Before You Go

Most of what makes a trip hard gets decided before you leave the house. What you packed, where you’re going to park, whether anybody warned you about the altitude, whether the thing you booked is actually going to work with a four year old in tow. This is where I put all of that: gear, packing lists, altitude, weather, parking, and the rest of the logistics that can turn a mountain vacation into a full-time job.

A lot of it is specific to Breckenridge and Summit County, because that’s where I live and where I’ve made most of my mistakes. The reasoning behind it should hold up wherever you’re headed.

Before You Book Anything…

The free family camping packing list is the one I actually use while I load the car. It covers shelter, layers, first aid, kid gear, and the kitchen stuff that’s easiest to forget.

No strings, just adventure.

Family Camping Packing List cover: a young child resting in the doorway of a family tent at a Colorado campsite