What you bring depends on what time of year you'll be at camp and the kinds of activities you'll be doing. Whatever you bring, don't leave behind your inspirational thoughts--those are always appropriate!

Bringing the proper clothing on your trip is crucial. Colorado backcountry weather is characterized by changing weather - conditions can range from hot and sunny to near-blizzard. Bring everything on the list. Once on the trip, you will need space in your pack for camping gear, equipment and food. Please remember there are no stores in the wilderness where you can get items you forgot; therefore, the list has been compiled based on ALL the weather conditions you may be exposed to.

Our clothing list reflects the importance of the "layering" principle. Dressing in several light layers rather than one heavy layer allows more flexibility as the weather and your work changes. Wool has been the age-old favorite of mountaineers and outdoor-folk, because it retains its insulating properties even when wet. There are newer synthetic fabrics that are lighter, more insulating, and feel better against the skin than wool and also dry much faster. Some of these fabrics are: pile, polarfleece, polypropylene, and Capilene. Both synthetic and wool items can be found in backpacking stores and surplus outlets as well as purchased through many mail- and web-order firms.

Do not feel that you must buy all your gear at mountaineering and specialty stores. Thrift shops, Goodwill and Army/Navy stores can be excellent sources for many of the things on the list. However, boots (hiking or riding, depending on your trip) are a bit more of a specialty item and should be purchased from an experienced and reputable source.

Adventure Unlimited will provide backpacks, sleeping bags, and pads if you don't feel you want to use your own. If you do bring your own equipment, A/U staff will inspect it and may insist that you use our gear if your personal items don't meet necessary standards.

Good mail-order and web-order sources

REI, 800-562-4894, www.rei.com
LL Bean, 800-341-4341, www.llbean.com
Campmor, 800-526-4784, www.campmor.com
Patagonia, 800-638-6464, www.patagonia.com
EMS, 888-463-6367, www.shopems.com

Mountain Hardwear and The North Face are two other companies that produce high-quality gear, but they offer their equipment only through local retailers. Inquire at your local mountaineering or outdoor shops as to their availability in your area.