Winter Survival in the Colorado Rockies — Part 2: Must-have gear and Clothing

Gear Up for Adventure: Stay Warm, Dry, and Ready for Anything

Learn what gear and clothing to pack for Colorado winter adventures, with tips on layering, vehicle prep, and staying safe on the trails

Ah, the Colorado Rockies in winter, a wonderland of sparkling snow, towering peaks, and adventures waiting at every turn. Whether you’re chasing fresh powder on the slopes, hiking a quiet forest trail, or snowshoeing to a frozen lake that looks like something out of a postcard, winter in the mountains feels like stepping into another world. But let’s be real: that dreamy winter wonderland can flip the script faster than you can say “black ice” on a downhill stretch.

Before you get lost in the romance of it all, let’s talk about preparation. No, it’s not the boring part of your adventure, it’s the part that keeps your day from becoming one of those “I made a huge mistake” stories. And it all starts with your trusty ride. Your car isn’t just a way to get to the trailhead; it’s your rolling basecamp, your refuge when the weather decides to throw a tantrum, and your best bet for making it home with all your fingers and toes intact.

So, before you peel out of the driveway singing “Let It Snow,” let’s make sure your vehicle is ready to handle everything the Rockies have in store. A little prep now means more time enjoying the adventure and less time freezing your tail off on the side of the road. Let’s dive in!

Winter Vehicle Survival and Maintenance Kit

Start with what to keep in your vehicle: Your Rolling Lifeline

• Traction Tools: A bag of sand or kitty litter, portable snow traction mat, snow chains, and a small collapsible shovel can get you out of slippery situations. Don’t buy cheap plastic shovels, they will break on you. Ask me how I know.
• Breaker Bar, Lug Wrench and a Jack: Your car’s lug wrench is probably garbage. A long breaker bar makes changing a tire 10x easier.
• Heavy-Duty Tow Strap: If someone offers to help pull you out, this is the handshake you need. Look for one rated for at least 20,000 lbs.
• Ice Scraper with a Brush: Bonus if it telescopes. You’ll appreciate it when your car’s buried in a foot of snow.
• High-Quality Multi-Tool: Something like a Leatherman or Swiss Army Knife.
• Emergency Warmth: Blankets or a sleeping bag (rated for cold weather), hand warmers, and extra hats and gloves.
• Extra Clothing: Gloves, wool socks, neck gaiter, boots, another full set of clothing layers.
• Food and Water: High-calorie snacks like trail mix, granola bars, or beef jerky. Pack water bottles and an insulated thermos to prevent freezing.
• Jump Starter and Cables: Dead batteries are a common problem in cold weather. A portable jump starter is worth the investment. Make sure its fully charged before you hit the road.
• Tire Pressure Gauge and Air Pump: Cold weather can mess with your tire pressure.
• Headlamp or Flashlight: Make sure it’s bright and has extra batteries. Bonus points for a hand-crank version.
• Roadside Assistance Kit: Road flares, reflective triangles, vehicle repair tool kit and a multi-tool can be lifesavers.
• Road Atlas or Physical Map: Because Google Maps is useless without cell service.
• Entertainment for Unexpected Stops: A book, a deck of cards, or even a charged phone with downloaded podcasts. Stuck in a snowstorm? You’ll thank yourself.
• First Aid Kit: Let’s face it: most store-bought first aid kits are about as useful as snowman in a heatwave when things really go sideways. Those so-called “emergency” kits are fine for paper cuts and blisters, but they’re utterly useless when you’re dealing with actual emergencies. If you’re venturing into the Rockies, you need to think beyond the glorified “booboo kits” and build a serious first aid setup tailored for the backcountry. We will do a deep dive into what should go in a First Aid Kit or Trauma Kit later in this series. For now just know that your standard department store first aid kit is not going to cut it.

Pro Tip: Top off your windshield wiper fluid with a winter-grade formula, and always start with a full tank of gas. Cold nights in the middle of nowhere burn fuel fast.

Why All This Matters

Imagine this: You’re heading up I-70 to your favorite trailhead when a sudden snowstorm turns the road into a parking lot. Temps drop, and you’re now stuck in your car for six hours. This gear list ensures you’re not just surviving but staying comfortable, warm, and fed while you wait for the chaos to clear.

No one plans for breakdowns or bad weather, but that’s exactly why you prepare for them. When you’re truly ready, they’re just minor inconveniences instead of life-threatening situations.

Pro Tip: Store your gear in a large, weather-resistant tote or duffel bag in the trunk. It keeps everything organized, easy to grab, and out of the way when you don’t need it.

