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Hiking Colorado’s 14ers during the winter presents unique challenges. With colder temperatures, unpredictable weather, and snow-covered terrain, preparation is crucial. Having the right gear, known as the “Ten Essentials,” can make all the difference in keeping you safe and comfortable in the mountains, especially if something goes wrong.
These essentials aren’t just gear to carry; they empower you to take action in an emergency. Instead of relying entirely on Search and Rescue (SAR), having the proper equipment means you can help yourself while awaiting rescue. Let’s dive into the Ten Essentials you should always carry when hiking 14ers in winter.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Table of Contents
1) Extra Water - Stove & Fuel
You can survive a week or more without food – but you can only survive 2-3 days without water. In winter, it may be impossible to find unless you can melt snow or ice. Bring a small backpacking stove, fuel and pot with you whenever you do a significant hike, just in case you need to get yourself more water.
I use the MSR PocketRocket 2 – it’s lightweight and extremely dependable in cold conditions. I also bring 3 liters of water along to start, more than enough for most hikes.
2) Extra Food - 1500 calories or more
Pack enough food for what you think you will eat during your hike. Then pack an additional 1500 calories. I use dense food that takes up little space, like energy or protein bars. You can bring a backpacking meal to pair with your stove if you’d prefer… I consider that if ever I’m forced to break out my extra food, I’d appreciate something warm and good to eat. These backpacking meals from REI includes more than enough food for 3 or more days outdoors.
3) Extra Layers - Insulation and Rain Gear
I always bring at least one layer of insulation beyond what I expect to need. For example, if I think I need a base layer, mid layer, and outer jacket, I pack an extra fleece just in case things get colder than expected. I also bring a rain & wind-proof jacket with me on all climbs, regardless of the forecast, since things can change on a moment’s notice. I really like this fleece from REI for an extra mid-layer during winter 14ers.
4) Sun Protection
The sun is powerful on 14ers year-round, including the winter. It can become very powerful when reflected off the snow, towards your face. Bring a hat that protects your face, along with sunscreen to apply every 1-2 hours, or clothing to block your face entirely. Sunglasses or glacier glasses will also protect your eyes and prevent snow blindness, a rare but dangerous condition. The Julbo Camino Spectron 4 Sunglasses are a good tradeoff between price and quality, providing more protection than simple sunglasses.
5) First Aid Supplies
A lot can go wrong on even a simple hike or climb in the winter. Your first aid kit should be well stocked to handle most major types of first aid emergencies. The longer your trek, and deeper you go into the wilderness, the more you should bring. In general, you should feel comfortable caring for someone with what you have for 48 hours on most 14ers in the winter.
PS: Take a first aid class to be prepared with your kit – it’s no good if you don’t know how to use it when you need it. This first aid kit is a great start for winter mountaineering.
6) Emergency Shelter
On muti-day trips, you probably already have some kind of shelter like a tent or shovel to build a snow shelter. However on day trips, few people think to bring something in case they end up stuck outside overnight. Given the severe cold of rocky mountain winters, bringing an emergency bivy can make the difference between life and death if you’re injured or get lost out on a 14er in winter. You can buy a good bivy for less than $50 (like this SOL emergency bivy), and they weigh a small amount – it’s worth the security.
If you’re carrying an avalanche shovel, you can also build various types of snow shelters, such as a snow trench or snow cave, which provide insulation from the cold and wind. These structures can be surprisingly effective in trapping body heat and keeping you protected from the elements. While a snow shelter can offer protection, having an emergency bivy inside the shelter can add an extra layer of warmth and comfort during a survival situation.
7) Knife/multi-tool
A small knife or multi-tool is indispensable during an emergency. It can help you get wood for a fire, building shelters, getting food, fixing gear and more. While you should carry a knife at minimum, a swiss-army type tools is even more helpful in a pinch. Larger versions with 10+ functions lose much of their usefulness, go for a balanced version. This leatherman is one of my favorites and has everything you need. It’s solid and will last.
8) Fire-starting gear
During winter in the mountains, starting a fire is critical for surviving a prolonged stay outdoors. Bring matches and a lighter, along with something to use as a fire starter. If you’re forced to stay overnight, it’s okay to violate Leave No Trace. Get to treeline, and used your fire starting gear to get a fire going, and keep it going. The warmth will keep you alive. This small flint-based fire starting tool comes with tinder to use and lasts for more than 4,000 strikes.
