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Backcountry Skiing Gear
Llama Trekking Gear
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Backcountry Skiing Equipment List
The following checklist has been prepared in order to assure you of having the proper equipment needed to make your trip a comfortable winter experience. Please check your equipment carefully to make sure that it provides a proper fit, is in good condition and meets your needs before arriving for your trip. Please let us know if we can help in your gear selections. Our staff would be happy to answer your questions regarding equipment, shops and manufacturers. We REQUIRE that each individual wear or have with them the following equipment list:


Ski Equipment: The following items are available for rent:

Paragon Ski Rentals

• Metal edged, waxable backcountry skis - A metal edge ski is best for control and support with ample width (54 mm+ at the waist). Sidecut and flexibility will vary amongst skis and their intended use. A good backcountry ski has flexibility for powder yet is stiff enough to provide support for trail skiing with the weight of a pack. Waxless (fishscale) skis do not work well for most of Colorado¹s dry, cold snow conditions. There are two binding options: a heavy duty 75mm, 3 pin or a cable binding that fits snugly to the boot. (Bring an extra cable.)
  
  
• Ski poles - Good quality adjustable metal poles adapt to the different types of skiing styles and varying backcountry terrain.
  
  
• Backcountry Ski Boots - We recommend either leather double boots for warmth and support or the newer plastic backcountry if they are the newer, more flexible models. A good personal footbed can be a tremendous asset to the proper fitting of your boot. Boots should fit into 3-pin or cable bindings.
  
  
• Climbing skins - Required on all trips. A strip of mohair is attached to the base of the ski with the nape pointing toward the back of the ski. This allows the ski to slide forward uphill, but holds on the snow to prevent it from sliding backward and is sometimes used for extra control on downhills. A minimum of 45mm is required.
  
  
• Leg gaiters (high top 12"-16") - They will keep your pants dry, legs warmer and the snow out of your boots. They should be 12-16" high.
  
  
• Backpack - Internal frame, soft packs are preferred. They should have plenty of room (approx. 2500-4000 cu. in) for your personal gear and a small amount of group gear / food. It is always preferable to have a pack that has been designed to carry more gear with less in it than a pack carrying more gear than it was designed for!

The following items can be purchased locally if needed:

Clothing: Layers provide a system that can be adjusted to the changes in weather and skiing terrain. The inner layer should wick away moisture from the skin to keep you dry. Polypropylene or Capilene are the best materials; cotton will rob your body core of needed heat. The top and bottom outer layer should protect from wind and moisture. Stay dry and you'll stay warm!

• Wool or pile hat * - Your head and neck can dissipate as much as 70% of your body heat. Protecting your body core heat is a first priority. A hooded shell offers added protection.
  
• Visored cap * - Providing a bit of shade over the eyes and face.
  
• Neck gaiter or balaclava hat *- The ability to cover the entire neck and face is an absolute necessity.
  
• Wool or pile mittens* - A versatile system of layers and shells works best. Having options of thicker and thinner layers allow you to adjust to the changing weather conditions.
  
• Mitten shell - (Gortex or nylon)*
  
• 2 pair gloves - (1 light, 1 heavy)
  
• Wind shell with hood - (Gortex preferred)
  
• Wind pants
  
• Long underwear - top & bottom (Polypro, capilene or silk)
  
• 2-3 pairs heavy wool or polypro socks * - Wear two pair, one thin liner to wick away moisture and one heavy outer of wool or polypro.
  
• 2 pairs thin Polypro liner socks * (NO COTTON SOCKS
  
• Wool or pile sweater
  
• Down parka or vest/jacket (early season)
  
• Comfortable sport pants * (NO COTTON )
  
• Hut slippers or light shoes *
  
• Sweats or loose pants and t-shirt* - A necessity for hut wear (this can be cotton)

Gear Accessories:

• 1 quart wide mouth water bottle * - Wide-mouth Nalgene® bottles work best, one-quart minimum required. Extra water is always recommended..
  
• UV protection sunglasses
  
• Ski goggles - critical for eye protection from extreme sun, wind, snow and cold.
  
• Sunscreen/sun block, 15 SPF minimum
  
• Lip balm
  
• Headlamp or flashlight *
  
• Bandanna or handkerchief
  
• Toiletries / wash cloth / sm. towel

Optional Gear:

• Extra water bottle
  
• Wax kit with cork and scraper* - Cold and medium range Swix® waxes are most often used (greens, blues and special purples). We encourage you to carry your own wax kit, but we will have group wax kits available for your use. Your guides are experts at waxing and can help with application and questions.
  
• Camera / film
  
• Reading material
  
• Daypack or fanny pack for layover day skiing
  
• Bathing suit (saunas at some huts)
  
• Shorts for spring trips
  
• Moleskin or 2nd skin for blisters
  
• Pocket knife * Can be purchased at our Backcountry Center.

Paragon Guides provides all group equipment, sleeping bags, emergency medical and repair kits. Comfortable rectangular bags are cached at each hut. A clean cotton liner and pillowcase are issued to you at the beginning of a trip. The huts have mattresses and pillows.

Remember: "The wrong equipment in the right place can ruin your whole day!"

