A gallon of water, fruit, flip-flops and ice cold beer are mandatory gear

Before setting out on big routes with long approaches and weary descents, plant a gallon of fresh water, some choice fruits, a beer for each climber and flip-flop sandals in the car. After the slog, the beer is for celebration, the fruit is to stimulate recovery, the water is a godsend and you'll be lovin' the flip-flops more than any of these.

We spend a lot of time thinking about the approach and the climb, and not enough time thinking about the descent, the ride home and recovery. These simple items can be stashed behind the back seat and forgotten about until you get down. The only other thing you might need after a big day is a Red Bull to offset the beer and fruit coma on the drive home.

-Contemplations following a recent rainy descent from the Chiefshead in Rocky Mountain National Park