Gear & Preparation

Mountain weather changes fast. You'll start in the dark at 40°F, work up a sweat on the climb, hit the windy summit at 30°F, and hike out in afternoon sun. The layering system lets you adapt without carrying a closet.

This list has been refined over decades of mountain accidents. It's not about what makes the hike comfortable—it's about what keeps you alive when things go wrong.

1. Navigation Map, compass, GPS device or phone with offline maps. Know how to use them.
2. Headlamp With extra batteries. You'll start before dawn or finish after dark. Probably both.
3. Sun Protection Sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, hat. UV is intense at altitude.
4. First Aid Kit Blister treatment, pain relievers, bandages, any personal medications.
5. Knife or Multi-tool For gear repair, first aid, and a hundred other uses.
6. Fire Waterproof matches, lighter, or fire starter. Emergency warmth if stranded.
7. Emergency Shelter Space blanket or lightweight bivy. Weighs ounces, could save your life.
8. Extra Food More than you think you need. High-calorie, no-cook options.
9. Extra Water 3+ liters for a day hike. Plus a way to purify more if needed.
10. Extra Clothes Insulation layer, rain shell, warm hat, gloves. Even in summer.

Everything you need for a typical summer 14er attempt. Check items off as you pack.

Early season (May-June) and late season (September-October) require additional gear. Snow lingers, temperatures drop faster, and conditions are less predictable.

A 14er is a serious physical effort. Even "easy" routes typically involve 6-10 miles and 3,000-4,000 feet of elevation gain—at altitude where every step is harder than it would be at sea level.

Start Training Early

Give yourself 6-8 weeks minimum. Ideally longer. Your training should include:

• Cardiovascular endurance: Hiking, running, cycling, stair climbing
• Leg strength: Squats, lunges, step-ups
• Elevation gain: Practice hiking uphill with a loaded pack
• Time on feet: Build up to 4-6 hour hikes before your attempt

Altitude Acclimatization

If you're coming from low elevation, your body needs time to adjust. Consider:

• Arrive in Colorado 1-2 days before your climb
• Sleep at 8,000-10,000 feet the night before
• Do a shorter high-altitude hike first to test how you feel
• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol

• Cotton clothing: Gets wet, stays wet, makes you cold.
• Jeans: Heavy, restrictive, cotton-based. Terrible for hiking.
• Heavy boots: Unless you need ankle support or crampons, trail runners are lighter and faster.
• Too much stuff: Every ounce matters at altitude. Pack what you need, nothing more.
• Bluetooth speakers: No one wants to hear your music. Use earbuds or enjoy the silence.
• Overconfidence: The mountain doesn't care about your ego.