Gear for Urban Hiking Denver

In front of the Denver landmark: Casa Bonita

As Denverites are beginning to see the value of Walking Colfax, I was lucky enough to get interviewed by 5280 Magazine about my hike on the “longest and wickedest road in America.”

For people just getting into urban hiking, here a few tips on gear that I love when I’m taking to the road most travelled:

Go Motion Fusion Backpack Light: When visibility is key to your survival, this light makes sure that motorists know you are coming. This was especially important when walking the narrow-shouldered eastern part of Colfax later in the day (as a storm was rolling in).

Gossamer Gear Type 2 Utility Backpack: This comfortable and stylish backpack fit everything I need while also looking city ready. The convenient water bottle pockets allowed me stay hydrated. The Napoleon pocket made it so my wallet was easy to find and accessible. Lastly, I fit a change of clothes PLUS two pairs of Altra Zero Drop shoes in there. It was perfect for changing my shoes half way through the trip to keep my toes happy.

Altra Olympus 1.5 Running Shoes: My go-to shoe for urban hiking, this comfy shoe feels great when you’re pounding pavement for 50 miles. The wide toe box (Foot Shape Box) allows your toes to spread and be happy to prevent foot pain.

Altra Paradigm Running Shoes: Designed for ultramarathoners running the famed Badwater to Whitney 100+ miler ROAD race, this shoe had plenty of cushioning and was mind-blowingly lightweight. I switched to the Paradigm for the last half of my last day and my feet LOVED it. I’m never hitting an urban hike without the Paradigm again!

To check out the article on hiking Colfax from 5280 Magazine, you can read it here.