Minimum Essentials you will need. Tell someone where and when you are going. Always climb with a partner. Weather and your physical condition play an important part in mountain climbing. There are countless hazards and challenges that must be confronted on even the 'easiest' of climbs.
High mountains are subject to abrupt and drastic weather changes.
Afternoon lightning storms should always be expected when climbing the Fourteeners from April through September. High altitude almost always means low temperatures and strong wind. Conditions on a Fourteener can change rapidly from a bright sunny day into a rain or snow storm or a complete whiteout in seconds. Watch out for frostbite and hpyothermia. It is easy to become exhausted or lost, or facing cliffs requiring technical rock-climbing skills.