Gear Loadout: Packing List for the Colorado Trail

A lot goes into preparing for a backpacking trip – especially when going solo.

I recently completed a section of the Colorado Trail, the stunning and strenuous 75 miles from Durango to Silverton. Given the generally dry summer climate mixed with unpredictable high-altitude fronts, a full kit of versatile gear is a must. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a brand new, unreleased backpack from Mystery Ranch – the lightweight RADIX 57, which I'll tell you my preliminary thoughts on (stay tuned for the full review afterwards).

If you are curious about what a packing list looks like for a 5-day hiking trip, then you've come to the right place. 

The Colorado Trail: Durango to Silverton

The 486-mile Colorado Trail spans from Denver to Durango (or vice versa), through some of the most (literally) breathtaking sections of the Southern Rocky Mountains. The views are hard-fought – with relentless climbs at an average elevation of 10,300 feet – but all the more rewarding for it. The section I honed in on is the 75 miles from Durango to Molas Pass, near the old mining town of Silverton. It traverses the San Juan National Forest, connecting the San Juan and La Plata Mountains (i.e. extensions of the Rockies). This stretch is celebrated for its long ridgelines, expansive panoramas, vibrant wildflowers, and bright green alpine meadows. What more could the heart of a hiker desire?

My Packing List for 5 Days on the Colorado Trail

Sleeping Bag: Nemo Riff Down Sleeping Bag (15-deg F / - 9 C)

+ Compression Dry Bag: Sea to Summit's eVent

I used (and loved) Nemo's Riff sleeping bag during a recent stint on the Oregon PCT. The high-altitude campsites along the Colorado Trail definitely demand the warmth of a good mummy-bag. And if it happens to get a little toasty one night, the Riff has optional Thermo Gill vents to cool me off. The only adjustment I made for this trip was to swap out Nemo's stuff sack for a dry bag (just in case I get hit with some sloppy mountain weather). For more of my thoughts on the Riff down sleeping bag, check out my previous blog, Dan Becker and Eric Hanson Compare Gear. 

Sleeping Pad: Nemo TENSOR Ultralight (Unreleased Version!)

You've heard me talk about Nemo's 3-season TENSOR mattress. But now I've got my hands on the new Nemo TENSOR All-Season mattress. This bad boy actually isn't even available yet (due in 2024), but I can already tell it's going to be a hit. Nemo has upped the R-Value from 4.2 to 5.4, while also somehow making it a shade lighter (14.5 oz vs 14.1 oz) and able to pack down smaller. Explain that one, science! 

Tent: Durston X-Mid Pro 1

A long-haul solo adventure is the perfect scenario to bust out this ultralight tent. I was so impressed with how this minimal, 1-pound shelter held up over the winter. If you're interested in my full review, watch this video I did with BackpackingTV. Also, before you get too excited about the X-Mid Pro's exceptional trail weight, check out my recent article: Gear Companies are Lying to You. But don't get me wrong, your stoke level should still be high for this tent.

Pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow

Camp Chair: Helinox Chair Zero L 

Even though I'm taking steps to join the world of ultralight backpackers, I think this high-back chair is going to have to stay in circulation. I used it a couple of weeks ago on my trip with Dan Becker and the comfort was easily worth the mere 1-pound, 6 ounces. 

Cook System and Other Sustenance Stuff

Stove: GRAYL Titanium Camp Stove

The water purification company extraordinaire, GRAYL, is now making kick ass stoves – and light ones at that. This thing weighs only 28g. 

Cook Pot: Vargo BOT - 700

This 700ml pot is a little on the pricey side, but the rubber gasket makes a perfect seal, and therefore opens the door to the cook-free, cold-soak method.

Fuel: MSR IsoPro Fuel Canister

+ FlipFuel Transfer Device 

I wanted to mention the nifty little FlipFuel device. It allows me to finally consolidate my half-empty fuel canisters into each other so that I don't have to keep buying new ones so often, or bring along a handful of partials. 

