Backpacking into Chicago Basin deep within Colorado’s San Juan Wilderness is a true bucket-list adventure. Sitting well over 11,000 feet and surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks, this remote destination requires riding the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad just to reach the trailhead.
When you’re trekking miles into wilderness where afternoon storms roll in fast and temperatures dip near freezing at night, your gear choices can make or break the trip. Here is the full breakdown of our gear ordered and packed ahead of our Chicago Basin expedition.
⛺ Sleep & Camp Comfort
1. Tent
Backpacking Tent : Clostnature 1/1.5/2/3/4/6 Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent, Camping Tent
- Details: 5 pounds in weight (I split this between my son and I. We could have used a smaller tent but it was good to have the extra room to keep gear out of the potential rain and storms.
- Why it made the cut. Fast and easy to set up, fairly lightweight, good prices, durable material and stays waterproof. I have had this tent for a year and it has been great for my family and me.
Don’t forget to get the tent footprint also. Its separate but worth getting to keep the bottom of your tent dry. Check it out here.
2. Sleeping Bags
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Cold Weather Sleeping Bags : Teton LEEF Lightweight Mummy Sleeping Bag for Camping, Hiking, Backpacking; Cold Weather
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Option, Compression Sack Included.
- Details: 2.75lbs, great for cold weather (they offer different options) Durable material, easy to use zippers, mummy style for added comfort and warmth.
- Why it made the cut: We have had these bags since 2024 and used many times. They are great for cold and cooler weather camping. I love how easily they pack in the stuff sack.
- Check the sleeping bags out on amazon here.
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Warm Weather Bags : Warm Weather Sleeping Bag – Portable, Waterproof, Compact Lightweight, Comfort with Compression Sack – Great for Outdoor Camping, Backpacking & Hiking-83 L x 30″ W Fits Adults
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- Details: 1.69 lbs. Lightweight and great material.
- Why it made the cut: I have had these since 2024 also and they have been great. Very compact and easy to use.
- Check out the warm weather sleeping bags on amazon here.
3 .Foam Camping Pads
REDCAMP Foldable Foam Camping Pads for Sleeping, Waterproof Closed Cell Foam Camping Sleeping Pad – Ultra-Lightweight for Hiking & Backpacking, R-2.1 Insulated, Royal Blue/Grey/Green/Brown/Khaki
4 .Inflatable Sleeping Pads
My son and I have two different sleeping pads.
He likes the feel of it and that it is thinner.
I prefer the thicker FUN PAC Camping Sleeping Pad, Ultralight Camping Mat with Pillow, Built-in Foot Pump Inflatable Sleeping Pads Compact for Camping Backpacking Hiking Traveling Tent,Single,Green.
I like that it has the ability to inflate it without a separate attachment.
5. Pillow
IWVE Thick Camping Memory Foam Pillows
- Details: Ergonomic, ultralight, and compressible travel pillows (Pack of 2).
- Why it made the cut: These pillows are super comfortable. They compress easily and allowed us to sleep peacefully each night. I prefer these over the inflateable pillows.
🍳 Cooking, Fuel & Food Storage
1. Jetboil Flash 1.0L Portable Fast-Boil Stove
- Details: 1.0L fast-boiling stove system with 1-step push-button igniter.
- Why it made the cut: When you reach basecamp after a long haul, waiting for water to boil is painful. The Jetboil Flash boils water in under two minutes, making morning coffee and freeze-dried dinners effortless in alpine winds.
2. TiTo Titanium Long-Handle Sporks & Spoons
- Details: Ultralight titanium long-handle flatware (Pack of 2).
- Why it made the cut: The long handle is an absolute game-changer for eating directly out of deep freeze-dried meal pouches without getting food all over your hands or gloves.
- Check out the sport on amazon here.
3. Foilswirl 2-Set Bear Food Bags & Hanging System
- Details: Waterproof bear bag system designed for backcountry hanging.
- Why it made the cut: Chicago Basin is active wildlife country. Protecting your food supply from bears, marmots, and mountain goats is mandatory. These waterproof hanging bags kept our food secure and dry through alpine rain. The kit made it easy to hang the bags in the tree and they were durable and had plenty of room.
- Check it out on amazon here.
4. Mountain House Dehydrated Foods
- Details: Great prices, great flavor and meal options.
- Why it made the cut: My son and I really enjoyed the Mountain House Meals. We even shared some tastes with our fellow backpackers and everyone was impressed.
- Check out our review video here.
🔋 Power & Electronics
1. NOBIS 20,000mAh 45W Fast-Charging Power Bank
- Details: High-capacity portable battery pack with 45W fast output.
- Why it made the cut: Cold mountain air drains camera batteries and phones fast. A 20,000mAh bank ensured we had enough juice to keep my phone charged up for trail maps, satellite texting and photo and video capturing.
- Check it out on amazon here.
🏔️ Core Trail Essentials
Here is the essential accessories and additional gear.
- Backpacking Packs: Loaded to hold shelter, cold-weather layers, and technical gear.
Bseash 60L Hiking Camping Backpack with Rain Cover, Waterproof Large Capacity Outdoor Sport Travel Daypack Climbing Touring
We went for a budget friendly backpack for my son.
It was great material, comfortable and had plenty of room for our gear.
Osprey Exos 48 Men’s Ultralight Backpacking Backpack
I had saved up birthday money and got my backpack years ago. It was smaller than most had for this trip but it worked for me.
Check out the newer version of the pack here on amazon.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles – Lightweight 7075 Aluminum Hiking Poles for Women, Men & Seniors – Collapsible Walking Sticks for Travel, Trails & Balance
- Trekking Poles: We have used these trekking poles on many trips since 2022. We love how they fold up easily, the durability and the attachments. Cash used my wife’s pink trekking poles and they worked great. They are a life saver when on long treks and steep climbs.
Sawyer Products SP2101 MINI Water Filtration System, 2-Pack, Blue and Green
I have used this kit on multiple trips and it is a fast and easy way to get drinkable water while hiking on a trail.
- Backpack Rain Cover: Quick freeze-dried Mountain House meals (including the Pizza Bowl and Chicken & Potatoes) for high-calorie recovery at basecamp.
Joy Walker 12000mm Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover for Hiking Camping Travel
Clothing
Clothing is very important for a backpacking trip. Here is what we wore and brought for this adventure to Chicago Basin.
innotree Men’s Merino Wool Hiking Socks 3 Pairs
- Socks: I was so happy with these socks. They kept my feed comfortable and blister free. I wore the same pair for 3 days and they even got wet one time when I walked through a waterfall.
- Hiking Boots: I have a slightly different color of this same boot model.
- Rain Jacket: I have a Columbia Rain Jacket I have used for years. It is strong and waterproof after many years of use.
My oldest son Cash was wearing our under armor rain jacket we have also had for years.
- Underwear: Spyder underwear has become my go to underwear. They are comfortable and breathable.
- Long Sleeve Shirt: We recommend a non cotton long sleeve hooded shirt. These protect you from the sun and keep you cool and comfortable and protected form insects and bugs.
- Pants/ Shorts Zip Off: I have a pair of zip off shorts from KUHL but I got my oldest son Cash some similar pants from amazon that worked great for this trip.
- Puffer Jacket: I have an Eddie Bauer Zip up puffer jacket and Cash has a Columbia Puffer jacket.
- They are great to keep work during the cooler temps.
FREE SOLDIER Men’s Convertible Hiking Pants Outdoor Lightweight
Want to see our gear in use and see more about Backpacking Chicago Basin?
Check out our YouTube Channel and watch our Chicago Basin Vlog Videos.
Hope you enjoyed this article and found the gear helpful.