Last week, we were thrilled to embark on our bi-annual Spring Staff Trip! After a long Winter, the two-day Spring hut trip is exactly what we needed to close out the season. It’s a time for us to pause, reflect, and celebrate our amazing staff and all of their hard work. We couldn't do what we do without them. We also love the opportunity to bring Ute Mountaineer and Neptune Mountaineering employees together - this Spring was one for the books!
Ute Mountaineer Staff Trip 2017
Spring is the perfect time to head out to the desert and catch some much needed sun rays! Whether it's an activity you’re chasing or an escape from the last remnants of snow, heading out west to the desert is an annual necessity for many. Regardless of if it's your seasonal tradition or you’re a first-timer, preparation is key when it comes to weekend trips to the desert!
We spoke with some of the desert aficionados on our team to hear about their quintessential desert trips and the gear they wouldn’t go without. If you’re planning a trip out to the desert and you find yourself down on a few of these essential gear items, not to fret, we’ve got you covered. We’ve also made sure to point out items we carry in-store that’ll help you cover the basics.
One of the most important rules of traveling in the desert is to stay hydrated. The dry desert air can quickly dehydrate you so it's crucial to drink enough water. Plan your water sources ahead of time, especially if you are backpacking. Before heading out, call the ranger station to understand the state of the current conditions of potential water sources. It's always better to bring more water than you need, and a water filter can come in handy in case of emergencies.
HydraPak Expedition 8L
HydraPak’s highest capacity water storage, perfect for car camping or water for your base camp. With a wide-mouth Plug-N-Play cap for easy pouring, a flexible handle, and a free standing design - this container does it all.
Scepter
The Military Water Container holds a whopping 20L. And, if that wasn’t enough to sell you on it, being from a line of military products - it is rugged, reliable, and built to last you a lifetime.
Desert temperatures can be extreme, and it's important to be prepared for any weather changes. During the day, it's essential to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. In addition to sunscreen, wearing clothing with UPF can provide an additional layer of protection against the sun's harmful rays, especially in areas where sunscreen may not be practical or effective. At night, temperatures can drop significantly, and it's important to pack plenty of warm layers, including a warm sleeping bag.
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is a measure of how well clothing protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. UPF is similar to SPF, but instead of measuring the amount of time a person can spend in the sun, it indicates how much of the sun's UV radiation is blocked by the clothing. For example, clothing with a UPF of 50 allows only 1/50th of the sun's UV radiation to pass through, providing excellent protection against the sun's harmful rays.
Patagonia Capilene Cool
Patagonia’s most versatile technical top with UPF coverage is built for use on the trail or on the water: It’s quick drying, has stretch for mobility and comfort, plus odor control. Plus, it comes in the form of a sun hoody, long sleeve, and short sleeve.
Helium OR Jacket
The Helium Collection is an award-winning line of lightweight and durable jackets designed to keep you dry and comfortable during any outdoor adventure. Whether you're facing harsh winds or unexpected rain, the OR Helium Rain Jacket has got you covered.
At this point you’ve probably gathered, we believe having the right gear can make all the difference in your trip. Having solid footwear is crucial when exploring any terrain, as it can help prevent blisters, sprains, and other injuries. When selecting the right shoes or boots, consider the type of terrain you'll be encountering and your support needs to ensure your comfort throughout the trip.
In addition to footwear, a good sleeping pad can make a big difference in your comfort level and recovery from a long day outside.
Salewa Pedroc Hiking Shoes
The Salewa Pedroc shoe family offers a range of options for different needs and preferences.
The Pedroc Pro Powertex boot, is a great choice for those who need a technical boot with a versatile outsole for different types of trails.
The Pedroc Powertex is a fast-moving and robust shoe with a synthetic upper that's ideal for a variety of activities.
The Pedroc Air is a super-light and breathable option for those who prefer a stylish design for less technical terrain.
Paco Pad
The Paco Pad is a popular item among river rats and sleep enthusiasts alike as it provides plenty of cushion and support while maintaining its packable size. Additionally, it’s a great multipurpose item - also functioning as a cushioned seat in the raft, a slide into the river, a yoga mat, or a cozy sleeping pad for the night.
