Best products from r/coloradohikers
We found 22 comments on r/coloradohikers discussing the most recommended products. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 18 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
2. The Complete Guide to Colorado's Wilderness Areas
Used Book in Good Condition
3. WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive - USB 3.0 - WDBU6Y0020BBK-WESN,Black
2TB Storage CapacityUSB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibilityExtra storage for your photos, videos, music and filesFormatted for Windows 8, 7, Vista & XP; Easily Reformat Drive for MacWD quality and reliabilityOperating Temperature 5 Degrees Celsius to 35 Degrees Celsius
5. Sawyer Products SP128 Mini Water Filtration System, Single, Blue
- Ideal for outdoor recreation, hiking, camping, scouting, domestic and International travel, and emergency preparedness
- High-performance 0.1 Micron absolute inline filter fits in the palm of your hand and weighs just 2 ounces; 100% of MINI units individually tested three times to performance standards by Sawyer
- Attaches to included drinking pouch, standard disposable water bottles, hydration packs, or use the straw to drink directly from your water source
- Removes 99.99999% of all bacteria (salmonella, cholera, and E. coli); removes 99.9999% of all protozoa (such as giardia and cryptosporidium); also removes 100% of microplastics
- Filter rated up to 100,000 gallons; Includes one Sawyer MINI filter, 16-ounce reusable squeeze pouch, 7-inch drinking straw, and cleaning plunger
Features:
6. 100 Classic Hikes in Colorado (Classic Hikes) 2nd Edition
100 Classic Hikes In Colorado
7. Kahtoola MICROspikes Footwear Traction - Black Medium - 2016/17
- BEST FOR: Winter hiking, backpacking, ice-trekking, ice fishing and trail-running. The MICROspikes are designed for all-around use and your backcountry winter adventures! Ideal for hiking shoes and boots and to be used on mountain trails.
- SPIKE DESIGN: 12 heat-treated stainless-steel corrosion resistant spikes per foot. 8 spikes at the forefoot, and 4 spikes at the heel ensure optimal traction that aggressively bites into icy terrain.
- ELASTOMER HARNESS & REINFORCED EYELETS: Using a patented eyelet design, tough TPU inserts reinforce key stress points, allowing the elastomer harness to be strong yet lightweight. Constructed from a durable TPE for a secure fit that remains stretchy in cold temperatures, down to -22°F (-30°C).
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Welded stainless steel chains provide grip and prevent snow buildup, while remaining flexible and highly packable. Pack size: 5 x 3 x 2 inches (30 in3). The integrated toe bail and tough TPU inserts prevent the toe from pushing through the stretchy elastomer harness.
- KAHTOOLA: Est. in 1999 Kahtoola is on a mission to build exceptional products that make the outdoors more accessible and rewarding. Please see sizing chart in product images. 2-year manufacturer warranty. Shoes not included.
Features:
8. ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip Traction Cleats
Sling remains elastic even in subzero temperatures to keep grips secureShoe grips designed to provide aggressive traction in winter walking conditionsMade of case-hardened steel alloy and strung on steel aircraft cableRiveted to tough rubber sling that fits tennis shoes, boots and dress shoesSelf-cl...
