Watch THIS Before Hiking Your First Colorado 14er

[@bearieroblox6451]

Kind of off topic, if you try to climb mount gannett in Wyoming, bring a gun and/or bear spray. I got attacked by a fucking mountain lion on the side of a 50 degree gradient in the middle of the night. Luckily I had bear spray and a knife but I prayed I had a pistol. Just putting this out there as it may save a life.

[@trevor_corey8037]

Minecraft mountain lions are the most viscous

[@Bubba___]

Bear spray is much more effective than firearms

[@TS-mo6pn]

@@Bubba___ Unless the wind is in your face...

[@Mr196710]

@@Bubba___ It varies. I listen to experiences Alaskan Rangers and backwoods men. Depends on lots of variables.

[@jordanmorrow4757]

Cool vid, I’ve been going to Colorado every summer my whole life I love hiking out there, hoping to do Quandary and Peak 1 next year and Grays/Torreys the next, did Buffalo this summer for the first time and it was so sick

[@ChadLubinski]

Thanks for watching, Jordan! Have fun on your adventures next year!

[@diggable]

Had to skip Mt Whitney today due to rain hail strong 45mph high winds. Colorado it is!

[@ChadLubinski]

yes! colorado is having a beautiful week!

[@silvermediastudio]

Were you there when Hurricane Hilary hit California in August 2023??

[@aliensoup2420]

September is usually the best month for hiking Whitney....still warm weather, and most of the snowfall has melted. 3 of my summits were in late Aug/Sept. One Sept. I stopped a hike short 3/4 of the way due to heavy sleet.

[@pauldickson6858]

My first 14er was Mount Sneffels, which I hiked a year ago. I just hiked Mount Elbert last week, making it my second 14er. And yes you are right about bringing hiking poles. On the way back down from Mount Elbert, my legs felt awful. Took more breaks than usual. Plus I'm getting older and I'm going to be 40 in a couple years. So yes, for now on, I'm going to start bringing my poles when I go hiking. Great video!

[@ChadLubinski]

@@pauldickson6858 thanks man and congrats on the summits!

[@andrewpeterson5882]

Great video. I take a lot of friends on their first big alpine adventures here in Colorado, whether that's 14ers or otherwise, and I'm always surprised at how much little hiking technique suggestions can improve their performance. The two biggest for me are moving slowly but never stopping (which you hit on, it's so key for getting your mileage done as quickly as possible without gassing out; there's some coaching on how to pack in a way that minimizes the need to stop and get things out to facilitate this as well), and taking SMALL steps. So many people bend over at the waist and take these huge steps uphill, and it makes things way harder in the long run. Obviously there's times where big steps up can't be avoided, but the smaller the steps you can take, the less energy is used by the large muscles in your legs, which then minimizes the lactic acid build-up in those muscles, and when you have lactic acid building up in your muscles, it makes you feel out of breath, because your body is trying to get more oxygen to metabolize those waste products away. This is problematic for performance in any athletic pursuit, but it's effect is majorly amplified at 14,000' where there's so much less oxygen in each breath you take. When presented with an obstacle you have to step up, I'm always looking for the smaller rocks or clefts or ledges that let me step up half or a third of the way with a smaller step instead of doing a huge one-legged squat to get up the whole thing. It takes some practices but eventually comes naturally and you just flow up the trail.

[@ChadLubinski]

@@andrewpeterson5882 great stuff Andrew! Love the small steps tip. Totally agree

[@benjaminlesue1372]

My first 14er was Mt. Elbert. Lol. Great video with good practical and experience-proven advice! Now that I live in Utah, I plan to climb more Colorado 14ers.

[@jonhill373]

This is absolutely great tips Chad. Especially the shoe recommendation. I climbed them all in the late 70’s and 80’s. I had heavy Fabiano leather boots with 1/2 steel shank. Argh! Thanks for this vid, it’ll help a ton o’ folks and all should pay attention. Ultimately whether you climb them in 1960 or 2024 it’s all about having fun and being safe. Rock on.

[@ChadLubinski]

Savage!!! That’s awesome man. How was something like Capital Peak in those boots?

[@jonhill373]

The great thing about those boots, once you got used to them, was kick stepping up the snow face of Holy Cross, holding on to a 1/2” rock edge or strapping on rigid crampons and climbing a frozen waterfall.

