colorado camping trip advice

J

johntylermclain

Joined
Mar 1, 2010
Messages
475
:confused: Hey guys, I need a little advice. My buddy just invited me to Colorado for New Years. I had thought about doing some outings up there, but I'm from Texas and haven't really had to deal with any temperatures that low.

We don't have any plans yet. Not gonna do anything too extreme, maybe a day hike and one night in the snow. It will probably be on a regulated trail without too much strenuous climbing or activity, but we will probably be moving all day.

My question to you guys is what are some things that I may want to buy, or change with my camping gear. I have been looking at all kinds of fleeces, parkas, and jackets, but I'm not sure what will work best. I own a Brazos jacket (Carhartt lookalike), a pair of insulated ski pants, a pair of BDU's, a cheap pancho.... I was thinking about buying the Condor summit softshell that everyone has been talking about, but will I need a jacket on top for when we are not actually hiking?

Please help guys. I know all of you are experts on everything;)
-Thanks alot
-Tyler


Oh yeah... I'm a broke college student, so dont go telling me I need a bunch of Tad gear or anything. :)
 
For cooler weather, even cold weather, you want to layer your clothing. I'm not sure what temperatures you anticipate encountering, but you generally want a base layer, a mid layer (or several for extreme cold), and an outer layer that is wind and water resistant to protect you from the elements.

You want materials that will insulate even when wet. There is a saying that "cotton kills", because when it gets wet it loses all ability to insulate. So does down, so any sleeping bags that you take should be kept dry, especially if they are down. Merino wool is a great choice, but there are some synthetic choices that work well too.

If there is lots of snow, showshoes would be a definite plus. You can most likely rent some. Make sure you have warm socks and boots as well. I like Danner for my boots.

JGON
 
Layers, layers, layers, espcially when you're going to be doing activity. Start with a good base layer (long johns) synthetic or wool, then go from there. If it's going to be well below freezing there's not a huge need for hardshells in my opinion, although wind can be a consideration. It's actually really nice to wear fairly breathable clothes in the winter too make sure your innermost layers keep dry.

And remember to use your layers to regulate, if you're starting to sweat take stuff off or you'll end up soaked and very cold.

That's all I've got for now.
 
Your on the right track.Layering is the most important thing-NO COTTON !!
Good wool socks with sock liners are really important I think. Plus at least 1 pr. of dry ones. If your current boots are comfortable and offer some insulation you should be good. I stress footwear because to me if your feet get cold and wet your pretty much done. Visit thrift stores you'll be amazed at what you'll find.Enjoy our state and follow up when your done. Have a great trip. :D
 
What about a carhartt like jacket? should i even bring it? it is heavy and does not breathe well, but will i need something extra while at the campsite just sitting?

I'm really leaning towards the condor soft shell. I am so excited about this opportunity.


i guess i should make an alcohol stove also!
 
If you're expecting bitter cold the Carhartt would be OK.

Otherwise I'd suggest pulling up by the fire when you get to camp or going with a softshell that will actually let you move.
 
Wally world sells underarmor knockoff wicking base layers for about $10 per piece. I've also seen similar items/pricing at Cabela's & Bass Pro.
these are good for under the ski pants.
+1 on wool socks and layers.
thin glove liners - again on the wicking.
the Brazos jacket should be good for evenings and first thing in the morning.

if you'll be in the mountains, be prepared for snow.
also - the smaller the tent, the warmer it is -- because it's easier for you to heat a small volume of air than a large one - and heat rises.
 
Check with your buddy about the gear you might need and ask about suggestions. He lives there and should be able to help in that area. Many places are having huge sales right now to save some money. Wicking base layers cannot be stressed enough (including sock liners) and good wool socks will be a must. Buy boot locally NOW and break them in before you go. Make sure to try them on with the socks that you will be wearing.

Fleece layers with a windproof/waterproof outer shell should serve you well.
 
What part of Colorado will you be in?