9. The Best Front Range Hikes (The Colorado Mountain Club GuideBook)
The Front Range of the Colorado Rockies rises abruptly from the plains in a 150-mile stretch of foothills, rounded summits, and jagged peaks between Fort Collins and Colorado Springs.The hikes in this book were selected by members of four major groups of
11. Icebreaker Men's Aero Long Sleeve Half Zip Top, Monsoon/Metal, Medium
- Featherweight fabric for hot conditions
- Flatlock seams prevent chafing
- Zip neck for heat dumping
Features:
12. Sawyer Products SP657 Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent Trigger Spray, 24-Ounce, Yellow
- Add a layer of protection to your clothing and gear with Permethrin insect and tick repellent spray — perfect for use on shirts, jackets, pants, socks, shoes, boots, sleeping bags, tents, netting, when outdoors, camping, hunting, or on travel
- Ideal for backpacking, backyard BBQs, and other outdoor activities, it's effective against more than 55 kinds of insects — from disease-spreading ticks (Lyme disease) and mosquitoes (West Nile and Zika viruses) to chiggers, spiders, mites, and more
- Permethrin spray bonds to fabric fibers for up to 6 weeks or through 6 washings (whichever comes first) and won't stain or damage clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces, or outdoor gear; odorless after drying
- Reduce likelihood of a tick bite by 73.6 times by treating shoes and socks with Permethrin (University of Rhode Island study - 2017)
- 24-ounce trigger spray bottle treats five complete outfits (updated EPA dosage is 4.5 ounces per outfit consisting of shirt, pants, and socks); maximize protection by pairing with Sawyer Picaridin topical repellent for the skin
Features:
13. Latitude 40Crested Butte – Aspen – Gunnison Trails
UTM & Latitude/Longitude grid79 Trail/Route descriptionsGPSed trails & roads3D terrain imagesTear Resistant H20 Proof Plastic
14. Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Adjustable Trekking Poles - Lightweight Quick Lock Walking Or Hiking Stick - 1 Set (2 Poles)
15. Platypus Platy Preserve Wine Preserver, Single
- Extends the life of your wine
- Minimizes oxygen exposure
- Collapsible container offers an easy, light-weight alternative to pack wine
- Select materials ensure superior leak protection and provide zero taste
Features:
Pick up gear at the REI flagship in downtown Denver (maybe a little Sour Diesel while you are in Denver). Drive to Boulder, then Nederland. There are several lake shore camping options in the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness. Indian Peaks requires a permit, but I don't believe it to be difficult or expensive. Options would include Diamond Lake, Jasper Lake, Woodland Lake. James Peak Wilderness directly to the south has Forest Lakes, Crater Lakes and rogers Pass Lake.
Bear Track Lakes in Mt Evans Wilderness is probably within your driving range in a southwesterly direction from Denver. I'm nat as familiar with that area. If you extend your range by 1 or two hours more stuff opens up. You should have plenty of options though. Have fun! Read up on mountain safety, i.e. bear country precautions, altitude sickness, being off high altitudes in the afternoon, etc. It's easy to be safe, you just have to be aware. My recommendation is to go between last week in June and mid August for the best weather, wild flowers etc. Best to do a good layer system with non-cotton layers and expect anything with the weather up there, could get down to 20-30 degrees in summer. I always use a 20 degree bag and sleep in merino long underwear.
Have fun, it is an amazing experience.
Edit, formatting
Edit: u/WeAreThePizza has a really good recommendation for Missouri Lakes, I think that is closer to 3hr drive from DIA though.
Thank you so much. Thank you taking your time to explain it to me.
I have this Sawyer. I think we might have drank some water from one of the lakes in Titans but we survived that without getting sick. We also mostly boiled it as it was really cold outside(October).
I'm definitely going to get the tablets for treating. It sounds it's good to have them in your pack.
Lastly, which USGS maps do you use? I just went to their website and I am kinda lost. I have been buying the National Geographic maps where ever I go. Are those good enough? Would they show mining sites?
Thanks again. I really appreciate you typing all of this. It's super helpful.
I excerpted this from an email I sent to a buddy of mine. I used to guide hikes in and around RMNP.
The Completer Hiking Guide by Lisa Foster is the best guide to RMNP. She's a ranger there, or at least was when I was there.The only problem is that she doesn't really differentiate between hard scrambling and easy climbing.
http://www.amazon.com/Rocky-Mountain-National-Park-Complete/dp/0615526845/ref=dp_ob_title_bk
Hikes
Easy
Medium
Hard
Restaurants
Lastly, some general tips for hiking there. Most of the rock there is granite. It is very hard on footwear. There will be perpetual construction on Trail Ridge road. This can lead to very long delays in both directions (hours). Plan accordingly. Much of the park is at high elevation. Afternoon thunderstorms are very common. If you're attempting a summit, or heading to a high elevation lake, you should be on your way down by around lunchtime. Plan on early starts. 3, 4 or 5 am starts aren't uncommon. You will probably have to acclimatize. Start with easier stuff and work your way up to more difficult hikes.The best source of information will be the rangers. They know their park and what goes on in it. Sorry for the wall of text. Enjoy the trip, RMNP is an amazing place.
Glad to help! An excellent book for looking up hikes is Lisa Foster's guide: http://www.amazon.com/Rocky-Mountain-National-Park-Complete/dp/0615526845
It's comprehensive. It hasn't been updated since the flood, but it's still very accurate.