Summer Trekking Equipment List
Equipment plays and important role in our comfort and safety. Trekking in a mountain environment can be very uncomfortable if proper clothing and equipment are not available. It is best to dress in layers in order to adapt to changes in the weather. Please use caution in using cotton because it loses its insulating qualities when wet from perspiration or rain. Temperatures in the high country range between 30 - 70+ degrees Farenheit. It is important to have the appropriate clothing to keep you warm and dry. In the variable mountain weather we need to be prepared for all conditions. (i.e. hot or cold, sun or rain, calm or windy). Staying dry is the most important, we stress quality rain gear and the appropriate changes of clothes.

The following is a list of items we have found essential while hiking in the mountains. Please feel free to contact us if you should have any questions. We would be happy to recommend an outdoor equipment shop near you that will lend their expertise in assuring that you are properly outfitted for your adventure.

Personal Equipment / Clothing

• Rain Gear (Gortex® or coated nylon)
  - hooded shell & pant
  - cagoule or poncho
  
• Long underwear (top & bottom)
  (Capilene / polypro light weight underwear)
  
• Nylon light weight wind shell
  
• Sweater (wool, synchilla or fleece)
  
• Pants* (wool, lycra or synthetic blends) (NO JEANS)
  
• Long sleeved shirt or turtleneck
  
• Vest or jacket (optional extra layer)
  
• Light weight hiking boots
  
• Light shoes / sneakers (for camp / hut)
  
• Wool socks, 2 pairs*
  
• Liner socks, 2 pairs*
  
• Walking shorts
  
• Short sleeved cotton T-shirt
  
• Leg gaiters*
  
• Gloves (wool or polypro)
  
• Hat* (wool or synthetic)
  
• Sun visor or brimmed cap*

Additional Gear

• Bandanna
  
• 1 quart water bottle*
  
• Insect repellent
  
• Sunglasses, UV approved
  
• Flashlight / headlamp*, extra bulb and batteries
  
• Sunscreen / sunblock SPF #15 minimum
  
• Lip balm*
  
• Small hand towel
  
• Personal toiletries

Optional equipment

• Book
• Fishing Gear (available)
• Camera / Film
• Fishing license
• Notebook / Pencils
• Swim Suit
• Compass*
• Light weight binoculars

* Can be rented or purchased at Paragon's Backcountry Center prior to the trip.

We will provide you with a sleeping bag, Thermarest sleeping pad and MountainSmith backpack as needed. If you are using Llamas to assist your trip, the llamas and guides will be carrying most of the group equipment which includes tentage, cooking equipment, food and first aid kit. You should be prepared to carry most of your personal gear. A medium size stuff bag will be issued to you for packing on the llama, a good place for carrying camp gear. If you are bringing your own pack, it should have a medium capacity of 2500-3000 cubic inches.

The following is a list of items we have found essential while traveling in the mountains. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Our support vehicle will be carrying your gear as well as food, water and additional bike support. Contain your personal gear to one medium sized duffel bag when packing.

A Sunshower is available for basic clean up. Biodegradable soap and shampoo are provided.

Personal Equipment / Clothing

• Padded cycling shorts - 1-2 pair
  
• Long pants, tights or sport pants* (NO JEANS!)
  
• Short sleeve shirts (Jerseys optional)
  
• Rain gear (Waterproof/Gortex Jacket & Pants / Poncho)
  
• Long underwear top & bottom
  (Capilene/polypro light weight underwear works best for your inner layer)
  
• Socks, 2-4 pairs (wool / Poly-pro)
  
• Sweater (wool / Capilene pile)
  
• Windbreaker (Lightweight and Breathable)
  
• Windpants
  
• Gloves / mittens (Wool/ Poly-pro)
  
• Hat* (Wool / synthetic)
  
• Cycling gloves
  
• Cycling shoes and/or
  
• Light weight hiking boots or tennis shoes (For hiking or bike riding)

Bike Equipment

• Mountain Bike (Available for rent) Bikes should be specified for Mountain Biking and have a wider, knobby tire (2.0 in.+ preferred). Rear bike rack is recommended. Bike tour/fanny pack provided. Please arrange rental bikes through the Paragon office, we will need your height and inseam to fit you properly. Your bike will be available for you at the orientation meeting.
  
• Helmet (provided with rental)
  
• Waterbottle (provided)

Additional Gear

• Sunglasses
  
• Sunscreen/Sunblock*, (SPF #15 preferred)
  
• Lipbalm*
  
• Headlamp or flashlight*
  
• Swim suit (for Diamond J and showers)
  
• Visored cap*
  
• Insect repellent
  
• Personal toiletries
  
• Washcloth / Towel

Hut Wear

• Loose comfortable pants and shirt (Can be cotton)
  
• Comfortable shoes or slippers* (Separate from what is being worn for riding)

Optional Equipment

• Book
• Fishing gear / license
• Camera/film
• Notebook /pencils
• Daypack
• Walking shorts
• Compass*
• Light weight binoculars

All personal gear should fit into one medium sized duffel bag.

Contact Paragon Guides today to join us on a backcountry adventure!
970.926.5299 or Toll-Free: 877.926.5299
info@paragonguides.com • contact form