Ultimate Colorado Summer Packing Guide: From A Local!

Ultimate Colorado Summer Packing Guide: From A Local!

by | Oct 22, 2023 | Colorado, Destination, General Adventures

This is a complete and comprehensive guide to packing for any length of trip to the mountains of Colorado in the late spring and summer, with a bonus free PDF packing checklist.

FREE Downloadable PDF Packing Guide Included!

Are you planning a trip to go explore the Colorado Rocky Mountains this summer? Then you will definitely appreciate this packing guide to help you avoid the pitfalls of packing!

I used to be the WORST packer ever! I wanted to be prepared for any and every possible thing. I’d pack half my closet only to go on the trip and wear the same four items. If you’re like me, then Colorado probably sounds like a difficult place to pack for, as the weather can certainly vary a lot and change quickly. As a native, I’ve learned to understand what to expect and how to prep for what I can’t expect, without stuffing my hiking bag or car to the brim with gear.

This guide will give you a good idea of all the things you need to bring (and all the things you don’t), for a wonderful trip to Colorful Colorado! 

Packing Tips

You may notice that I haven’t provided a trip length that this packing guide is for, and there is a good reason for that! We don’t need to be washing clothes nearly as often as we do, it’s a trick from the cleaning product companies to get more money out of us. If your clothes are sweaty at the end of the day, hang them up for a bit to dry (things dry fast in Colorado).

Generally speaking, if you pack right then what you pack for a week works just as well for four weeks or more. I aim to pack tops that go with all the bottoms I pack, that way, I can mix and match and create loads of outfits from just a few items! 

*I do, however, only wear underwear once before washing, so I bring enough for a week to limit washing*

Disclosure: *This post may contain amazon affiliate links. I receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a qualifying purchase. However, I only recommend products that I use and love!*

Clothing:

Layers, layers, layers! It’s all about layers in Colorado, that is the key to being prepared for all weather. Summertime in Colorado can average 80-90 degrees most days, but the further you get up into the mountains, the quicker those temps can drop. As the saying in Colorado goes, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 15 minutes!”…

Mornings/evenings can still be chilly, especially if you’re staying in a mountain town, but the middle of the day will heat up quick. The tops of mountains will be windy and brisk, and nights when you’re camping can get cold.

So, here’s what I suggest packing:

Tops

  • 4 t-shirts / tanks (I love my merino wool shirts, I personally prefer 3 tees & 1 tank, but mix and match as you like!)
  • 1 Long Sleeve (My merino wool long sleeve shirts are my favorite)
  • A sweatshirt (opt for a neutral color to match with everything)
  • Rainjacket
  • A shell coat / puffy coat (If you plan on hiking way up in the mountains or camping). Even in the summer, the nights can get chilly, and the tops of mountains can get windy and cold.
  • 3 sports bras
  • 1 regular bra 

Bottoms

Personally, I can’t stand jean shorts and I rarely even wear jeans. In fact, you will almost always find me in a pair of athletic shorts; and if you’re planning on doing mostly outdoor activities or want to pack light, then I’d recommend avoiding heavy jean material and sticking with active wear, but I’ve included them on this list for those that enjoy them, they can be good for exploring the town!

  • 2-3 activewear shorts
  • 1 pair of jeans/jean shorts
  • 1-2 pair of casual shorts
  • 1 pair of joggers
  • 5-7 pairs of underwear (personal preference for how often you want to do laundry, I like to do it no more than once a week so I bring seven pairs of underwear)
  • 4-5 pairs of socks + 2 pairs of hiking socks, opt for these merino wool socks to cut down the # you need to bring.

Shoes

This will depend on your plans. If you’re not doing any hiking or only doing light hikes, opt for trail running shoes over hiking boots. I LOVE my Xero shoes, and can personally go with just my hiking boots and my foldable travel sandals. If I plan on doing lots of city exploring in colder weather, I’ll also bring a pair of regular cute sneakers.

  • Hiking boots or trail running shoes
  • Outdoor Sandals
  • Cute, casual sneakers (optional if you’re trying to keep travel weight down)

Other Clothes

  • 1-2 Summer Dresses – at such a high altitude, I prefer dresses that cover my shoulders so I don’t have to worry as much about painful shoulder sunburns…but I burn easily!
  • Pajamas – I prefer light cotton shorts and a loose, lightweight tee. Additionally, you can throw on your joggers if you get cold at night. 
  • Swimsuit – Bikini or one piece, whatever you prefer!

The most important thing to remember: Fashion is out when it comes to hiking & camping, people! It’s all about comfort on the trail!