If you are at altitude, say Vail to Leadville, then It’s probably going to be cold. However, if you are going to be at lower altitudes, say, Denver, then you should plan on possible warm temps. As a Colorado native, I can tell you that winter temps can easily hit 70 degrees, even in January. Or it could be 0. Extreme temp changes are the norm for that state. It’s not uncommon to have a foot dump of snow with freezing temps one day, and be sitting outside getting a suntan the next.

Do you ski? Colorado has some of the best areas in the world.
 
ask your bud about local outfitters where he lives. often they have "bargain" basements, full of used but still very usable gear, at a fraction of the cost of new. along with great deals on good used gear, you should be able to utilize the staffs local knowledge to determine what ya really need.
 
Well, both me and my buddy are from Texas. Sorry, I know it sounded like he was from Colorado. Thanks for all the help so far guys. I guess i will just use my wolverine boots since I have already broken them in.

keep the info comin! -Tyler
 
I don't know what Colorado's like but I've plenty experience of walking and camping in a damp and often cold island just off the Atlantic coast of Europe.

Definitely go for layers, synthetic ones. If you're used to the warmth, you may feel the cold more than you think, so go for some light fleece layers maybe, and a good sleeping bag and roll mat (self-inflating are good).

Foot-wise, over here we have waterproof socks, some GoreTex, some SealSkin, that keep feet dry. Go for gaiters too: they stop snow from getting in over the top of your boots.

Hope that's some help. Have a good time!

Claudiasboris
 
Stay away from cotton. If you can find fleece pants they work pretty well as a base layer. Your carhartt knock off is probably cotton and heavy, I'd leave it at home. You don't need to go buy a fancy coat. The GoodWill should have plenty of options for fleece and wool sweaters and water proof insulated jackets.
A good hat and gloves with a scarf or neck gaiter will go a long way in keeping you warm as well. And don't forget to bring plenty of wool socks.


What I usually wear in the snow is a pair of sock liners and wool socks. Work boots. Fleece pants of long johns and double knee carhartts. I'll wear a long john top and either a fleece sweater or wool. Then I have a synthetic full zip sweater that I'll wear under my water proof jacket. I also wear a wool or synthetic hat, a synthetic neck gaiter or a wool scarf, and a thin pair of gloves like mechanix gloves or maybe some carpenters work gloves if I'm out shooting in the cold.
 
What altitude are you going to be? It matters a lot. Be very careful the Rockies in winter are very unforgiving. Are you backpacking or vehicle camping? I lived in the Denver burbs for several years and spent a lot of time in, around and over the mountains.

The snowshoe recommendation is a good one. Do you have a GPS? Tell people where you are going, and when to expect you back.
 
hi sounds like your going to have some fun.

i've backpacked and camped alot in colorado.. with that said everyone has offered good advise, layered synthetic clothes, the carhart will be fine.

a small tent is easier to warm up and depending on the amount of snow you can toss snow on the tent sides to add insulation. just a candle can bring warmth hanging from the peak of the tent. baton some wood for the dry center, keep in mind that it takes longer to boil water than you think at higher altitudes.

really just basic camping stuff that you would use anywhere else will work fine. just add extra socks and you will be fine.

take it easy and have fun.
cricket
 
Take spare gloves! You'll probably get one or two pairs wet, so a spare dry pair is useful, same as socks.

Claudiasboris
 
I live in Texas too. My advice, take me with you and you can borrow my North Face gear! :0) Grew up in Chicago and just got back from a visit. Brrr. Layers. Pick up some fleece pullovers, some type of windproof outer layer, and some long underwear. Of course don't forget a goot hat, gloves, scarf and thick socks. You can get it all at an Academy for not too much. Trust me, if you want to really enjoy the trip, you need to dress for it. I love Colorado and hope to move there some day. You don't have to buy all the name brand top dollar stuff. Just get some decent stuff and you'll be fine. You're not going to Antarica.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top