Covering the basics can go a long way in an unanticipated situation. Bring a well-stocked first aid kit, a navigation device, and enough food for your trip, plus a little extra in case of emergencies. And, of course we already mentioned the necessity of staying hydrated, but bringing more water than you think can definitely keep you out of trouble.
Garmin InReach Mini
As a satellite communicator device that provides global 2-way communication, tracking, and interactive SOS capabilities, the Garmin InReach is great for emergency locating and navigating on any terrain. Additionally, it can pair with Garmin devices for messaging and has TrackBack routing to guide you back to your starting point.
This kit has all you need to confidently set out on a multi-day wilderness adventure with enough first aid supplies to treat you and a friend for up to four days!
When it comes to outdoor recreation, it's important to not only consider how to prep for your adventure but the impact we have on the environment around us. This is especially true when recreating in the desert, where delicate ecosystems can be easily disrupted by human activity. Make sure to reference the Leave No Trace principles before you head out!
While ensuring you have a safe and comfortable experience in the desert takes a little more preparation, the investment is well worth it. From canyoneering and backpacking to climbing and mountain biking, heading out west to the desert is always a good time. We hope these recommendations will help you have an unforgettable time.
The Grand Traverse is a series of point-to-point backcountry ultra marathon races between Crested Butte and Aspen, Colorado. Including the Winter ski mountaineering, Summer mountain run, and Summer mountain bike races.
Photographer: Chris Miller
Preparing for the Grand Traverse Race Day is no easy feat, but with the right gear and mindset, you can take on this challenge with confidence. You’ve already put in the training hours and miles, but now it’s time to ensure that you have all of the gear for a safe and successful race. At Ute Mountaineer, we know that having the proper gear is crucial for any adventure, and our gear enthusiasts have compiled a list of offerings we have in store that will help you race hard and have fun while doing so!
However, before we dive into the gear list, it’s crucial to make sure your gear is in working, race-worthy order. Our shop techs are available to check your skis and bindings to ensure they’re race-day-ready. You can also find the list of mandatory race day gear for this season here to confirm you have everything you need.
One must-have item for the Grand Traverse is extra climbing skins (two pairs are required per/person and 1 extra pair is recommended per/team). You never know when you might need them, and having a backup pair can be a game-changer. A neck and face protector such as a buff or neck gaiter is another essential item, especially in high-wind situations. Eye protection such as sunglasses or goggles will keep your eyes safe from the glare of the sun, wind, and snow.
For base layers, we recommend synthetic or wool materials to wick away moisture and keep you warm. It’s also essential to have emergency insulation such as a puffer jacket in case of unexpected weather changes. A windshell that is both wind and waterproof is also a must-have item.
You should pack two pairs of extra socks for the race, and make sure to avoid cotton as it retains moisture. Gloves are another critical item, and we suggest bringing to pairs, one insulated and one not. A warm hat made of wool or synthetic materials will help keep your head and ears warm throughout the race.
Food and water are crucial to ensure you stay energized and hydrated throughout the race. We recommend bringing snack bars, hydration/electrolyte mixes, and dehydrated foods. Don’t forget to bring a headlamp as well, with an extra one per team, and make sure they’re in good working condition.
For the team gear, you’ll need to have at least one of the following items per team, a cooking stove (no solid fuel), cooking fuel, cooking pot, duct tape, 2mm cord, extra headlamp + batteries, first aid kit (we sell kits in a carry pouch that qualify for the race), blister kit (separate from First Aid/Trauma kit - we have a kit called Blister Medic), sunscreen, and a SPOT or Garmin InReach tracking device. We carry Garmin Inreach Mini and SPOT gen 4, both of which qualify for the race. Rentals are also available at Lodge at Mountaineer Square in Crested Butte at 10:30 pm.
We hope this last-minute gear check helps you prepare for race day! As your local speciality gear store, we are always here to help you have a safe and stoke-worthy adventure. When in doubt, never hesitate to stop by our shop and talk over your gear needs with our staff! That’s what we’re here for after all. We wish you the best of luck, and we’ll see you at the finish line!