Accessories

  • Hiking Backpack – Big enough to hold your extra layers, water bottle, snack, and camera. Just make sure it’s supportive & comfortable, but it certainly doesn’t need to break the bank! You can find lots of cheap options, like this pack from amazon, or even shop second hand!
  • Hat – I generally go with a baseball cap
  • Sunglasses (The sun is very bright at this altitude)
  • Water bottle – High altitude means you will need a lot more water than you normally do, and staying hydrated will help with altitude sickness! I like my Klean Kanteen for day hikes, and on trips or camping I take my grayl!
    • P.S Remember that alcohol will hit you a lot quicker and a lot harder, so make sure to stay extra hydrated and eat a snack if you go out for a drink!
  • Wallet + I.D ( and passport if coming from out of the country)

Other

These things aren’t necessary, but can be really helpful

  • Gaia app or avenza app – These apps are excellent gps maps and they have both free and paid versions that will help you stay safe and navigate the trails. I use them all the time, especially when I’m hiking or traveling solo. You can also download the maps online and see your exact location even without service (Gaia only)! 
  • Electrolytes –  As an EMT, I see it ALL the time, travelers never think that the altitude will effect them and often head straight up into the mountains before giving themselves a couple of days to acclimate (I recommend at least 2 full days if you are coming from sea level, there is lots to do in Denver!). Remember that you’re going to need a LOT more water because of the altitude, and because of this you will likely need more electrolytes, especially if you’re working out. Pack some to throw in your water each day and you’ll be good to go!
  • Mini first aid kit  (remember to remove the scissors in this one if you travel carry-on only)
  • Headlamp – Even if you aren’t camping, a headlamp is a good thing to have if you decide to go for a sunrise or sunset hike, or even just for emergencies.

Toiletries

  • Sunscreen – Don’t skip this one! Due to Colorado’s high altitude, the sun is HOT and about 5-10 thousand feet closer to your skin (depending on where you are). So even if you normally get away without sunscreen, you will probably need it here! Even in the winter (actually especially in the winter!) the sun reflects off the snow and can burn you. Make sure you use a broad spectrum sunscreen with reef safe ingredients. These are my favorite brands that I take everywhere:
    • Toupe & Co – Tallow & Zinc Oxide Sunscreen in a reusable jar- they use real, recognizable ingredients, which is just one reason why I love them! ( use code: BEYONDTHESHIRE11 for 10% off!)
    • Farmacy – The packaging makes this one easier for carry-ons
  • Travel size Dr. Bronner’s Castille soap (my FAVORITE travel toiletry), can be used for:
    • facial cleanser 
    • Hair wash (I just use it for shampoo, unless I’m camping, then its also my conditioner)
    • Laundry wash 
    • Body wash
  • Toothbrush + toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Lotion – I also use Toupe’s for this, my dry, dry skin has never felt better
  • Hair products
    • Brush or wide-tooth comb
    • Conditioner bar (+ shampoo if not using Dr. Bronners)
    • Hair ties + scrunchies
    • Packable blow dryer / travel straightener – However, if you have thick hair, these may not work great
    • I’ve got curly hair so I also bring my flaxseed hair gel
  • Razor
  • Vaseline (don’t use chapstick, you’ll just dry your lips out even more)
  • Bug spray (Here is my favorite)
  • Medications
    • Prescription
    • Altitude sickness remedies
  • Make-up + perfume if you use them

Electronics

I don’t always travel with all of these, and I try to limit my tech use on trips, but here’s a list of all the possible basic electronics you may want!

  • Iphone + Charger
  • Laptop + Charger
  • Charging bank
  • Camera + Gear + Charger
  • Headphones
  • Kindle/Ipad + Charger
  • Birdie Personal Alarm – not technically an electronic but it requires batteries…I bring mine with me on every trip!
colorado diamond lake packing list post

Downloadable Packing List PDF

Download the PDF version of this packing list below:

Colorado Carry-On Packing List

I hope this guide has given you insight on what to pack for your trip and I hope you have an amazing time in Colorado. While I might be a touch biased, I think it’s one of the best states to visit!

*This is not a comprehensive camping guide, this is just personal things to pack, more gear is needed for camping*

Elephants In Asia: The Crushing Truth Behind Riding Elephants

Elephants In Asia: The Crushing Truth Behind Riding Elephants

by | Oct 9, 2023 | General Adventures, Sustainability

When I visited Thailand, I made a conscious choice not to ride any elephants. Here’s why:

While elephant rides might seem like an exciting adventure for humans, they are nothing short of a nightmare for these majestic creatures. Upon mentioning my Thailand travel plans for Thailand, many people asked me whether I planned to ride an elephant. My immediate response was a resounding “No, never,” which often left people confused.

Sadly, most people are unaware of the cruelty behind elephant trekking. Many assume that because elephants are large and strong, carrying humans on their backs is effortless. However, the reality is quite different. Elephants were not built to be ridden; the practice is harmful to their sensitive skin and detrimental to their spines. Despite their apparent strength, our weight on their backs for extended periods causes significant harm. Moreover, the hidden brutality involved in allowing tourists to ride elephants is something we rarely witness.

