Wilderness Camping Planning Checklist

Months Ahead

• Decide who is going on the trip
• Decide when and where you are going
• Outline your hiking route
• Call Wilderness Office (970-586-1242) for likely snow, trail or campsite conditions at time of trip
• Do not plan too early. Be cautious regarding snow conditions when planning trips in April, May and June). See Wilderness Designated Campsite Details for most likely snow free campsite dates.
• Check permit regulations
• Order maps and guidebooks and compass
• Begin breaking in new boots
• When you are ready to make a reservation for your Summer Wilderness Backpacking Trip go to www.recreation.gov to make your reservation. Reservations for Summer Wilderness Backpacking Trips will open March 1 at 8:00 am Mountain Time. For more details go to the Wilderness Camping webpage.
• Reservation Requests are not accepted for Camping Dates from November 1 through April 30. Walk-up/In-person permits are available at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Wilderness Office (west of Estes Park on Hwy 36) or the Kawuneeche Visitor Center (north of Grand Lake on Hwy 34). Fore more details go to the Wilderness Camping webpage.

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Three Weeks Ahead

• Confirm group gear with hiking partners
• Go over checklist of backpacking gear
• Make sure your gear works and replace or repair
• Plan your menu

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One to Two Weeks Ahead

• Buy and repackage food

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Days Before

• Pack gear, checking each piece off list as it enters the pack
• Verify departure plans with hiking partners
• Give a copy of itinerary and return time to a friend or relative

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Day of Trip

• Recheck gear when you meet with your group
• Stop at Wilderness Office for permit and current wilderness information
• Permit cannot be issued without license plate number(s)
• Put car keys in safe place and give a duplicate to your hiking companion
• Head for wilderness and have a great time

 

NPS Photo

Summer Backpacking Gear Checklist

Be prepared for sudden changes in weather, emergencies, and the possibility of spending the night out in extreme conditions. Adjust this list depending on duration of trip and safety needs.

Gear

__ Backpack
__ Tent or Tarp
__ Sleeping Bag/Sleeping Pad appropriate for the season
__ Topographic Map and Compass/GPS
__ Stuff Sacks

Clothing/Footwear (appropriate for the season)

__ Hats: For Sun and Warmth
__ Rain Gear
__ Hiking Pants: Long and Short
__ Light Shirt/T-Shirt: Synthetic (not cotton)
__ Warm Shirt: Long-sleeved
__ Jacket or Outerwear to layer
__ Boots: Suitable for rocky or unstable trails - Waterproof
__ Socks and Sock Liners: Synthetic or Wool
__ Gloves

Food/Stove

__ Stove, Fuel, and Repair Kit
__ Lighter and/or Waterproof Matches
__ Cooking Pots
__ Utensils: Cup/Bowl/Spoon
__ Multi-tool or Pocketknife
__ Biodegradable Soap
__ Food with extra for emergencies

Other Essentials

__ Bear Canister: Hard-sided, lockable, commercially-produced for all food, trash, and scented items
__ Water Bottles/Bladders
__ Water Purification System: Filter or Tablets
__ Headlamp or Flashlight
__ Extra Batteries and Bulbs
__ Trowel: For digging "catholes" or Human Waste Bags
__ First Aid Kit: Including footcare products, adhesive tape, personal medications, etc.
__ Sunscreen
__ Insect Repellent
__ Lip Balm
__ Toilet Paper/Ziplock Bags to Carry Out Used Paper
__ Personal Toiletries
__ Sunglasses
__ Whistle

Other Items

__ Hiking Poles
__ Camp Shoes
__ Binoculars
__ Sewing Kit
__ Rope or Cord
__ Reading Material
__ Playing Cards
__ Camera, Lenses, Memory Cards, Batteries, Tripod, etc.

 

Winter Backpacking Gear Checklist

Be prepared for emergencies, sudden changes in weather, and the possibility of spending the night out in extreme conditions. Adjust this list depending on duration of trip and safety needs.

Gear

__ Backpack
__ Tent or Tarp and Groundsheet
__ Sleeping Bag/Sleeping Pad appropriate for the season
__ Topographic Map and Compass/GPS
__ Stuff Sacks or Plastic Bags (for moisture protection)
__ Floatation System: Skies/Showshoes and/or Micro Spikes/Traction Devices
__ Ski/Hiking Poles
__ Lightweight Shovel: For Digging Out Snow

Clothing/Footwear (appropriate for the season)

__ Hats: For Sun and Warmth
__ Outer layer Shell, with Hood: To protect against precipitation and wind
__ Hiking Pants/Outer Layer Pants
__ Under Layer Shirt/Pants: Synthetic or Wool
__ Warm Shirt Layer: Long-sleeved
__ Jacket or Outerwear to layer
__ Gloves or Mittens - With Shell for Wet Conditions
__ Boots: Suitable for Snow-Covered Trails - Waterproof
__ Socks and Sock Liners: Synthetic or Wool
__ Gaiters

Food/Stove

__ Stove, Fuel, and Repair Kit
__ Extra Fuel
__ Lighter and/or Waterproof Matches
__ Cooking Pots
__ Utensils: Cup/Bowl/Spoon
__ Multi-tool or Pocketknife
__ Biodegradable Soap
__ Food - At least 1 extra day's food for emergencies

Other Essentials

__ Food Storage System: Bear canister not required from November 1 through March 31
__ Water Bottles/Bladders - Possibly wrapped to prevent freezing
__ Water Purification System: Filter or Tablets
__ Headlamp or Flashlight
__ Extra Batteries and Bulbs
__ Human Waste Bags
__ First Aid Kit: Including footcare products, adhesive tape, personal medications, etc.
__ Sunscreen
__ Lip Balm
__ Toilet Paper/Ziplock Bags to Carry Out Used Paper
__ Personal Toiletries
__ Sunglasses/Goggles
__ Whistle

Other Items

__ Binoculars
__ Climbing Skins for Skis
__ Camp Shoes
__ Sewing Kit
__ Rope or Cord
__ Reading Material
__ Playing Cards
__ Camera, Lenses, Memory Cards, Tripod, etc.