{10 on the 10th // 10 must haves for the mountains}

The Mountains are calling and I must go!

- John Muir

Linking up with Erin at Perfectly Port for 10 on the 10th. Today's topic is 10 must haves for a summer vacation. What to pack really depends on the destination. Since I have been longing for the mountains lets go with a summer mountain vacation to Colorado. I guess it's because I know what summer months in Texas look like and that we find ourselves dreaming of a cooler climate. And, the mountains are just beautiful. Also, I should note that we normally take the camper when we go on trips like this. For us, these are the 10 must haves for a mountain summer vacation.

Colorado Mountain Vacation by crystal-stowell-hall featuring mirror sunglasses

10 Must haves for the Mountains..

1.) Camera, Go-Pro, memory card(s), charger - never leave home without it!! My camera is normally the first thing that I pack. I love to capture our trip (and the beautiful mountains) on photographs or videos. Plus, #blogger.

2.) First Aid Kit, Sunscreen & Bug spray - it doesn't matter where we go the sun and the bugs always seem to find Mason and I. And a first aid kit is always a good idea when your adventuring through the mountains.

3.) Hiking gear & a good backpack - because...mountains! There is so much ground to cover.

4.) Clothes for both summer/fall or winter, raingear - we've been to Colorado many times in the summer and it's warm during the day and then cool at night. Also, the climate in the mountains can quickly change from hot to cold, dry to wet. Be prepared for all of the seasons!

5.) Plenty of water (and a camelback or something similar) - because of the high altitudes. It's easy to get dehydrated at altitudes above 5,000 feet.

6.) Itinerary & Maps - I like to have a good plan when we go on a vacation so that we make the most of our time. Usually our itinerary is pretty flexible. We make notes of things we want to do and see, but they are not specific to a certain day of the trip. And I always print out some maps just in case our cell phones fail us.

7.) Sun protection (hat & sunglasses) - you are a bit closer to the sun when in Colorado.

8.) Binoculars - there is so much wildlife in Colorado! You'll want to bring binoculars so that you can see all that it has to offer.

9.) Your smart phone equipped with these apps.

10.) Your sense of adventure!!