This fence is to keep humans out of the elephant’s space, the forest behind them is their sanctuary, where they are free to roam safely for miles and miles. None of the elephants are required or forced to come to the sanctuary building to interact with humans, but they choose to almost every day…they know it’s the best banana hookup around town 😉

The Crushing Process for Elephants:

Riding an elephant is far from a natural experience, and the process of preparing them is equally unnatural. Known as “crushing” or Phajaan, it is an ancient technique used to subdue these magnificent animals. Phajaan is a deeply traumatic experience for elephants, which are highly social and tightly bonded beings.

Whether captured from the wild or bred in captivity, young elephants are separated and isolated from their mothers and family groups within the first few months of life. They are restrained or confined in small spaces, subjected to starvation, dehydration, and repeated beatings to “crush” their spirit. This torture is just the beginning of a life spent in chains, deprived of proper habitat and food, forced into a monotonous routine day after day.

Unfortunately, the Phajaan process is also used in other forms of entertainment, like circus performances and painting. Those elephants you see in videos performing tricks or creating artwork have likely been subjected to this brutal training method, and their happiness is far from what the videos portray. Elephants are inherently compassionate and emotional animals. They experience joy, anger, grief, and love, with the capacity for complex thoughts and deep feelings.

The Tragic Reality

In the wild or in a safe sanctuary, elephants can live up to 60 years. However, those held in captivity, enduring the “crush” process, rarely live past 40. Some recent, tragic examples include Na-Laieng, a 40-year-old captive elephant who died from exhaustion due to excessive rides with minimal rest, and Sambo, who suffered a heart attack from exhaustion and dehydration after 15 years of carrying tourists in scorching weather. These highlight the devastating impact the tourism industry can have on these magnificent creatures. As Asia’s tourism industry grows, the number of Elephants dying from depression, dehydration, and exhaustion grows along with it.

Elephant hugs! …In exchange for a banana, of course..

What defines a real sanctuary?

Some travelers seek out “sanctuaries” that claim to offer ethical interactions with elephants. However, many of these places still permit a few hours of riding per day, claiming these reduced hours are “healthier.” These organizations rely on tourists remaining uninformed about the harm inflicted on these animals. The brutal truth is that breaking the spirits of these creatures to make them rideable involves cruelty at every step.

My decision not to ride elephants was driven by a deep concern for the well-being of these remarkable animals. As travelers, we have a responsibility to educate ourselves and make choices that prioritize an animal’s well-being over our entertainment. Let’s ensure that our adventures leave a positive impact on all the world’s inhabitants rather than contributing to their suffering.

Giving the elephants a mud bath to help keep them cool!

Ensure your elephant visit is safe and ethical:

So, how do you know for sure if the sanctuary you visit is a safe, happy place for the elephants? I was able to take some time to talk with the guide at my sanctuary, and here’s what I learned:


It’s all in the body language:

  • Heads and tails: Elephants exhibit body language that is similar to dogs. Wagging tails and flapping ears are a sign that the elephant is content and happy. Conversely, if their ears are pinned back, and their tails are stiff, it’s an indication of stress and anxiety. The latter may suggest that the elephant is not being treated fairly or is experiencing discomfort.
  • It’s all in the eyes: Much like humans, elephants’ eyes reveal their emotions. When they are anxious or stressed, their eyes widen. Hopefully, the Elephants you see will have lazy, half-closed eyes and tails swishing in a relaxed manner. This is a positive sign that they are living free from the torments of irresponsible tourism.
  • Conversations: Did you know elephants often speak at frequencies we can’t hear? One sound you will (hopefully) hear at your sanctuary visit is a low, rumbling sound from the elephants as they make calm conversation with each other. This subtle vocalization is a testament to their complex social interactions.
  • The trumpet call: Children often imitate the trumpet sound when asked what noise an elephant makes. However, this distinctive sound is a clear signal of distress and fear. In the wild, elephants typically make this trumpet sound before charging, and young elephants use it to call for their mothers when they need help.

By paying attention to these cues in elephant body language, you can gain insights into their emotional states and well-being. It’s up to us as responsible travelers to support sanctuaries and organizations that prioritize the welfare and happiness of elephants. That way, we can ensure they live free from harm and suffering.

How you can help these elephants:

I hope this article sheds light on the elephant tourism industry and encourages you to refrain from participating in the mistreatment of these intelligent and gentle creatures. If you’re eager to learn more about how you can contribute to elephant welfare, explore the links below!

The Elephant Refuge: Support a rescued elephant
Treehugger: Ways to help elephants

Responsible Tourism

Learn more about traveling responsibly and sustainably in my recent post on Responsible Tourism