[@davidlane5349]

I agree. The advantage of heavy boots is when you get tried you do not have to think so much how or where you put your foot down. My boots - which I used in Colorado, New Zealand and the Alps - give me confidence when I am hiking as they are substantial. In Colorado in early summer and in NZ with permanent snowfields (glaciers) where hiking through snow is common, boots with gators was a must for me. I remember one year when I was descending Mount Sherman and it was two in the afternoon, so the sun had a chance to melt the snow. I was down near one of the mines and the snow was so warm that we were sinking up to our knees regularly and we only had a short section to get from, the rocks of the mtn. to the road to be able to finish our descent. Doing that with tennis shoes and shorts would’ve been impossible. As former Eagle Scout - it is all about being prepared.

[@ChadLubinski]

@@davidlane5349 thats cute!

[@salttrader4113]

Great tips, for a first climb I would recommend Sherman, it's very short and straightforward if you park at 10K. Bierstadt is too long for a beginner.

[@enlightenedpreparingep4006]

Subbed my dude 👍🏻 And I’m for sure gonna start hitting some of these 14nrs I got a sun shirt and a OGIO pack vest for my bicycle ride. I just have to find a spot to hide my bike and I’m packing a tent (US Army ICS Improved Combat Shelter) and provisions to stay a night or two.

[@ChadLubinski]

Thanks for the sub!!

[@enlightenedpreparingep4006]

@@ChadLubinski YW just a FYI I’m subbed with the bell and I didn’t get notification of the video you dropped 3 hours ago.

[@ChadLubinski]

@@enlightenedpreparingep4006 hmmmm, I wonder if it was because it was a Short? I’ll have to check on that, thanks for letting me know!

[@jorymil]

How did the bike work out? I'm moving out to Colorado, and wanting to stay eco-friendly with my driving.

[@enlightenedpreparingep4006]

@@jorymil if your asking me I only made it to west TN and had to go back cause mom's only holding down 3 acres on a hill woth chickens and she ain't no swing chicken herself. Winters in NE Ohio can be tough especially when your alone in your golden years. I'm waiting now for a long tail E-cargo bike that should make ,y travels a breeze. But my AZ/CO trip is on hold cause there's many tings that needs to be done to get tw onestead relocated.

[@fraudpolice4603]

Headed to CO soon to do a bunch of 14ners, this was very informative - thank you! Can you share more details how you'd distinguish between an actual storm rolling in, vs maybe summit fog.

[@ChadLubinski]

Glad you liked it! You'll typically be able to see storms build throughout the day and strike in the afternoon. The clouds get puffier and puffier and then start forming giant thunderheads. Summit fog is usually only in the morning and oftentimes burns off by midmorning in my experience.

[@TS-mo6pn]

Know when to throw in the towel. Some years ago, one August day I took my kids to the Kite Lake trailhead and we were going to do Lincoln/Cameron/Bross/Democrat. Weather forecast: 20% chance of rain in the afternoon. We left the trailhead at around 7:00 am, the sky was already clouding up. Just short of the saddle between Democrat/Cameron the snow started falling. About 30 minutes after that it was nearly whiteout. If we'd had more clothing and traction we would have kept going, but for safety's sake I made the call, and we headed back down. Two weeks later we went back and it was a spectacular sunny day with hardly any wind. We had lunch on the summit of Democrat and smiled all the way home.

[@ChadLubinski]

You bet. Conditions can be a huge determinate of safety

[@brysonmaesch8428]

Great info! My first 14er was longs peak (def a tough 1st one lol) and this summer we’re doing Grays and Torreys. These tips helped me think of better gear for my hike and my buddies who are joining me for their 1st 14er

[@ChadLubinski]

@@brysonmaesch8428 nice man.. glad it could help!

[@2surprisedoctopi]

Im getting ready for my first ever 14er in colorado. Gonna try mt. Princeton, I think. I was gonna go today since I'm already 30 minutes away for a work trip and work got cancelled today. But I realized I forgot all my hiking equipment. So i guess I'll try again next week.

[@ChadLubinski]

you'll crush it!

[@2surprisedoctopi]

Thanks. I'm excited

[@Gamepro2112]

I failed to climb grays and Torreys a few years ago, planned on trying them again this year but my sister can’t join so I’m attempting Elbert this summer.

[@ChadLubinski]

you got it!

[@taradanser8397]

I've done a lot of research preparing for my 1st 14er (I think Quandry in June) & this was the most informative of everything I have watched. Thank you! Had to give you a follow on IG too 😊

[@ChadLubinski]

That makes my day...thank you!

[@jonviglione]

Good luck! Started quandary on day 4 of a Breckenridge vacation summer of 2017 (my normal elevation is near sea level). Turned back with a 13yo who got too cold / tired above the tree line but probably 2 hours from the top. I was about 40 and not in very good shape and it was harder than I thought!! Constant stopping to catch my breath….even an easy 14er is hard!

