What are the absolute essentials when going on a hike in Colorado’s hills?
The Colorado Mountain Club lists 10 essentials for every daypack: At least 2 liters of water, food, rain gear, extra wool or fleece layers, waterproof matches or lighter plus firestarter, sunglasses, sunscreen, a pocket knife, first-aid kit and toilet paper with a sealing plastic bag to haul out waste. The venerable mountain club recommends these items for more difficult or longer trips: a space blanket, plastic tarp, duct tape, foam pad, metal cup for melting snow or boiling water, whistle, parachute cord, signal mirror, snow shovel, map, compass, GPS device, a climbing helmet and ice ax for snow and rock travel.
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