My Summer 14er Gear List (2026)
The gear I actually carry on nearly every Colorado summit Every year my gear evolves a little. Some things get lighter. Some get replaced after enough miles. And sometimes I find a piece of gear that quietly earns a permanent spot in my pack. This isn't a list of the "best" hiking gear on the market. It's simply what I've been using on nearly every Colorado 14er this summer. Every item below has been tested on long days above treeline where weight, comfort, and reliability actually matter. If you're building your own 14er kit, hopefully this helps.
HIKING COLORADO 14ERSGEAR I USEGEAR
6/25/20264 min read
Sun Hoodie
Himali Eclipse Sun Hoodie
If there's one piece of clothing I wear almost every hike, it's a sun hoodie.
After trying several over the last few years, the Himali Eclipse Sun Hoodie has become my favorite because it's simply the lightest one I've worn.
It breathes incredibly well, even during long climbs in direct alpine sun, and I never feel like I'm overheating while still getting full UPF protection. Instead of constantly reapplying sunscreen to my arms and neck, I can throw this on and focus on hiking.
Why I like it
Extremely lightweight
Excellent breathability
Great for all-day alpine exposure
Comfortable enough to wear from trailhead to summit
VIEW ECLIPSE SUN HOODIE MENS / WOMENS
Hiking Pants
Himali Guide Flex Trail Pants
Colorado weather changes fast.
A calm morning can turn into wind, rain, or graupel before lunch.
That's why I've been wearing the Guide Flex Trail Pants almost exclusively this year.
They're wind resistant, shed light moisture surprisingly well, and dry incredibly fast if they do get wet. They also breathe well enough that I don't mind wearing them during warm summer hikes.
For me they've become the sweet spot between comfort and protection.
Why I like them
Water resistant
Wind resistant
Dry very quickly
Comfortable enough for long hikes
See Product Details MENS / WOMENS
Trekking Poles
Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ
These are probably my favorite trekking poles I've owned.
I've always liked the stiffness and feel of fixed-length poles, but fixed poles aren't ideal when climbing steep terrain or descending long slopes.
The Distance Carbon FLZ gives me the best of both worlds.
The folding design feels extremely solid while still allowing quick adjustments for uphill and downhill travel. I also like that I don't have the constant worry of a traditional telescoping pole slowly loosening and collapsing under load.
Why I like them
Feel like fixed-length poles
Adjustable for changing terrain
Lightweight carbon construction
Folding design packs down easily
Very confidence inspiring
Backpack
Black Diamond Trail Vista 20L
I originally looked at the 30-liter version but realized it was simply more pack than I needed for summer hiking.
The Trail Vista 20L easily carries my Ten Essentials plus camera gear, food, water, gloves, and an extra layer without feeling oversized.
The side pockets are excellent, but my favorite feature is the shoulder strap pocket that perfectly holds a soft flask while keeping water accessible without stopping.
Why I like it
Perfect size for summer 14ers
Excellent side pockets
Convenient shoulder strap flask holder
Carries weight comfortably all day
Sunglasses
Smith Optics Embark with ChromaPop Polarized Lenses
Last year I realized I spend a lot more time above treeline than I used to.
That meant I wanted sunglasses built specifically for alpine environments.
The Smith Embark has been outstanding.
The biggest difference has been the ChromaPop polarized lenses, which noticeably improve contrast while adapting well to changing light throughout the day. Whether I'm hiking through forests before sunrise or spending hours above treeline, they've handled every condition well.
Why I like them
Outstanding optics
ChromaPop lenses improve contrast
Excellent for long alpine days
Comfortable enough to wear all day
Gloves
Black Diamond Alpine Fleece Gloves
Summer mornings in Colorado can still be cold.
These gloves live in my pack nearly every hike because they take up almost no space but make a huge difference on windy ridges or chilly starts.
The leather palm also provides a much better grip on trekking poles and rocks than standard fleece gloves.
Why I like them
Great for cool mornings
Perfect for windy ridges
Excellent grip
Lightweight and packable
CHECK OUT THE BLACK DIAMOND FLEECE GLOVES
Hiking Shoes
The North Face Fastpack
These have quietly become my favorite hiking shoes of 2026.
I originally received them while working with The North Face on their Universal Collection campaign, but I'd still be wearing them even if I hadn't.
The grip has been fantastic across everything from loose dirt to wet rock.
The wider toe box gives my feet more room after long miles, while the cushioning has been just enough to help my knees without feeling overly soft or unstable. That balance has helped me avoid the "rolling ankle" feeling I sometimes get with heavily cushioned trail shoes.
For my hiking style, they've been a great combination of comfort and stability.
Why I like them
Excellent traction
Wider toe box
Comfortable on long hikes
Enough cushioning for bad knees
Stable on uneven terrain
VIEW THE NORTH FACE FASTPACK MENS / WOMENS
Camera Protection
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Camera Pod
As someone filming nearly every hike, protecting my camera while still keeping it accessible is incredibly important.
The Hyperlite Camera Pod has become one of my favorite pieces of camera gear.
Instead of hanging awkwardly from one shoulder, the pod balances evenly across my chest, making long hikes much more comfortable. It also gives my Sony camera much better protection from dust, rain, and rough terrain than simply hanging from a strap.
It's one of those pieces of gear I didn't realize I needed until I started using it.
Why I like it
Excellent protection
Balanced comfortably across the chest
Quick camera access
Great for hiking all day
Gear Is Only Part of the Equation
The gear above is what I've found works best for my hiking style after hundreds of miles on Colorado trails and 14ers. But no piece of gear can replace preparation.
No matter what trail I'm hiking, I always carry the 10 Essentials. Weather changes quickly above treeline, injuries happen, and a simple day hike can become an unexpected night outside. Having the right emergency gear is far more important than having the newest backpack or the lightest sun hoodie.
If you're putting together your own hiking kit, start with the 10 Essentials first, then build from there.
👉 Read my complete guide to the 10 Essentials for hiking HERE
Thanks for reading, and I'll see you above treeline.
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I've personally used and trust.