Since weather is always unpredictable in a mountain environment, you must dress accordingly, and bring the proper clothing and outdoor gear to be safe and comfortable. July daytime temperatures in these mountains average in the 70s and 80s; evenings can cool off rapidly, sometimes into the 40s. Most days you will be comfortable hiking in a T-shirt and shorts. However, even in July, high elevation hikers must be prepared for rain storms that can rapidly turn to snow. Warm clothes are essential, even if it is 80 degrees when you begin your hike.

• Medium-weight hiking boots. It is best not to wear shoes, even if they are walking shoes, because ankle support is absolutely essential in mountain terrain. Please do not buy heavy leather boots as there are numerous medium-weight quality hiking boots on the market. Asolo, Garmont, Merrill, Vasque, and other makes are widely available and designed especially for women. Since they are waterproof, Gore-tex boots, although a bit more expensive, are our first choice. Other boots should be waterproofed with one of the excellent waterproofing products available such as Nikwax. Make sure your boots fit properly and are well broken-in. Wear them around town to thoroughly break them in. Please do not come on this trip with a pair of boots you have never worn before!
• Rain gear. Weather in the mountains can be extremely variable, and you should be well prepared for whatever conditions occur. Therefore, it is very important that you bring a good rain suit (jacket and pants). A rain parka or poncho does not keep your legs and feet dry, and it is important that your entire body stays dry in a downpour (be it rain or snow). Your rain parka can also act as a lightweight wind jacket. The TravelSmith, LLBean, and Campmor catalogs have excellent, breathable rain gear.
• One wool or fleece sweater, one wool cap, and gloves. The wool sweater or fleece jacket can be layered under your rain parka to act as a warmer jacket.
• An extra pair of comfortable shoes such as tennis shoes or sport sandals to wear in the evenings...ahhh!
• Day pack. Your pack must be large and comfortable enough to carry your lunch, cameras, rain gear, drinks and 2 water bottles on all hikes. Please note that fanny packs are not suitable.
• A one-quart plastic water bottle. We recommend the 24 oz. Nalgene Everyday OTG Tritan Bottle. Made of Eastman Tritan™ copolyester, the bottle is completely BPA-free. Tritan™ copolyester provides excellent impact resistance and is suitable for both warm and cold beverages. Note: Drinking large quantities of water ensures that your body acclimatizes to high altitudes more easily.
• Long pants and hiking shorts, several pairs. Excellent hiking clothing is available though the TravelSmith catalog.
• Long-sleeved shirts and T-shirts, underwear, sleepwear.
• Bathing suit for a dip in the ranch’s hot tub.
• Socks. It is best to wear 2 pair of socks inside your hiking boots, a pair of wool socks, and a thin pair of liner socks underneath the wool socks. We like Thorlo or Smart Wool hiking socks and polypropylene liner socks which wick moisture and reduce blistering. Bring plenty of socks!
• Sun hat and sunglasses, as sun protection is crucial at high elevations.
• Bandannas. Bring 2 or 3 (100% cotton) for instant sweat bands and other uses too numerous to mention, some of which you have never even dreamed! Besides, it's an AdventureWomen tradition.
• Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, insect repellent, lotion (Montana's humidity is quite low) all with no fragrance.
• Toiletries, including toilet paper. However, remember that absolutely all used paper must be carried out of the backcountry in small Ziplock bags. To cover all your bases, you can also include an ace bandage, Pepto Bismol, Immodium, and Correctol!
• 6 quart-size Ziploc bags to carry in your day pack, for waste paper and left over food.
• Lightweight flashlight.
• Small travel alarm clock.
• Swiss Army knife or equivalent with scissors (be sure to pack this in your checked luggage, not your carry-on). To be used for picnic lunches, cutting moleskin or duct tape for your feet, etc).
• Earplugs (for snoring roommates? howling coyotes?).
• Camera, plenty of extra memory cards and camera batteries, and battery charger. You might also want to bring a disposable panoramic camera for the raft trip!
• Extra clothes for evenings. Nice, casual clothes for relaxed dinners out.
• Regarding foot care: To prevent blisters, many hikers use moleskin. However, we recommend bringing a small roll of ordinary duct tape as an alternative. Applied when you feel a "hot spot", before a blister forms, it reduces friction much better than moleskin. If you develop a blister, Spenco "2nd Skin" is a very comforting necessity. Your foot care kit should also include: cloth bandaids (not plastic), individually wrapped alcohol pads, a small tube of Neosporin or other antibiotic cream, and foot powder.
• Optional: lightweight binoculars, a walking stick, journal, a relaxing book, and field guides to western wildflowers, mammals and birds.