currently bundled up against the cold, and we’re already dreaming about summer trails. This is the perfect time to get smart about hiking prep—before the snow melts and those mountains start calling your name.

While we love to hike, many people don’t know what to bring on a Colorado trail. Whether you’re up for a longer hiking challenge or this is your first foray onto Colorado trails, we all need a refresher course.

It’s easy to think, “This is just a short jaunt—I don’t need anything but my free spirit.”

I get it. I really do. On summer trail runs, I’ve convinced myself I don’t need extra water. “It’s only three miles!” I tell myself. Then I find myself parched by the last mile, desperately fantasizing about that backup water bottle sitting in my car. I’ve made that mistake exactly twice before learning my lesson. The hard way. Both times. At Hike for Life, we talk about the 5 Fundamentals. These are non-negotiables that come with us on every hike—yes, even on the paved paths in Garden of the Gods.

HYDRATION
In Colorado, we live high—and our altitude is no joke. You might not even realize you’re getting dehydrated because our low humidity means you don’t sweat much (okay, July and August are exceptions). But your body is working overtime at elevation, which means you need to drink more than you think. Rule of thumb: adults need 8 oz of water at least 8 times a day. For kids, it’s 5-8 times a day. If you’re hiking, double that number.

Trust me on this one.

NUTRITION
You have to fuel to move. I learned this on a hike when suddenly my legs turned to jelly and the world got a little swimmy. My hiking buddy handed me some GORP—good old raisins and peanuts—and it literally saved my life. Well, at least my dignity.

With elevation gains and losses on even the most basic trails, fuel is key to staying upright, keeping dizziness at bay, and most importantly, enjoying your hike. Trail mix really is the perfect hiking food—salty nuts, sweet chocolate, and dried fruits give you everything you need to keep going.

NAVIGATION
You need to know where you’re going and how to get there. So many of us are 100% reliant on our phones. While there are amazing apps that give solid intel, ask me how I know what happens when that phone dies. Go ahead, ask.

(It involves a dead iPhone at 13,000 feet and my husband giving me the “I told you to bring the paper map” look for the entire hike down.)

A paper map and compass are essential gear to keep you on the right path. Literally

PROTECTION
That high life we love so much puts us much closer to the sun. You might not feel the sunburn at the time, but get ready for lobster-mode when you get home from a day of hiking without sun protection.

And layers? Colorado weather is moody. I’ve started hikes in shorts and a tank top and finished in everything I brought plus borrowing my hiking partner’s extra jacket. That “weather changes on a dime” thing isn’t a cute saying—it’s a warning.

Think about what shoes will work for the trail you’re on. And yes, despite what people say, we do have bugs here, especially near water sources.

MITIGATION
What happens when something goes wrong? On a recent hike with my husband around Rampart Reservoir, his head had an unfortunate meet-up with a low-hanging tree branch. Thankfully, I had a first aid kit and we were able to stop the bleeding. (He was fine, but it was a good reminder that accidents happen.)

A Rocky Mountain Forest Ranger shared with me several years ago the importance of carrying gear in case you have to spend the night. At the very least, bring a fire starter, emergency blanket, and multi-tool. I carry a small dollar-store mirror that could be used for signaling.

So as you’re dreaming about those summer trails from your cozy winter couch, start gathering your fundamentals now. Make a list. Check it twice.

Your future hiking self will thank you. See you on the trail!