On the Trail: Clothing Layers and Practical Gear

The moment you step out of your car in the Colorado Rockies, it hits you. The crisp mountain air fills your lungs, the world sparkles under a blanket of snow, and your boots crunch into the icy ground. You might think, “This is going to be amazing,” but before you wander off into the wilderness like you’re starring in a REI commercial, take a moment to gear up properly.

That chill in the air? It can turn into a bone-deep freeze if you’re not prepared. The gentle snow flurries drifting around? They might escalate into a full-blown whiteout before you even snap your first Instagram-worthy photo. The Rockies are both majestic and merciless, and how you dress could make all the difference between an epic adventure and a cautionary tale told over hot cocoa later.

The Art of Layering

The layering system is your best friend. I isn’t about piling on clothes like a toddler dressed by a worried parent. It’s a system designed to keep you comfortable, warm, and dry, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

Base Layer: The Unsung Hero

This is the layer that sits closest to your skin, and its job is simple: move sweat away from your body before it turns you into a popsicle.

• Material Matters: Go for synthetic fabrics or merino wool. Avoid cotton like it’s the ex that ghosted you, it holds onto moisture and will betray you when you need it most.
• Fit: Think snug but not suffocating. You want it to hug you enough to wick moisture without cutting off circulation.

Middle Layer: The Warm Hug

The middle layer is all about insulation, working to trap heat and keep it snug against your body. Air, being a poor conductor of heat, is your secret weapon here. Those tiny air pockets in your fleece or puffy jacket act like little heat lockers, holding warmth close to you. The more air pockets, the toastier you’ll stay—so embrace the fluff!

• Options: Fleece, down, or synthetic insulated jackets all work well. Down is lightweight and warm but loses its magic if it gets wet. If you’re expecting snow or rain, go with synthetic.
• Style Tip: Puffy jackets are your friend here. They make you look like a marshmallow, sure, but a toasty marshmallow.

Outer Layer: The Weather Shield

Your outer layer is your body’s armor against wind, snow, and freezing rain.

• Features: Look for waterproof, windproof, and breathable materials like Gore-Tex or similar. Bonus points for a jacket with pit zips, because sweating in the cold is about as pleasant as wet socks.
• Hood or No Hood? Hood. Always hood.

Accessories: Because Heat Escapes in All Directions

Don’t skimp here, these smaller items can save the day:

• Headwear: A fleece-lined beanie or wool hat is non-negotiable. Add a neck gaiter or balaclava to protect your face from windburn or frostbite.
• Gloves: Waterproof, insulated gloves are your best bet. Carry a backup pair just in case. Wet gloves are a fast track to misery. Thin wool inserts are always a good option.
• Socks: Wool socks are the holy grail. Bring an extra pair because no one likes soggy feet.
• Boots: Insulated, waterproof boots with solid traction. Test them before your trip to ensure they’re comfy and blister-free.
• Boot gaiters: worth their weight in gold because they keep snow, water, and debris out of your boots, ensuring your feet stay dry and warm.

What to Pack for the Trail

Picture this: halfway through your snowshoe trek, you realize the stunning vista is farther than expected. The sun dips lower, the wind picks up, and suddenly, you’re not as warm as you were when you left the car. While we’re not diving into all the gear you’ll need for your main activity, like snowshoeing, skiing, or camping, remember to pack appropriately for that too. What we’re focusing on here is the emergency backup gear you should always carry, just in case plans change or things take a turn.

The Must-Haves:

• Emergency Whistle: signals for help over long distances, cutting through noise, wind, trees with minimal effort.
• Navigation Tools: Yes, GPS is great, but batteries die, and phones freeze. Old-school navigation tools don’t. Always carry a map and compass.
• Fire Starting Kit: Waterproof matches, a lighter, ferro rod and fire-starting cubes or Vaseline and cotton balls. Think small but reliable.
• Emergency Shelter: A compact bivy sack or emergency blanket. They weigh almost nothing but could save your life.
• Multi-Tool or Knife: Handy for everything from fixing gear to whittling kindling.
• First Aid Kit: I prefer trauma kits. Build your own! Moleskin is valuable though!
• Water and Filtration: Carry at least two liters and a small filtration system or purification tablets.
• High-Energy Snacks: Think compact and calorie-dense: nuts, chocolate, and energy bars.
• Headlamp: Even if you don’t plan to be out after dark, carry one. Dusk sneaks up quickly in winter.