Water Filter: LifeStraw Peak Series Collapsible Squeeze 1L Bottle 

The LifeStraw was actually the biggest pain point of my trip. Early on day two the filter got bogged down and I didn’t bring the backflushing syringe (for cleaning the filter). I’ve had good luck with the filter in the past so I was surprised by the poor performance with very slow filtration times. Note to self: bring the backflush syringe next time!

Cup: UCO Collapsible Cup 

Protective Storage: Bear Canister 

There are black bears in this region, and while confrontations with hikers are extremely rare here, they do have a tendency to get into hiker’s food supplies!

Note: Stay tuned for my full food breakdown. That deserves its own spotlight. 

Shoes and Apparel

Kicks: Merrell Moab Speed GTX

I swapped these out last minute as the forecast had loads of rain in store for me. I opted for a waterproof shoe, which definitely came in handy during some epic monsoon downpours. The downside is that these shoes are a little too warm, which can lead to sweaty feet and blisters. They are comfortable, capable shoes, but if I were to go it again I’d stick to the more breatheable options, even though I’d have to dry my feet out after rainstorms.

Clothing Organizer: Hillsound Packstack Pro (Waterproof)

This waterproof organizer is great for spare clothing, but I’ve found it’s also a spot for my camera odds n' ends. My lenses, memory cards, and batteries are cushioned by the surrounding clothes, and protected from the elements. This has replaced a more traditional camera case. But even if you’re not a photographer, this is a super handy clothing organizer.  

Belt: Arcade Out of Range

Socks: 2 x Grip6 Wool

Pants: Fjällräven Keb Trouser

The Kebs are far and away the best hiking pants I've worn. The trousers have pockets galore, are durable, and the best part of all are the thigh vents. Never hurts to release that midday sweat buildup while showin’ off some thigh!

Underwear: 2 x ExOfficio Antimicrobial Boxer-Briefs

Gloves: Hestra Ergo Grip Tactility 5-Finger

Sun Shirt: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody

A Good Buff – Don't discount the power of this simple piece. Great for sun/bug coverage, and even a pinch of extra warmth (or coolness if you douse it in water). 

Down Jacket: Big Agnes Zetto 

Better known for sleeping bags and tents, Big Agnes also makes my favorite ultralight down jacket.

Rain Jacket: Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell

Rain Pants: Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Full Zip

Black Diamond makes the best rain shells I’ve come across. Very light weight yet capable, these withstood daily monsoon onslaughts while having good ventilation to keep sweat build up at bay.

Additional Do-Dads

Satellite Communicator: Zoleo 

My preference for sending text messages and checking weather when out of range.

Pocket Knife: Vosteed Nightshade LT

First-Aid Kit

+ Glacier Gel Blister and Burn Kit

When you're banging out big miles, especially through mountainous terrain, blisters/hotspots are likely to rear their ugly heads. I've found Glacier Gel to be even more effective than Moleskin or any other methods. 

Headlamp: Black Diamond Storm 500-R (Rechargeable)

Trowel: Vargo Dig Dig Tool

The best trowel I’ve found!

Camera Case: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Camera Pod

Highly recommended method of camera protection that allows easy access without taking off your pack to get the shot.

Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Trail Back 

These were decent, but their clunky locking mechanisms are not my favorite.

Mystery Ranch Radix 57 Backpack

The thing I'm most excited about is trying the latest addition to Mystery Ranch's stellar line of backpacks: The Radix doesn't drop until next year, but I’m lucky to test it out early. Mystery Ranch traditionally focuses on comfort, functionality, and durability, while leaving the ultralight category to do its own thing. This year they are taking a bold swing at something different. The RADIX 57 is quite a bit lighter than anything they’ve ever made while still including an adjustable yoke, a padded hip belt, hip belt pockets, and generous exterior pockets. In other words, things that other ultralight backpacks can't or won't consider. 

All in, including food and 1-liter of water (but I'll probably be carrying 2), my 57-liter pack weighed in at just over 24 pounds (note: minus camera equipment). That is officially the lightest load I've ever carried for such an intensive trek. But if you have the right stuff, you don't need a lot of stuff.

I hope you learned a thing or two about how to prepare for a 5-day backpacking trip. For more gear breakdowns, backcountry tips, and immersive hiking videos, please head on over to my new YouTube channel.