
Recommended gear for hiking and camping Pikes Peak
The Essentials
- GPS device with routes downloaded/ SOS device
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Extra food
- Water filter/treatment
- External battery for phone charging /Extra batteries for headlamp
- Headlamp/flashlight
- First aid kit
- Sleeping bag
- Knife
Barr Camp Additions
Water Filter and/or Treatment
Water filtration is a required addition for Barr Camp or any long-distance hike. It allows you to carry less water with you and rely on surface water along your route. Treatment is also a viable method. It is cheap and lightweight but may have a taste and doesn’t remove sediment. Below is a list of some of our favorites:
- Treatment – Potable Aqua Purification Tablets
- The smallest and fastest – Katadyn BeFree
- A very good option – Sawyer Squeeze
- UV Light – Steripen Ultra UV Water Purifier
Gear – Overnight
Required Gear for an overnight at Barr Camp:
- Sleeping Bag – There is no heat overnight at the camp.
- Headlamp & External charging – There is no electricity at camp.
- Dry under layer – You will cool off fast. Something dry to wear underneath will make a big difference in your comfort
- Rain/Hail Gear
- Tenting gear – If you are tent camping
- Cooking gear – If you are cooking your own meals
- Water Filter – We do not provide drinking water
Suggested gear for safety, comfort, and enjoyment while at Barr Camp:
- Camp shoes / extra socks
- Hiking Poles
- Lightweight under layer
- Toiletries – toothbrush/paste
- Toilet tissue – we have it at the camp, but your hike is long.
- Extra food/snacks for between meals
Additional Gear for climbing Pikes Peak
- Additional Clothing – Weather dependent
- Outer shell hiking pants and top – For temperature, wind, snow, and rain possible
- Snowshoes / Crampons / Ice Axe – The snow conditions on the peak change hourly due to temperature and sun conditions, so it is normally impossible to predict this requirement. If you question whether you need them, bring them.
- Shoe traction for the off season
- Snow goggles – goggles for possible bright snow and high winds
- Survival bag or blanket (space blanket)
- Snow gaiters
- Gloves or mittens
Dress and pack for the weather that may or may not occur. Use a layering system that you can modify for existing conditions.
Things you might not need
Depending on where you are staying and how long you will be out you might not need some of these items as we have them at the camp.
- Toilet Paper – We have it at camp, but not for your hike
- Games – We have cards, dice, chess, checkers, and board games
- Books
- Cups – We have cups for hot drinks
- Coffee, Tea, Hot Cocoa – We have it for sale.
Local outdoor stores
Mountain Chalet – Downtown Colorado Springs – map