These are some general guidelines and a checklist to help you pack for Banff and Lake Louise.
Layering is key to remaining comfortable while on an active trip. To achieve maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of ventilation, insulation, and weather protection. Avoid cotton which does not insulate when wet. Wool or synthetic materials that are quick drying are most suitable for hiking in a high mountain environment.
Flight Carry-On
- Daypack
- Valid passport
- Copy of complete flight itinerary (also save a copy online)
- Copy of applicable travel/medical insurance, including number and contact information (also save a copy online)
- Debit Card
- Credit cards (more than one)
- Cash (Hard CAD$ currency)
- Reusable water bottle
- Medication, if applicable
- Change of clothing in which you can hike in case luggage is lost
- Your Hiking boots, insulating jacket, rain jacket, hat, gloves
- Small toiletry bag (Toothbrush/Toothpaste, deodorant, etc)
Luggage
- Luggage (1 Piece, Leave at Hotel While trekking/exploring)
- Luggage Tags and Locks (2)
- Day Pack (21L-35L)
- Day Pack Rain Cover
Footwear
- Walking shoes – comfortable, casual for travel/town wear
- Hiking boots – supportive, good tread, and waterproof
- Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
- Ankle Gaiters, optional
Clothing
- Casual Clothing for Travel and Town Wear (Lightweight, Easily Washable)
- Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Mid-weight, Synthetic)
- Tee-shirts (synthetic or wool, quick drying)
- Hiking Pants (Quick dry, Lightweight)
- Waterproof/windproof Jacket & Pants
- Fleece/Wool Jacket
- Down/Synthetic insulating jacket
- Fleece/Wool Gloves or mittens
- Fleece/Wool Hat
- Sun Hat
- Swimsuit
- Sleepwear
Personal Accessories
- Sport Sunglasses
- Sunblock and Lip Balm (30 SPF)
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Personal First Aid Kit/Medications
- Toiletries
- Hiking Poles (collapsible), optional but recommended, available on-site
- Camera and Accessories
- External battery charger, optional