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CLOTHING CONSIDERATIONS A wise man once said that “climate is what you can expect, but weather is what you get” and in the Rockies you can certainly expect some weather! In order to feel comfortable and prepared for these changes, even if you have been hiking for years, you may need a complete head to toe re-think into the type of you will bring with you to Colorado. When hiking in a wide range of temperatures, having the proper clothing is important but even more important is just how you should layer that clothing so it performs to its maximum value.

A hiker’s attire is all about practicality with substance over style. You will need items that will keep you dry when it’s wet, warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot. Think breathable, comfortable, lightweight, durable and afordable. Proper technical outdoor attire does not cost, it pays! Embark highly recommends that all your trekking attire be made of synthetic material. None of your clothing should be more than 50% cotton. Synthetic material is better at absorbing moisture without becoming heavy or uncomfortable and goes a long way in keeping you warm during your hike. If wet weather strikes, soaked cotton clothing will weigh you down and will contribute to hyperthermia. Cotton is hydrophilic, meaning it transfers sweat from your skin to the material itself, thus it’s horrible at “wicking” wetness away from skin. In fact, cotton attracts moisture and will become damp simply when exposed to humid air. Once wet, it feels cold, loses 90 percent of its insulating properties, is difcult to dry out, and wicks heat from your body twenty-fve times faster than when it’s dry. Synthetic fabric lessens the heavy chilling efect caused by cotton and is lighter, not only when you are wearing it, but also when your gear is being transported. Colorado | 2

Day Pack

You will need a proper and appropriate backpack. This same pack is the one you should use on all your training hikes in order to become comfortable carrying the weight, gear and equipment you will be using on your trip. Backpacks come in many sizes and styles and ft each body diferently, so it is best to be measured and ft by knowledgeable sales staf at a quality outdoor store. Here are some things to consider when shopping for your backpack: Size: The interior volume of your backpack should be something between 25 and 30 liters or 1,500-2,000 cubic inches. Fit and Function: You should consider an internal frame backpack with a moderate suspension and quality zippers. It should have padded shoulder straps, a sternum strap, load lifter straps and because as much as 80% of the weight is supported by the hips, a fully padded hip/waist . You should also consider purchasing a rain cover if the backpack you pick does not already come with one. Most brands ofer a custom ft, or built-in rain cover that protects your pack and its contents during inclement weather.

What to Carry in your Backpack

Now that you have obtained a proper backpack, what should you carry in it? Both on your many training hikes as well as on your Colorado trek, here is a list of things you should load in your pack and bring with you on each and every hike you take: Navigation Items: A trail map; a compass; a guide book. Extra Food and Water: Think emergency stores: food and water you will only need just in case the hike becomes longer than you expected. Extra Clothing: A feece or light , extra , a warm and gloves in case the weather changes. Rain Gear: Both a jacket and rain pants or oversize . Not the disposable, amusement park-type fancy ftted trash bag, but quality outdoor rain gear. First Aid Kit: Something simple that you can use to comfortably treat cuts, abrasions, blisters, splinters, headaches, or stomachaches. A Knife: There are so many choices here, but Daniel Boone once was heard to say…”In the wilderness, a knifeless man is a lifeless man!” You pick the style, you decide the size, just make sure it’s sharp and you feel comfortable using it. A Swiss Army knife, or multi-tool that has many options and is something you might want to consider. Matches: It’s always a good idea to be able to build a fre if it becomes necessary…matches, a lighter, a fre starter. Flashlight and Extra Batteries: A headlamp style works best on the trail and always pack extra batteries for it just in case! Skin Care: Sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray, hand sanitizer. Whistle: If in distress or lost, a whistle carries sound much farther than your voice and can also be used to scare of threatening wildlife. Extra Shoelaces: It’s always a good idea to bring some type of cordage with you on the trail in case you need to tie something down, so why not multi-purpose and bring some extra shoelaces just in case yours break! Bathroom Kit: Toilet paper, wet wipes, hand cleaner and extra plastic zip-lock bags.

Layering

Layering is a relatively simple concept. All it involves is combining a few pieces of outdoor clothing in such a way that they can be quickly and easily adapted to a variety of weather conditions and your level of activity. Your daily trek will start in the damp cold of early morning, then blossom into warm and sunny days but it is always possible that the skies might open up in the middle of your hike with rain, snow or even hail! While walking on the trail, you Colorado | 3

will be generating plenty of heat but once you stop moving you will begin to get cold. An appropriate layering system keeps you comfortable in all of these situations and all you really need are three parts to a system: a base layer, an insulating layer and an outer shell.

BASE LAYER

The function of the base layer is primarily to wick moisture away from the body so it can evaporate, keeping your skin warm and dry. A base layer is integral to staying comfortable outdoors. Your base layer can also perform double duty and be used at night as sleepwear. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, or polyester blends are preferable, however Merino wool ofers more warmth than synthetic material of the same thickness, and it is still comfortable on warm days.

INSULATION LAYER (mid-layer)

Your base layer retains warmth, depending on how heavy it is, but thermal insulation isn’t its primary function; that’s what your mid-layer is for. The mid-layer can be a feece pullover or synthetic insulated jacket both which retain heat by trapping warm air close to your body. Down insulation is the most compressible and the warmest, but must be kept dry, while synthetics aren’t quite as thermally efcient as goose down but they insulate better in damp or sweaty conditions and cost less. Make sure your insulation layer is large enough to ft over both your light-weight and heavy-weight base layers when you wear them together.

HARD SHELL

Your shell jacket is the all-important protective layer in your system; this thin jacket must be totally waterproof and totally windproof. The key here is a waterproof/breathable fabric that allows water vapor and heat to escape the jacket as you perspire. If sweat and moisture build up on the inside of the jacket, you’ll end up wet even if it’s efective at blocking rain and precipitation from reaching your body, which defeats the purpose. It is important that your shell layer can compress very small and weigh very little so you can carry it with you every day in your backpack. Plus it needs to be large enough to ft over your double base layer as well as your insulating mid-layer.