Be sure to take a look at the flood scar on the side of Twin Sisters, too. It's visible from Highway 7. Twin Sisters can be a fun hike - and you get to hike across the flood scar - but it's not something I would recommend if you only have time for one long hike.
Check out the Alluvial Fan too.
Keep in mind pretty much everything you see there is above the treeline.
For spikes these are the ones I have. I have seen them recommended a lot and they have been fantastic for me. Easier to walk on ice with them than on the ground without.
Kahtoola MICROspikes Footwear Traction - Black Medium - 2015/16 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RXXJ0V2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_kL64ybA640QM5
I have the Ice Trekkers.
http://www.amazon.com/ICETrekkers-Diamond-Grip-Traction-Cleats/dp/B00BEQKM7K?th=1&psc=1
They work very well in icy conditions, and I've yet to break a pair. In the winter I can make it up the first Flatiron faster than in the summer.
As one would expect, they're not great on solid rock (like rubber shoes are). It actually becomes easier to stick to the ice. They work well in hard pack snow, but they're obviously not snow shoes, and won't work in the deep stuff. Absolutely worth having a pair.
Buy one size up for boots. I'm a 10.5, and the large fits all my shoes better than the medium.
Also, at the Boulder REI garage sale they sometimes have some at a discount.
Check out this book. It has tons of hikes within an hour of Denver, Boulder, or Fort Collins. They range from laughably simple to serious undertakings.
You can look for clubs in the area. The most popular are meetup.com, the Colorado Mountain Club, and the Sierra Club.
Finally, once you're here, start asking people for trail recommendations. You'll meet people with similar interests and have more recommendations than you can manage in a short time.
I haven't, but I do a lot of hiking in the colorado rockies.
You don't need a laundry list for clothes, though, that's what I'm saying.
Bring 1 pair of hiking pants/shorts/whatever you want, wear them the whole time.
For backpacking, I have a long sleeve merino wool shirt; merino has the advantage of not taking on much smell, so you might be able to get by without washing it the whole time (four pass is only like 2-3 days usually), depending on how much you sweat. If you do have to wash it, do it at the end of the day when your stuff is unpacked, and wear your midlayer (yes, you want layers; I use a north face fleece) while it dries/overnight/to bed. Boxers or whatever, you could bring an extra if you want, or you could just wash them at the end of the day and go commando (or wear some baselayer long underwear, I usually bring a pair) while they dry.
Edit: This isn't clothing, but DO NOT FORGET SUNGLASSES. The sun is relentless at high altitudes. And bring a case, because if they break your eyes are going to be very upset.
Pants, long sleeves, hat, as mentioned.
Douse your clothes and gear in permethrin and let it dry out. Should last through a few to several washes. Be careful around cats if you have any.
Also, which Deep Woods Off were you using? The Repellent I has like 98% DEET (which should last longer, but isn't necessarily more effective), but the others are like 25% or 30% (maximum effectiveness). You can also try picaridin, which doesn't melt plastic/synthetic gear and clothes.
I picked up one of these at a general store in the area, its really nice and detailed.. dont expect any mobile service. https://www.amazon.com/Latitude-40Crested-Butte-Gunnison-Trails/dp/B01019HXEK/
They do help a lot. Really can't beat these for the price imo.
https://www.amazon.com/Cascade-Mountain-Tech-Aluminum-Trekking/dp/B07GBWV993
Buy the official guide from the CMC Press
http://www.amazon.com/Colorado-Trail-Databook-Mountain-Guide/dp/1937052028
Platypus Platy Preserve Wine Preserver, 800 mL/6.3" x 10.25", Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001G7QUWI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_tbXTBbWJKRA33
Bring the bar too!
Bring a fishing rod (fly or spin). Find a lake or creek with brookies and cook some dinner or just fish for cutthroat.
http://www.amazon.com/Fishing-Guide-Rocky-Mountain-National/dp/0984412301
James Dziezynski's book Best Summit Hikes in Colorado has a full route description with a map and GPS waypoints. He says the route is off-trail most of the way, and calls it a Class 2+. It's 5.3 miles and 2,840' from the first parking area to the summit at 13,232' (4wd cuts off 1.4 miles rt.)