What to Pack for your Hike in RMNP

So you’re going hiking in RMNP! You’re in for a treat with the great views and fun trails. Before you even hit the trails you need to make sure that you’re prepared. This is a great guide with everything you need to know about what to pack for your hike in Rocky Mountain National Park!

Before you Go

One of the first things I do prior to heading on a hike is to check the weather! The weather and time of year will make a big difference in what you need for your trek. This guide is specifically for the lighter seasons.

Clothing

Regardless of the weather, it never hurts to wear and pack layers- heavier layers for the winter, and lighter for spring, summer, fall. The weather in the mountains can change quickly, and it can get cooler with higher elevations.

If I know it’s going to be on the cooler side, I usually choose to wear this long sleeve lululemon shirt as my base layer. If the weather is going to be a little warmer, I will opt into a light sweat wicking tank top or tee shirt. A light sweat shirt or button up is usually my middle layer. 

My outer layer is generally the most weather dependent. If it’s going to be extremely windy, or there’s a chance for rain, I usually reach for my Patagonia jacket. I love this one because it has a hood, is longer in the back, and the fit is flattering. My “warmer weather option” is usually this North Face pullover, while not waterproof, it is water resistant and will break the wind. Another great thing about it is it’s packability- it folds up into a great little bag that can be easily stuffed into your bag if you shed the layer. 

My go-to socks are usually Smart Wool or Darn Tough. They are sweat wicking and not too bulky. The Darn Tough have extra padding on the bottom which is great for blister prevention. I will usually toss an extra pair of socks in my bag just in case one gets wet or I need to switch out for some reason. 

Footwear

There are many hikes in RMNP that you can do with just tennis shoes (or running shoes for my Canadians). The trails are easy to navigate and there aren’t many slippery areas or sleep inclines. If you are choosing something more strenuous, I would suggest a hiking boot or hiking shoe. My current favorites are my Keen Terradora II mid waterproof boots, but I have also had the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boot and the Columbia Trail storm Mid-Waterproof Shoe which are also great options. 

Enough about clothes! What else will you need?

Water! This is so important. The Rocky Mountains are DRY. While it’s important to pack plenty of water for your hike, it’s also important to hydrate in advance. I would suggest guzzling plenty of water on the days leading up to your trip, and consider mixing in a Liquid IV to optimize hydration (Tangerine flavor is my fav!) 

I always bring one of my Hydroflasks (who doesn’t love ice cold water?) and an extra bottle as a backup. If it’s going to be a quicker hike, I often choose my 24oz REI bottle, and if it’s going to be a little longer I’ll grab the 32oz one. Isn’t this light purple color so cute? 

Food

Alrighty, let’s talk snacks… the way to my heart. The amount of food you will need will depend on the intensity of your hike. For a shorter hike, often a granola bar or two will do the trick. If you’re going to be on the trail a while longer, I would suggest packing a lunch- sandwiches are great! Other options could be: tuna packets, fruit or veggies, or other pre-made snacking kits. 

With views like the ones they have in RMNP, it’s impossible not to snap a photo. These days the technology with cell phones is so advanced, you can take high quality photos and edit them all on your phone.  For you photography types, don’t forget to charge your battery, and bring a tripod if you want to set up some high quality landscape shots. 

A little less fun, but equally (if not more)  important is remembering a first aid kit. Although 99 times out of 100, you won’t need it, you’ll be thankful you have it if something adverse happens. You can find pre-made hiking emergency kits on Amazon or at other outdoor stores (think REI, MEC, Scheels, etc.) You can pack your own kit, I would suggest: bandaids, gloves, gauze, blister treatment, insect sting treatment, safety pins,  maybe some ibuprofen (advil and off brands) or acetaminophen (tylenol or off brands), something to make a tourniquet out of, a small flashlight, and a multitool. 

As with anything, go prepared and educated. Know what animals you may run into, and what to do if/when you do. And always, always, always tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. 

Check out my post- Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park for some trail suggestions!