A gear list for guests of Gondola Village (and other similar alpine huts -- for 10th Mountain Huts and many others, be sure to bring a sleeping bag!). We use very similar gear for multi-day hut trips in Europe as well.
Note: don't blindly buy everything on this list, as there are some items with options we've included for different genders and styles of trip (for example, a few pack sizes, gendered items where it matters most, running shoes and hiking boots).
Trion 15 by Mammut — For those seeking to go ultralight, the Mammut Trion 15 is a great option for 1-2 night trips (when using freeze dried meals). If you're looking to go for some trail runs during the day or approach Gondola Village from a further-out trailhead, the Trion 15 carries well over long distances and has just enough room for the essentials.
Talon™ 26 by Osprey — For summer and fall trips without as much cold weather gear required, we've had good luck with the Osprey Tempest in 20-35 liter sizes. It breathes well, has plenty of pockets for organizing small items, and fits a variety of body types.
SKYTERA FX CARBON SL by Leki — For most users, a lightweight carbon pole like these are perfect for the rocky roads and trails around the huts. With a foam grip, adjustable shaft, and easy-to-use strap, these are simple to use in all conditions.
Leki has been making only poles for decades, and their experience shows. We fly around the world with ours and have never been let down.
Spot 400 Headlamp by Black Diamond — BD headlamps of all types are in our gear room, but the relatively simple and bright Spot is a winner. For everyday use it’s rechargeable, but also takes AAA when a spare is needed.
Bobcat by Smith Optics — The Smith Bobcat is a great, full coverage pair of sunglasses that fits many face types well. The photochromatic lenses help when transitioning from a sudden snow storm to high alpine sun, and everything in between.
AFO Hyperlight Cap by Janji — For all adventures, a nice soft hat with good sun protection and no mesh.
Elysian Fields | Packable Run Cap by Skida — For those with medium to large crowns, this Skida run hat is perfect for summer adventures. Quick drying for when you want to dip in an alpine lake or under a waterfall.
I’ve been a follower of Skida since the early days, and their products and print selection don’t disappoint.
Fishy Fish | Alpine Fleece-Lined Hat by Skida — Skida’s lined alpine hats are great for when the sun goes down (or those freak June snow storms). Fuzzy fleece lining and a stretchy main body make for a great combo, whether sitting around or hiking up a nearby peak. Be sure to size correctly.
Hike Crew Socks by Smartwool — A lightweight merino sock (actually, two pairs, one on your feet, and one spare pair for hanging at the hut) makes all the difference in our mixed alpine conditions -- from hot and rocky to freezing stream crossings.
Men's Microlight Windstopper Down Jacket by Rab — The Men's Rab Microlight Windstopper is a great all-around down jacket with added wind protection. Perfect for evenings by the campfire (don't get too close !) and snack breaks on local 14ers. Light and small enough to fit in almost any pack.
Women's Microlight Windstopper Down Jacket by Rab — The Women's Rab Microlight Windstopper is a great all-around down jacket with added wind protection. Perfect for evenings by the campfire (don't get too close !) and snack breaks on local 14ers. Light and small enough to fit in almost any pack. Your occasional guest hutkeeper Laura swears by this jacket, from urban adventures to trips to Gondola Village in all seasons.
YETI Daytrip® 6L Lunch Bag Grasshopper by Yeti — Are you bringing some fancy foods on a hut trip? Need to make sure your beer is cold right when you arrive at the cabin? A little Yeti goes a long way when keeping those precious fresh provisions cold.
Ultralight/Watertight Medical Kit - .7 by Adventure Medical Kits — We like these Adventure Medical Kits because of the waterproof, durable storage and small form factor. We have one in most packs. You can get away with a bit smaller if going for a solo trip, but never hurts to have a few extra first aid essentials on your hut trip.
We do have a larger first aid kit at the hut as well (well-stocked and thought through, Laura is a physician), but for days on the trail you’ll want your own.
20 oz Wide Mouth by Hydro Flask — Your hutkeepers at Gondola Village swear by the 20oz Hydroflasks for leakproof tea / coffee / warm Scratch (or cold water on those really hot days at the hut). Small enough to fit in most bottle holders, yet large enough to provide real hydration.
Petzl Spatha Knife by REI — The Spatha is a great little knife that been all over the world with us. It’s easy to find thanks to the bright colors, has a nice hole for a carabiner, and a just big enough blade. While we have kitchen knives at the hut for fine culinary work, bringing your own knife ensures you’ve got the tools you need at all times - from gutting a freshly caught fish at Cleveland Lake to making a s’mores stick.
Mushroom Risotto by GOOD TO-GO — At Gondola Village, Good to Go's Mushroom risotta is one of our staples when looking to maximize adventure time and minimize cooking time and cleanup.
Silk Blend Sleeping Bag Liner by Sea to Summit — Sea to Summit's fleece blend is soft and cozy, perfect for most nights at the hut (using provided blankets and overbags).
Katadyn BeFree AC 0.5 L Water Filter Bottle Blue by Katadyn — The Katadyn Befree are an essential part of any mountain adventure where there's running water -- like the streams throughout the Tetons. Even if the locals say they trust the water, trust your gut and make it happy by filtering.
