Aspen to Crested Butte Packing List

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

The hike from Aspen to Crested Butte is a Colorado classic. These two iconic mountain towns are linked by a spectacular trail that takes you over West Maroon Pass. You can read our Guide to Hiking from Aspen to Crested Butte here.

Below you’ll find our packing list for this adventure!

 

Personal Gear

ItemOur recommended gear
BackpackGregory Zulu 40L backpackPerfect size for a quick overnight trip.
Pack-coverSea to Summit Pack coverThe best pack-cover we've ever used.
Camel BakCamel Bak Crux - 100 oz.Way easier than a water bottle!
Dry bagsSea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry SackKeeps your clothes and other items dry in a downpour!
Multi-toolGerber Suspension Multi-Plier
First-aid kitAdventure Medical Kits
Trekking PolesBlack Diamond Trail Back trekking polesGreat on the long downhill sections.
HeadlampBlack Diamond Storm headlamp
CameraSony a5100 mirrorless camera

 

Men’s Clothing

ItemOur recommended gear
Underwear (2 pairs)Exofficio Give-N-Go boxerHighly recommended! You can easily wash these in sinks or showers. A must!
Socks (2 pairs)Darn Tough Hiker Micro CrewIn our opinion, these are the best hiking socks available. Your feet will thank you!
Long sleeve base layer (1)Smartwool Men's NTS Mid 250 CrewVery versatile mid-weight base layer
Short sleeve hiking shirt (1)Moutain Hardwear Wicked shirt
Hiking pants (1)Prana Brion pantsThese are great for hiking and also look great walking around town!
Hiking shorts (1)Prana Brion shortsAwesome shorts that are great for hiking.
Down jacketPatagonia Down Seater HoodieSuper warm, and super packable
Rain jacketOutdoor Research Helium II jacketA good rain jacket is a must!
HatOutdoor Research Performance Trucker hat
SandalsChaco Z1You'll definitely want these for the stream crossings.
GaitersOutdoor Research Crocodile GaiterEssential for stream crossings and thick willows.
Hiking bootsVasque Talus UltradrySuper comfortable and super waterproof!
BandanaLevi's bandana
Digital watchCasio Classic Sports watchAll you'll ever need
PonchoTotes Rain PonchoThis is often the most effective way to stay dry while hiking. And it's cheap!
SunglassesSuncloud Mayor Polarized sunglasses

 

Women’s Clothing

ItemOur recommended gear
Underwear (2 pairs)Adidas Climacool underwearVery packable and easy to wash on the go!
Socks (2 pairs)Darn Tough Hiker Micro CrewIn our opinion, these are the best hiking socks available. Your feet will thank you!
Sports Bras (2)Brooks Rebound Racer Sports BraThis is the most versatile, comfortable, and high-quality sports bra that Emily has found on the market.
Long sleeve base layer (1)Smartwool Women's NTS Mid 250 Crew
Short sleeve hiking shirt (3)Mountain Hardwear Wicked shirt
Leggings (1 pair)Nike Power Essential Running Tight
Flannel shirt (1)Columbia Simply Put II Flannel ShirtEmily enjoyed having something soft and cozy to put on after a day of hiking.
Running shorts (1 pair)Lululemon Run Speed ShortsThese shorts are so comfortable, packable, and quick-drying, that Emily didn't even feel the need to buy hiking-specific shorts.
Down jacketPatagonia Down Sweater JacketLightweight, super warm, and packs down small. This jacket was perfect for this kind of trip!
Rain jacketKelty All-Weather JacketAn affordable and high-quality all-weather jacket that packs up small.
Hiking bootsKeen Targhee II Mid Hiking BootEmily has had these boots for five years and hundreds of muddy, snowy hikes, and they are still going strong!
GaitersOutdoor Research Crocodile GaiterEssential for steam crossings and thick willows.
SunglassesSuncloud Loveseat Polarized SunglassesGood quality sunglasses are essential when you're in the mountains all day. And these are stylish too!
Underwire bra
Hat
Sandals/Camp shoesChaco Z1These are a must for the stream crossings!
BandanaBuff UV Headband
PonchoTotes Rain Poncho

2 thoughts on “Aspen to Crested Butte Packing List”

Leave a Comment