For Unexpected Overnight Stays:

• Insulated Sit Pad: Keeps your rear end off the cold ground.
• Lightweight RipStop Tarp: provides versatile protection from the elements, can be used to create durable shelters, and serves multiple survival purposes beyond the limited coverage of an emergency blanket.
• 25’ Paracord: Useful for setting up shelters, securing gear, or even as an improvised clothesline.
• Extra Layers: A lightweight insulated jacket or down vest packs small but provides big warmth.
• Communication Device: A personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite communicator is worth considering if you’re venturing far off the grid.
• A Positive Mindset Tool: Whether it’s a small deck of cards, a book, or a simple mantra, keeping your morale high can make all the difference.

Pro Tip: The base of the mountain (or the weather at your house) might feel warm and snow-free, but take a moment to look at up. If there’s snow at higher elevations, it’s much colder up there, sometimes drastically so. It might sound obvious, but underestimating this difference is a mistake people make all the time. Prepare for the conditions at the top, not just the bottom.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

If you haven’t check out our blog on the “Top 10 Mistakes in the Backcountry,” take a moment to read it after this blog. It dives deeper into common pitfalls, but I’ll highlight a few mistakes here to get you thinking.

1. “I Don’t Need That, I’ll Be Fine.”

• Reality Check: Overconfidence is a killer in the mountains. Respect the environment and prepare for the unexpected.

2. Ignoring the Weather Forecast.

• Solution: Check the forecast before leaving and understand what it means for your trip. A “storm warning” isn’t just a suggestion.

3. Packing Too Much or Too Little.

• Advice: Stick to the essentials (yes, we just said it) but err on the side of safety. You don’t need three pairs of gloves, but you do need one solid pair and an extra pair of socks.

4. Wearing the Wrong Clothing.

• Example: Jeans and a cotton hoodie are great for the city but could turn lethal in the backcountry.

Colorado Winter Fun Facts

• Average snowfall in Colorado’s high country? Over 300 inches annually.
• The temperature difference between sun and shade can be 20+ degrees Fahrenheit.
• Did you know? Hypothermia can set in even at 50°F if you’re wet and exposed to wind.
• Colorado gets an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, even in winter, which can make those snowy peaks extra blinding. Don’t forget your sunglasses!
• At higher elevations, water boils at a lower temperature, around 198°F at 10,000 feet, which means cooking times can be longer.
• Colorado experiences around 4,000 avalanches annually, with about 10% of those reported affecting recreational areas.
• Winter temperatures in the mountains can swing from below 0°F at night to 40°F or higher during the day, so layering is key.

Final Thoughts

Winter in the Colorado Rockies is nothing short of magical. Towering peaks dusted with snow, crisp air that fills your lungs, and endless opportunities for adventure make this one of the most awe-inspiring places to explore. But, as stunning as it is, this environment doesn’t play favorites. It doesn’t care if you’re a seasoned adventurer with a decade of summits under your belt or a first-timer eager to try snowshoeing for Instagram-worthy photos, the mountains demand respect from everyone.

Preparation isn’t just about ticking boxes on a checklist; it’s about stacking the odds in your favor so you can enjoy your adventure without unnecessary drama. A little planning, the right gear, and some common sense can mean the difference between ending your day with hot chocolate by a fire or with an unplanned sleepover in a snowbank.

And let’s be honest, none of us want to be that person the rescue team has to haul out because we underestimated the weather, overestimated our abilities, or simply didn’t pack smart. No one’s writing a heroic survival memoir because they got caught with soggy boots and a frozen granola bar.

The truth is, the Rockies are as unpredictable as they are beautiful. One moment, it’s sunny and calm; the next, a surprise snowstorm rolls in, and temperatures plummet faster than you can say “where’s my extra gloves?” But if you’ve taken the time to prepare, packed layers, the right gear, and a good dose of humility, those sudden shifts become part of the adventure instead of a life-threatening ordeal.

So, take the mountains seriously, but don’t forget to have fun. Laugh when you tumble into a snowdrift, marvel at the quiet beauty of the wilderness, and let yourself feel small in the best possible way. After all, adventure is about creating stories you’ll want to tell for years to come. Just make sure yours ends with a happy, safe return to the trailhead.

The Rockies are calling. Go answer! Just make sure you’re ready.

• Part 1: Winter Survival in the Colorado Rockies — Introduction and Pre-Trip Planning

• Part 2: Winter Survival in the Colorado Rockies — Must-Have Gear and Clothing

• Part 3: Winter Survival in the Colorado Rockies — Building and Maintaining a Shelter

• Part 4: Winter Survival in the Colorado Rockies — Starting Fires in Snowy Conditions

• Part 5: Winter Survival in the Colorado Rockies — Staying Hydrated in the Winter Wilderness

• Part 6: Winter Survival in the Colorado Rockies — Navigating and Avoiding Avalanche Danger