[@matthewstein5586]

Try Salewa shoes. Absolutely amazing

[@nathankoenegstein3253]

So looking at doing the south Mt Elbert trail this summer. I’ve done pikes peak successfully without any training. Im very fit and hike alot just not over 7k feet😂. Any suggestions and specific recommendations for this trail and Mt Elbert?

[@ChadLubinski]

Just did Mt. Elbert with a snowboard on my back two weeks ago! I haven't done Pikes, but I would think Elbert is the same. If you can get up the 4wd trailhead, do it! It's rocky af, but worth cutting off the miles. Would recommend bringing ibuprofen and ginger chews in case you get a headache or nauseous.

[@nathankoenegstein3253]

Would you recommend the north or south trail? We’ll be going during the week.

[@bh1935]

3:20 where is that?

[@ChadLubinski]

Kelso Ridge

[@KaileBrogan1025]

Thank you so much. I don't hike with poles because I hike with my dog and hold his leash

[@JohnSmith-xl4sx]

What kind of physical prep are you doing for cardio and stay in shape?

[@ChadLubinski]

mostly trail running and lifting

[@gr260]

great vid! question though- I did a lot of hiking in RMNP last year (no 14-ers, thats this august with my wife!) and i wore the trail runners you have and mannnn i twisted my left ankle 4 times or so. my god brother had boots and no issues. any recs for trail runners that have a mid rise or more ankle support?

[@ChadLubinski]

Thanks for watching! I'm the wrong person to ask for this haha as I believe theres nothing about a leather strap on a boot that's going to prevent your ankle from rolling. I highly recommend strengthening the muscles around your foot and ankle instead. Not only is this a better long term solution, but you'd still be able to wear trail runners without having to slog around in clunky boots. Hope that helps man!

[@mikevw6767]

Gloves aren't just for warmth......I found myself off trail slightly in some loose rock, slipped and fell, nothing drastic, but I gashed my hand across some sharp rock as I hit the ground. Luckily I had some first aid stuff to stop the bleeding, otherwise something so simple and innocent could have lead to something more interesting.

[@ChadLubinski]

Great point. I've seen it where a man slipped down a glacier in front of me and couldn't self arrest with his axe because he didn't have gloves and his hands were scraping against the ice.

[@Jeremy-bh5cm]

Can you suggest any 12.5 and or 13k mountains for beginners anywhere in Colorado? Fixing to plan a trip

[@matthewculpepper5261]

Some Front Range considerations: Grizzly-D (13,427) is a great option if you don’t mind some work but the payoff is large. Easy access from Loveland Pass. An easier option from Loveland is Mt. Sniktau (13,234). Colorado Mines Peak (12,493) is a great one to start with to gain some acclimatization. Easy access from Berthoud Pass.

[@kikiqi7613]

Send my 10th 14er today by doing it solo😊looking forward for longs and capital

[@ChadLubinski]

great work! Which one did you do?

[@kikiqi7613]

@@ChadLubinski Decalibron

[@Alex_Coolen]

Nice video, what gloves do you use?

[@ChadLubinski]

amzn.to/3Uao98e Typically these!

[@davidlane5349]

Some advice on this video, I am not sure I agree with. I have climbed over 31 peaks in Colorado. In addition to climbs in the Alps and NZ. Wear boots! When you get a rock fall on your foot or you spring your ankle because of no ankle support - you will see that glorified tennis shoes suck! Water in the backpack? Well ok, as Colorado has a lot of military, I have an old canteen belt and I am able to carry the water on my waist which allows easy access - not to mention having other items like compass, gps and knife all within easy reach without taking off the pack. Water is heavy and putting it on your back is not as good as on waist. Also (and think these days are gone now), you can easily fill the canteen in streams - again without taking off a pack. The best first 14er are in the mosquito range and not as recommend in the front range. Why? Less people. Mount Sherman is (was) recommended by the Colorado Mtn Climb as a first good climb. Democrat, Lincoln and Bross are easy if you camp at Kite Lake. Both Alma and Fairplay have hotels you can stay at if you want a very early start and you do not want to camp. Talking about breathing - I carry oxygen - not for me, but for others. I have seen so many people hyperventilating and having paper bags and oxygen has allowed me to help them. Same reason I carry an oversized 1st aid kit - not for me but in case I have to help others.

