Packing List for rocky Mountain National Park Photography Adventures

I get asked this a lot, so let me save you the time/energy of figuring this out yourself!

Packing List for winter day hike inside the Rocky Mountain National Park:

Day pack with water - at least 2 liters. Camel Baks work (I sometimes find them too heavy or more than ill need so I bring little 16 oz. clear plastic bottles.) You can also use a Nalgene bottle for water, and a thermos for hot tea, or chocolate if you like. Nalgene’s have multi purposes. When camping, you can boil water and put it directly into the nalgene right before bed to keep inside your sleeping bag at your feet for warmth! Don’t forget to add some of your favorite tea bags to enjoy your lukewarm drink in the morning.

Base layers - fleece leggings and top, by the brand named cuddle duds, purchased from kohl’s. Fleece lined leggings from costco. and i have fleece lined matching tops and bottoms from 686 and Nike! (686 is by far my fave!)
https://www.686.com

Wool hiking socks (2) - two pair to keep one in your pack in case the first gets wet, Wool stays warm when wet! NO COTTON! Darn tough is a great brand!
https://darntough.com

Waterproof hiking shoes/boots - I had Ahnu’s for 3 summer seasons but they just became not so waterproof anymore! So I’m in the market for new waterproof COLORFUL hiking tall ankle support boots!

Gloves - outdoor research for my snow gloves, and actually LOKI makes my amazing fleece lined soft jacket that has GLOVES and FACE MASK included, AND it turns into a backpack!!!! i loved it so much i begged for a year to the brand to rep them!!! they finally gave me a 20% off discount code i get to share with you guys!!!!! here it is: HIKINGMERMAID20
https://www.lokiusa.com/collections/womens/products/c216?variant=39619558413

Vest - also from north face (I love this item because it really holds core warmth well! And its so tiny to take off and pack away!)

Puffy jacket - mines from Columbia gear (thanks to mom and dad)

Soft hoodie-  LOKI gear makes my amazing fleece lined soft jacket that has GLOVES and FACE MASK included, AND it turns into a backpack!!!! I wear it over my puffy and under my hard shell jacket! i literally almost never take it off here in any season. its always near me <3
https://www.lokiusa.com/collections/womens/products/c216?variant=39619558413

Windproof and waterproof jacket - my hard shell is from north face

Waterproof hiking pants - I only have snow pants so thats what I wear because it keeps me extra warm when I’m laying all over the ground trying to get the right shot! (I suggest layering the fleece lined leggings under the hiking pants or I even wear the fleece ones under my snow pants because I’m FOREVER FREEZING)

Microspikes - (chains that go around your boots with spikes to help them grip the ice on the trail) Kahtoola is my favorite brand because of the warranty and excellent customer service! (mom and dad to the rescue again)
https://kahtoola.com/product/microspikes/

Snowshoes - (costco to the rescue or you can rent) depending on the amount of snow in the area micropikes would suffice usually due to the heavy traffic in the RMNP. Snow shoes might be overkill but if you have a pair you might want to bring them. Yak Tracks are good for city use, not so good for deep snow. the lightning accents are on my to purchase next list
https://www.msrgear.com/catalog/product/view/id/16327/s/lightning-ascent-snowshoes/category/8

Crampons - mine are black diamond (happy birthday from my parents!)
http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/search?cgid=crampons

Trekking poles - (for additional knee and back support) came with my costco snowshoe purchase. brand is alpine charlies. But heres one item if you plan on hiking long term throughout your life, you should own and use a set of trekking poles.

Gaiters - Mine are PURPLE and are from outdoor research!!! they ROCK! (the parents really supports me!)
https://www.outdoorresearch.com

Hat - beanie or hood attached to jacket.

Hand warmers/toe warmers- all of the warmers out there!!!

Headlamp - costco and COAST! best flashlight brand! they even make light painting flashlights for photographers!!!!! (merry christmas from mom and dad!) https://coastportland.com/flashlights/

Sunglasses or ski goggles (haven’t found a pair I like, due to my glasses. they always make my head hurt and fog up and I’ve tried 3 brands)

A Buff- I use it in so many ways but its for my hair and my neck and my chin as a warmer!!!! I have like 10 of them they are so awesome!
https://www.buff.eu/gb/