Colorado’s mountains demand the right gear — the altitude, the sun, and the fast-changing weather are unforgiving of a bad packing list. These are our tested, honestly-priced guides for every kind of Colorado adventure, with live Amazon prices and picks for every budget. Newest additions: mountain bike, gold panning, and stargazing gear.
Hiking & Backpacking
- Day-Hike Essentials — the trailhead basics we never leave without.
- Best Hiking Boots — waterproof picks for men & women.
- Best Hiking Day Packs — day hikes to overnights.
- Best Hiking Poles — save your knees on the descents.
- Best Hydration Bladders — reservoirs for your pack.
- 14er Gear List — what we carry above 14,000 feet.
- Camping & Backpacking Gear — sleep warm above 10,000 feet.
- Best Tents — for Colorado camping & backpacking.
- Best Sleeping Bags & Pads — stay warm on cold alpine nights.
Skiing & Snow
- What to Pack for a Ski Trip — the complete checklist.
- Best Ski Jackets & Snow Pants — stay warm and dry on the hill.
- Best Ski Goggles — budget to premium (Smith, Oakley & more).
- Best Ski Gloves — warm picks for men & women.
- Best Base Layers — the foundation of staying warm.
- Best Snow Boots — warm, waterproof winter picks.
- Best Ski Boot Bags — carry your boots, helmet & gear.
- Best Snowshoes — budget to premium picks.
Biking
- Best Mountain Bike Gear — helmet, pads, hydration & tools.
Water, Trail & Climb
- Best Fly-Fishing Gear — complete beginner starter kits.
- Best Trail Running Gear — shoes, hydration & essentials.
- Best Beginner Climbing Gear — shoes, chalk & helmet.
- Avalanche Safety Gear — beacon, shovel & probe.
Winter Driving (I-70)
- Best Snow Chains & Traction — stay legal in the traction law.
- Best Car Emergency Kit — for Colorado winter driving.
Altitude, Sun & Optics
- Altitude & Sun Kit — beat the thin air & high-UV sun.
- Best Binoculars — for Colorado wildlife.
- Best Dog Hiking Gear — packs, boots & trail essentials.
Activities & Extras
- Best Gold Panning Kit — pans, classifiers & sluices.
- Best Stargazing Gear — telescopes, binoculars & more.
Trip Packing Lists
- Colorado Road Trip Packing List — drones, kids’ gear & car essentials.
See how we pick what we recommend, or start planning with our Colorado trip guide.