RAIN GEAR

An important component of your layering system is proper rain gear- both a poncho and pants- which, when used together and in tandem with your layering system, will ensure you stay dry, safe and comfortable during inclement weather. If you encounter heavy, hard rain for an extended period of time (which can happen in mountain climates), a poncho is a small item that will protect you, your shell and your backpack. The key component of your rainwear fabric is a coating or membrane that does the technological trick of blocking rain while also allowing sweat vapor to escape. Because it’s relatively delicate, a membrane will be bonded to a protective fabric to create a laminate. Almost all rainwear is made using either a laminate or a coating, though the exact materials in each will vary. You can choose the style and decide on a cost, but be sure to size it properly so it can ft over all of your clothing when layered properly. While a poncho is a great option, it will not cover and protect your lower legs from getting wet, so again Colorado | 4

rain pants are always a must.

SOCKS

Much like your , the socks you wear on the hiking trail can also have a signifcant efect on your comfort. Your socks should be made of synthetic materials that enhance moisture-wicking performance and absolutely not made of cotton! For your Colorado trek, you might consider the following styles:

● Lightweight hiking socks: These socks are best for warmer conditions, stressing moisture wicking and comfort over warmth. They are relatively thin, yet are warmer and provide more cushioning than just sock liners alone. ● Mid-weight socks: These provide cushioning and insulation in moderate to cold conditions, with adequate padding built into high-impact areas like the heel and the ball of the foot. ● Liners: Sock liners are thin, lightweight wicking socks designed to be worn right next to your skin. These liners wick sweat away from the surface of your foot to keep you dry and comfortable. Liners also limit the amount of abrasion between your outer sock and your skin. They are designed to be worn under other socks.

GLOVES

Gloves must be a component of your clothing system and provide an important level of protection and comfort when you hike in adverse conditions. You should bring multiple pairs for diferent functions that can be combined as needed. Fleece gloves are a great base layer glove because they stay warm when wet and because your body-heat can dry the perspiration that accumulates in them while you are hiking. Thin gloves also help preserve your manual dexterity, allowing you to open zippers or take photos with your camera. Oversized rain mitts can be added to your glove system and are worn over feece gloves. These act as a wind barrier and help retain warmth.

HAT

You will need some diferent types of . You will want one hat that shields you from the harmful efects of the sun and provides you with 365 degrees of protection, such as a sun hat or baseball style , and a second that provides warmth, such as a ski cap or beanie. Wool tend to be warmer than synthetic, feece, or acrylic ones but many people fnd them itchy. Synthetics dry faster when they get wet and weigh a few ounces less, but unless they have a soft-shell outer layer, the wind can whip right through them. Hybrid wool and synthetic hats are very popular and combine the best features of both. Another option is a balaclava. To round out your headwear, we also suggest you bring along a buf or bandana to use as a head covering, a neck gaiter or as a personal hygiene item.

GAITERS

Snow, water, dirt and pebbles have a way of getting into even the most waterproof of . To prevent this from happening consider using some type of hike gaiter. cover the vulnerable tops of your footwear to fully protect your feet from the elements. Gaiters come in many styles, but we recommend a waterproof, ankle- or Colorado | 5

mid-calf height.

HIKING BOOTS

In order to safely participate in your practice hikes as well as perform to your potential while climbing in Colorado you must have a pair of appropriate hiking boots that ft you properly, are comfortable, waterproof and provide adequate ankle support. The boots you choose may be the most important bit of equipment you bring with you out on the trail, so it is very important that you research what brand and ft works best for you. Embark highly recommends shopping for your boots at a reputable outdoor store; one with a knowledgeable sales staf who can assist you with ft, form and function of your potential new hiking boots! There are three key characteristics to look for in a pair of trekking boots: ft, quality, and function. Let’s deal with each characteristic below:

Fit: The best way to test good ft is while wearing your hiking socks, place your foot in the and slide it all the way forward until your toes hit the front of the boot. Then take your index fnger and slide it down the back of the boot between your heel and the boot support. A perfect ftting boot will allow you to squeeze your fnger in without too much resistance. If you cannot squeeze your index fnger down the back of the boot, then the boot is too small. If you fnd that your index fnger fts too easily into the back of the boot, then the boot is likely too big. A snug ft, with your index fnger in the back of the boot, is just right.

Quality: Good quality doesn’t have to be expensive; in fact you can get some afordable trekking boots that are great quality. Good quality boots all have the following design features:

● A medium to heavy weight boot should have high tops for steady ankle support, a sole with high rubber content and deep lugs for better traction. But keep in mind that, while heavier weight boots tend to have better durability and cushioning, the extra weight of the boot becomes a consideration. If that’s the case, a medium weight boot might be another option. ● Waterproofng is the standard today but it’s important to get boots that use GoreTex or like material for improved protection from moisture and the elements. ● A lacing system should incorporate D-rings and speed hooks for better ankle support and fast lacing

Function: Once you have obtained a proper ftting pair of hiking boots that have similar characteristics to those outlined above, the task now is to break your boots in. Do not, under any circumstances, arrive in Colorado with brand new hiking boots that you have never worn. The best way to break boots in is to wear them as often as possible before your trek date. In the months and weeks before your trip you should be wearing your boots on your training hikes so the inner soles of the boot start to contour the bottom of your foot; this way you can be confdent that your boots are comfortable and well-worn in.

By following these general clothing guidelines and recommendations, coupled with your own research and personal preferences, you should now feel confdent to shop and select the correct and proper attire for your Colorado adventure!