Fenix 8 Pro Amoled Sport Watch by Garmin — We've used Garmin Fenix series watches for many years, and they are some of the best for multi-sport use (and relatively waterproof in unforgiving conditions). Mapping on your wrist helps prevent missed turns on the many tricky trails in Holy Cross Wilderness. The Garmin Connect app is easy to use.
SOL Emergency Blanket by REI — An essential in every pack, big or small. You never know when you'll need it, but when you do, you do. Cell phones and satellite messengers aren't perfect, helicopters can't fly in all conditions, and sometimes you need to hunker down.
Skratch Labs Sport Energy Chews by REI — All flavors (especially the sour cherry with a little caffeine) are part of any good long run, one large step above gummy bears. Be sure to bring a couple flavors to keep up variety.
Renegade Rock Pant by Kuhl — Kuhl's pants are a staple of our hiking closet in spring and fall, as well as for working on the huts when tasks demand leg coverage, or when the sun sets. Their stretch fabric provides a good blend of durability and flexibility for athletic pursuits. Fits pretty true to size.
UltraFlask™ Speed 500ml 2-Pack by HydraPak — Easy to fill and designed to fit a wide variety of pockets, we use these flasks for water and electrolyte drinks alike on long runs. Generally carry two, both up front, but sometimes one is enough if it's not too hot as there is quite a bit of available water on the Leadville 100 course.
Sport Hydration Tablets - 10 servings by REI — Some of our favorite flavors are Lemon Lime, Tri Berry, and Strawberry Lemonade, but everyone has their own personal favorites. If you're looking for electrolytes without too much sugar (for recovery, an easier hike, etc), Nuun is a good bit. And it's low bulk so easy to throw a tube in your pack for a few nights at the huts.
Venture 35 Power Bank by Backcountry — We've used the venture 35 with good luck for years. With usb-c out (as well as usb-A), it can charge most devices including larger modern smart phones a couple times. A must have for multi-day backcountry adventures without sure access to power for phones, cameras, satellite messengers, and the like.
Chums Surfshorts Wallet Red by Chums — We've killed a few of these, but keep going back. Simple, cheap, smaller, and with a zipper and divider. Carry a few cards, a few types of currency, and the rest is all adventure.
R1 Air Vest - Men's by Patagonia — For a quick extra layer at the hut or on the ski down. Breathable, lightweight and versatile.
Capilene Cool Sun Hoodie - Men's by Patagonia — The new Patagonia Cap Cool sun hoody is a game changer, with zip pocket and a new fabric that is comfortable and 40 UPF. Whether you're skinning uphill in the sun or enjoying a lunch break waiting for corn, a sun hoody is a critical piece of gear for any long tour in the alpine.
Prodigio Pro Women's by La Sportiva — Laura swears by these for many long runs, and has used many a La Sportiva trail shoe for trips up to the huts. Any time of the season, from early runs with snow to fall runs with dust and less water crossings - a trail runner like these can be the perfect footwear for a long run like Teton Crest -- fast drying and low bulk.
ACG Zegama Trail Running Shoe - Women's by Nike — Ben swears by these (Laura has a few pairs too). Fits pretty true to size. A good balance between cushioning and speed. Not the most technical, but plenty for most established trails that don't involve too much boulder hopping or scrambling. Plenty of cushion for long efforts.
Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF50 (Reef Safe) by Dermatone — Dermatone's sunscreen sticks are great for on-the-go, low-mess sun protection. For high altitude like long tours above the huts, we like to go up to 50 spf.
Original Medicated Lip Balm SPF30 by Dermatone — Great for all seasons. SPF 30 (versus more traditional SPF 15 options) keeps your lips happier for longer.
inReach Mini 3 Plus by Garmin — We've used a few iterations of the InReach mini for out-of-service adventures (and even in-service ones where you need an extra safety margin). This most recent allows you to exchange photos, which is a great addition.
Be careful if traveling abroad; some countries do not allow these.
Multi Trails 8in Short - Men's by Backcountry — These are a nice lined Mens short that Ben swears by for long runs. More coverage than many running shorts means less re-applied sunscreen. A nice mix of pockets as well for wrappers or other light essentials.
Vert Micro Crew Ultra-Lightweight Cushion Sock - Men's by Darn Tough — A nice, lightweight cushioned sock for longer runs -- with the added cushioning keeping your feet happy for longer. The Merino blend is warm when wet, and dries quickly.
Capilene Cool Daily Long-Sleeve Shirt - Men's by Patagonia — Ben loves the long-sleeve Patagonia capilene daily shirts. They have a nice, soft hand feel, provide good sun and wind protection, and are a nice base layer for under a puffy or fleece if its colder.
W's Sunchaser 50 Hooded Long Sleeve by Janji — Laura swears by this Janji sun hoody for adventures of all sorts - from hiking to trail runs. Comfortable, breathable, and not too noisy.
Terrebonne Jogger - Men's by Patagonia — The Terrebonne jogger is a great, lightweight, just in case pant -- for pre-dawn starts, wind on high passes, or an after-sunset downhill jog back to the hut. If you're going lighter-weight on your hut trip, this is a good pant option. Also mostly mosquito-proof.
Capilene Cool Merino Blend Graphic Shirt - Women's by Patagonia — Laura loves these lightweight Patagonia merino shirts as an extra warm layer for inside the hut, quick trips to the lake, and the like. Some fun graphic options too.