9) Navigation Gear
GPS is a wonderful tool, but it’s no replacement for a good old map. In most cases, it’s smart to bring along both. GPS can help you quickly locate yourself, while a map can help you when you don’t have a signal or if something happens to your technology. A compass also can be lifesaving in an emergency or whiteout conditions where visibility becomes problematic. Make sure you know how to navigate using a map and compass!
For GPS devices, I personally recommend the InReach Explorer, which not only provides GPS navigation but also serves as a personal locator beacon if something goes wrong. Check out my full list of GPS recommendations.
10) Headlamp & batteries
Even if you plan to be off the 14er long before dark, you should assume that something may go wrong and you may be stuck there. It will feel very good to remember you packed your headlamp. Inevitably, you may accidentally leave them on in your pocket all day – bring extra batteries so you always have a backup. I bought this Spot 400 Black Diamond Headlamp over 2 years ago, and it’s still serving me well today. A good price for what it offers!
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
The Ten Essentials for 14ers in Winter
There you have it—the ten essentials for winter 14er hikes. By packing these items, you increase your safety and preparedness for Colorado’s most challenging winter hikes. Even experienced mountaineers can face unexpected challenges, and this gear will help you stay safe if things go wrong.
Remember: your goal is to come home safely after every hike. By carrying the Ten Essentials, you’re not only preparing for a successful summit but also ensuring you’re ready for whatever winter throws your way.
FAQ
Q: Why are the Ten Essentials necessary for hiking?
A: The Ten Essentials are critical for safety, particularly in winter, because they prepare you for unexpected situations like sudden weather changes, injury, or getting lost. In winter, conditions are more extreme—temperatures drop faster, snow can obscure trails, and daylight hours are shorter. Without the Ten Essentials, a minor inconvenience can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation. Carrying extra layers, food, water, navigation tools, and emergency gear gives you the resources to handle emergencies until help arrives or until you can get yourself back to safety.
Q: How do I know if I’ve packed enough extra food and water?
A: A good rule of thumb for water is to start with at least 3 liters for a day hike in winter conditions, which should cover you for the day. Additionally, bring a small stove and fuel to melt snow for more water if needed. For food, pack enough to sustain your energy levels throughout the hike, then add at least 1,500 calories of extra high-energy snacks (such as energy bars, trail mix, or nuts). In cold weather, your body burns more calories to stay warm, so having calorie-dense, compact food is key. If you’re forced to spend the night outdoors, these extra supplies can keep your energy up and help maintain body heat.
Q: Can I use a phone for navigation, or should I still carry a map and compass?
A: While phone GPS apps can be helpful, they are not always reliable in mountain environments, especially in winter. Cold temperatures can drain phone batteries quickly, and you may not have service in remote areas. A map and compass don’t rely on battery power or signal, making them essential backups. GPS devices like the Garmin InReach Explorer are a great tool as they provide satellite navigation and emergency communication, but they shouldn’t be your only method of navigation. It’s also important to know how to use a map and compass properly, as they are your most reliable tools in whiteout conditions or if your technology fails.
Q: What type of fire-starting gear works best in winter conditions?
A: In winter, it’s important to have fire-starting tools that work in wet and snowy conditions. Carry a waterproof lighter or stormproof matches, along with a fire starter like flint or magnesium, which works even when damp. You should also bring tinder, such as cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly, as dry kindling may be hard to find in snowy environments. The ability to start a fire could save your life by providing warmth, melting snow for water, and signaling for help. Be sure to practice using your fire-starting tools before your hike to ensure you’re comfortable with them in an emergency.
Q: What kind of extra clothing should I bring for winter hikes?
A: Layering is crucial for winter hiking, as it allows you to regulate your body temperature and stay dry. Your clothing system should include:
- Base Layer: Moisture-wicking materials like merino wool or synthetic fabrics to keep sweat off your skin.
- Mid Layer: Insulating layers such as fleece or down to trap body heat. Bring an extra mid-layer, like a fleece jacket, in case temperatures drop more than expected.
- Outer Layer: A waterproof and windproof jacket to protect you from snow, wind, and moisture. Additionally, always pack extra gloves, socks, and a warm hat, as extremities are prone to frostbite in cold conditions. Even if the weather looks clear, conditions can change rapidly in the mountains, and having the right layers ensures you’re prepared for any situation.
