How to pack for your first overnight

First overnight trip coming up? Good. Here’s what actually goes in the pack, from people who’ve watched a lot of first-timers overpack the wrong things and underpack the right ones.

Wear this, don’t pack it. Broken-in boots, wool or synthetic socks (never cotton), and layers you can add or shed as the day heats up and the night cools off. If your boots are new, walk in them for two weeks before the trip. We can’t fix blisters on day one of a three-day trip — we can only manage them, and that’s a worse time for everyone.

Sleep system. A 20-degree bag is the right call for our shoulder-season nights even when the days are warm — mountain nights drop fast. Bring a pad; the ground pulls heat out of you faster than the air does. If you don’t own one, tell us when you book — we rent gear and would rather set you up right than have you show up under-equipped.

Layers. Base layer, insulating layer (fleece or light puffy), and a real rain shell — not a windbreaker. Weather changes in an hour up here and a rain shell is the one thing that’s miserable to be without and easy to pack. Bring a warm hat and gloves even in July. Ask any guide about the surprise hailstorm in a past July trip — we’ve all got one.

Water and food. Two liters of capacity minimum, plus a way to treat water (filter or tablets) if your itinerary includes refills at streams — your guide will tell you which trips need this. Bring high-calorie snacks you actually like eating; trail mix nobody touches doesn’t help you at mile eight.

What to skip. Jeans (they’re slow to dry and heavy wet), cotton anything, a second pair of “just in case” shoes, a full toiletry kit, and your phone charger — there’s no outlet out there. Pack light. You’ll thank yourself on the climbs.

What we provide. Group cooking gear, water filtration for group camps, first-aid and emergency communication, maps and route knowledge, and a guide who’s done this crossing a hundred times before you did it once. You bring yourself and your gear; we bring the rest.

Still not sure what to pack? Bring it up when you book — we’d rather answer the question now than sort it out at the trailhead.