Clothing System

imported
#1

I will be going out on the Colorado Trail this summer, probably starting out mid-June. I will be on the trail anywhere from a week or however long it takes me to complete the trail, just depends on my summer work schedule. I know this is about a month earlier than everyone suggests for doing the CT. I’m wondering what kind of weather to expect at that time and also need some suggestions on my clothing system since I’ve never backpacked in a mountainous area being from Texas.

After doing quite a bit of research on BPL and other blogs I am looking to take a longsleeve 1/4 zip capilene 2 shirt, a nike windshirt,driducks rain jacket, and a Marmot Zeus jacket. Is this appropriate for the conditions?

On the bottom I will be bringing Under Armour boxer briefs,capilene 2 pants, and some REI convertible pants. Is this enough on the bottom and will I need the bottoms to my driducks?

Thanks for the help guys! Lots of questions to come on this trip.

Brian Morgan

#2

some gators could substitute for the bottoms on your rain pants, but you’ll still end up with wet pants. Taking off the legs of the convertibles and marring up the gators with your skin will create an effective seal to keep your socks dry tho.
It will be windy and likely rain every afternoon, everything from light rain to a downpour.
Snow is a very real possibility all season long at those altitudes. I will be humping a beanie, and gloves the whole way just in case of cold temps with wind.

Dudistotle

#3

Nothing wrong with a mid-June departure if you don’t mind postholing high snow now and then. Take some tall gaiters for the snow and go for it. First place with possible snow issues will be the Georgia pass area which will take a week or so to even get to - it will be late June at the earliest.

You will probably have less rain early season than late. Rain every day is unlikely even in the rainy season which is late July and August. June and early July are normally the driest months in Colorado. I agree with the suggestion of taking some gloves. When it rains at high altitude your hands can get really cold. I like to carry some neoprene gloves that stay a little bit warm even if they are wet.

You can’t complete the trail in a week. If you do I want your autograph. A month is a fairly good time.

bearcreek

#4

I will be visiting Longmont, CO in late June. Any recommendations for where to camp/hike with my 8 y/o son? I am from Florida, so recommendations on attire will also be appreciated!

Michael Barnes

#5

I will be hiking the CT this summer as well. Not sure my starting time yet but it is looking like late June or early July. I am planning to do it in 4 weeks. I agree with bearcreek. If you hike the trail in a week, I would like an autograph too.

I hiked segment 10 last June adding Mt. Massive and Mt. Elbert. It took me 2.5 days to hike that 28 miles. I will be a solo hiker this year and will be hiking more miles per day. However, I will make time for the beauty and the extra 14’ers.

I did run into a group of people while on the trail last year that said they hiked the first 10 segments in a week. That is a lot of miles for one week. I believe I estimated to be some 150+ miles from Waterton to Halfmoon creek.

Scott