Whether you’re planning a trip on your own or one of Unravel’s Colorado Camping trips, here are 10 things you’ll definitely be glad to have packed while camping in the Colorado Rocky Mountains this summer!

10. Rain gear

While the climate is typically arid, Colorado does get quite a few rainstorms in the summer. Storms come unbelievably quickly in the mountains and the rain is COLD!

9. Warm clothes

Even in the summer, temperatures can drop quite a bit at night! At the very least bring a heavy fleece/sweater and a hat.

8. A good map

Before you set out, be sure you know where you’re going. If you bring a camera take a few pictures of the map at the trailhead.

7. Your Common Sense

There are no straight lines in the mountains; assume it will take longer to get than you might expect. The terrain and wildlife may be different than what you’re used to- do your homework beforehand. Always err on the side of caution.

6. Duct Tape

Can solve so many problems in life. Enough said.

5. Dental Floss

Oral hygiene isn’t always a top priority when in the backcountry, but there is nothing more annoying than something caught in your teeth! On top of this, it is so strong and great for repairing just about anything that needs to be sewn, repaired or tied up!

4. Multi-tool knife with bottle opener and/or cork screw

Depending on your libation needs!

3. Extra food

Bring more than you need- your trip might take longer than you’ve planned or you might find the perfect place and decide you just need to stay a couple extra days. Either way, a lack of food can quickly turn your situation into a survival scenario!

2. Secondary fire source

If you normally pack matches, bring a lighter too. If you’ve packed a lighter, be sure to throw in some waterproof matches. A fire can keep you fed, warm, drinking clean water, and safe; make sure you can get one started should you need to!

1. Bandanna

In the late 1970s Douglas Adams had this to say about towels in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: “… a towel has immense psychological value. For some reason, if a strag (strag: nonhitchhiker) discovers that a hitchhiker has his towel with him, he will automatically assume that he is also in possession of a toothbrush, washcloth, soap, tin of biscuits, flask, compass, map, ball of string, gnat spray, wet-weather gear, space suit etc., etc. Furthermore, the strag will then happily lend the hitchhiker any of these or a dozen other items that the hitchhiker might accidentally have ‘lost’. What the strag will think is that any man who can hitch the length and breadth of the galaxy, rough it, slum it, struggle against terrible odds, win through, and still knows where his towel is, is clearly a man to be reckoned with.”

This is kind of how I feel about bandannas. They can be used for so many things (face mask, eye mask, pot holder, water strainer, bandage, flag, snot rag, etc.) and you can always tell that someone in the wilderness with a well used bandanna knows what they’re doing.

Check out Unravel’s Colorado camping trips here:
Colorado Basecamp Adventure – Camp, hike and raft~ a hassle-free getaway!

Colorado Backcountry Trip – Get off the beaten path and see the Rockies like few ever do!

Colorado Family Camping – Fun and adventure for the whole family!

Want a custom trip? Have a private group? Email us and we will make it happen: info@unravel-travel.com