[@ChadLubinski]

You lost me at carrying oxygen for a 14er

[@davidlane5349]

@@ChadLubinski I use to Guide for Outward Bound and we had a lot of flat landers (people that just arrived in Colorado or were on Holiday in Colorado) and I carry one of the bottles you can get at any store in Colorado in case they were struggling. Giving the a boost of oxygen sometimes help them. Especially, if we were turning them around short of the summit.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

@@davidlane5349 ... Yes,, Boost Oxygen is a great product .. minimal size and NO real weight ... Yes for quality hiking boots ,, especially on 14ers ,, trails are OK, but peak approaches are commonly scree and a rock scramble has taken out many ankles over the years ...

[@sh4rkyb0y_]

How’s the key hole route of longs peak? Ik I’ve heard people have died but didn’t find any specifics

[@ChadLubinski]

I think it's condition dependent. If it's snowy or slick then the chances of a fall go up. It's also the most popular 14er so the chances of all that are just increased with the people that are up there with no experience. IMO though, it was fine. The Narrows were the sketchiest part with the rock kinda being slick with so many people traveling over it. I wore approach shoes and felt good.

[@sh4rkyb0y_]

@@ChadLubinski ah ok, thanks for the info

[@Nicoleoliver294]

I figured out how to get to Estes Park from DIA, but I'm still wondering is there a Walmart, is there Uber, and realistically is it going to be an overnight?

[@ChadLubinski]

Did you comment on the right video?

[@trevor_corey8037]

Are you having a stroke?

[@TrevorGinn57]

Can’t bring trekking poles in a carry on bag so didn’t use them on 14er. Suggestions for this scenario?

[@ChadLubinski]

Unfortunately just gotta bring a carry on or buy at the location…. Or use a walking stick like a 4 year old lol

[@TS-mo6pn]

When you get to your destination, go to a used gear shop and you should be able to find an inexpensive pair, or a cheap pair of used ski poles. Then give them to a needy hiker or take them back to the shop.

[@jorymil]

Check a bag. Rent some from a local outdoor store. Buy a used pair. Remove the spike and call it a camera monopod.

[@TandC281]

So I’m not the only one wearing kuiu to climb mountains 😎

[@ChadLubinski]

haha!!! air five for that! 🖐🏻

[@TandC281]

@@ChadLubinski 🖐️

[@brad5349]

Strongly disagree on shoes if you're doing a lose rock 14er, you will twist your ankle a multiple times. You want at least a mid boot. Hoka and a few other brands make trail running like mid boots now.

[@ChadLubinski]

disagree.. a leather upper isn't going to save your ankle.

[@brad5349]

@@ChadLubinski I've done multiple hikes in both hiking shoes and hiking mid boots, it made a big difference for me in ankle support.

[@nathankoenegstein3253]

I actually turn my ankle more in boots. Shoes let my ankles move naturally and mold to the terrain. I was for years a hard core boot guy but i don’t roll in my ankles anymore so shoes it is.

[@Miderguy_]

No one should generalize anyone's choice of footwear. Everyone is different. For me boots are a requirement. They save me from sprains. I have had ankle problems since my skateboarding days decades ago.

[@davidlane5349]

@@ChadLubinskiDisagree. It saves your ankle from rocks and also bushwalking below timberline. My experience tells me different than your opinion.

[@nmjazz09]

I like how everyone automatically tells others to eat sugars for energy. No way! I'll stick with my protein if I'm going to have any energy at all. If you can derive energy from candy, God bless ya. Me? Nothing but the opposite affect. So, I might suggest you tell others to pack what they know gives them sustained energy instead of telling all folks to eat sugar. Everyone's body is different. But good video regardless. Thanks.

[@ChadLubinski]

Protein for performance? I've never heard of that

[@nmjazz09]

@@ChadLubinski We must have opposite metabolisms. I bonk on sugar. Protein gives me sustained energy all day.

[@ChadLubinski]

@@nmjazz09 man that’s crazy. The only time I’ve ever heard of someone preferring protein over carbs/sugars is a young kid when I ran my first 50k ultra. He dropped out on the second of four laps lol.

[@하마사]

36👍

[@ChadLubinski]

You’re crushing!!

[@silvermediastudio]

why do millennials use the word super for everything now, sounds as poorly educated as constantly saying "like"

[@ChadLubinski]

Cuz I’m poorly educated

[@silvermediastudio]

@@ChadLubinski super super happy that you responded so super quick, to be honest, let me just say personally that for me that it is literally about as super as super can be.

[@ChadLubinski]

@@silvermediastudio super thankful you took the time to write that