Fall High Country Backpacking
Prepare for Storms, and Cold, and Rifleshots
Bring a heavier sleeping bag, a wool cap and neck protector, and googles to shield against strong, cold wind.
You have to use your head when heading out to the high country in the fall. It is wise to keep an eye on the weather forecasts, to know if you face the prospect of a winter storm while you are up there.
On top of that you should be aware of the hunting open seasons, and make sure to have some hunter orange on if you go out during one.
It can get darn cold up high in late September in October, and you should be prepared for that. I switch to my heavier, winter sleeping bag, because I want to be assured of having a peaceful night's rest, and not be woken by the cold in the early hours of the morning. Its hard to get good sleep when you have to get up and make a fire just to be comfortable.
Speaking of fire, it is fine backcountry advice to only make one when you need to. Many times the heat from your camp stove is all that is required.
If you do anticipate that a fire will be necessary, it is a good idea to have some light weight firestarter sticks, or paste, to get it going.
I backpacked in a couple of weeks ago uphill through four hours of rain. Every twig in the forest was soaked, and I knew I likely wouldn't get a fire going without my fire starter sticks. As it turned out I was too exhausted to deal with trying to start a fire, and just set up the tent and crawled into my dry sleeping bag, and listened to the raindrops fall on the tent fabric. That is an awful nice sound, especially from the comfort of a dry sleeping bag.
I use a waterproof liner for my sleeping bag - one of the best pieces of gear I ever acquired. It ensures my bag stays dry and warm, even when I have two sopping wet border collies in the tent with me, like I did two weeks ago.
Storms which bring in high winds can make for uncomfortable days. I never head out with out some goggles in my pack just for windy weather. Its amazing how much less threatening a day with strong winds can be when you wear googles, and don't have to shore up against blowing dirt and snow and the drying out capability of wind.
I don't usually camp above timberline during these fall trips. I like the windbreak that the trees afford. Instead I make daytrips from my camp just below tree line up across the alpine plateaus.
There is a three week break between hunting seasons in Colorado starting this weekend, and I anticipate hearing some elk bugle off in the distance while I am sitting around my camp late in the day. I will be up there alone, with my two dogs, and look forward to the solitude and mystery and beauty of that gorgeous country. Life begins at 10,000 feet.
