What to Bring for Your Basecamp Trip

Mountain weather can change quickly, and go from being quite lovely and warm to very cold indeed. Dressing in layers is the way to deal with these changing conditions. You can add more layers as you cool down, or take off a layer as you warm up.

CLOTHING LIST

You will need to bring all of the following clothing items:

  • 2 long underwear shirts (light to mid weight Capilene, wool or similar)

  • 1 short sleeve shirt (light to mid weight Capilene, wool or similar)

  • 1 insulating jacket (down jacket)

  • 1 Rain jacket/gore-tex shell with hood (make sure it fits over your down jacket)

  • 1 or 2 long underwear bottoms (light to mid weight Capilene, wool or similar)

  • 1 quick dry hiking pant

  • 1 Wind/rain pant

  • 2 pairs of new hiking socks (see what you prefer: light or medium weight sock)

  • Hiking boot (broken in with good soles) Try your orthotics in your boots if you normally wear them

  • Light camping shoe…crocs are nice (*optional!)

  • Winter hat, mitts and neck buff/scarf

  • Sun hat

EQUIPMENT LIST:

Hike Banff will provide group equipment such as emergency communications, bear safety items, tents, kitchen, stoves, tarp and first aid kit. Please let us know if you would prefer to bring your own tent, or want to rent a sleeping bag and sleeping pad.

  • 1 down sleeping bag (3 season, rated to 0°C)

  • 1 inflatable thermorest

  • 1 day pack large enough to carry your layers, lunch and thermos

  • 3 large garbage bags to line inside of stuff sacks to keep your gear dry

  • 1 headlight

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen and lip block

  • 1 wide mouth water bottle

  • 1 lightweight bowl

  • 1 insulated light mug

  • 1 fork and 1 spoon

  • 1 small roll of toilet paper in ziplock bag

  • 1 disposable lighter

  • 1 small toiletry kit: small biodegradable soap, small toothpaste, small toothbrush, small dental floss, small comb, contact lense supplies and feminine hygiene products if applicable…trial or travel sizes of various products are great!

  • 1 small first aid kit (blister supplies)

  • 3 meters (10 feet) of parachute cord

  • 1 extra medications

  • 1 insect repellent

  • Your ID and valuables from your wallet in a ziplock Cash or credit card will come in handy if you want to have buy tea, a bottle of wine, or have a sauna from nearby lodge

OPTIONAL:

The following items are optional:

  • Camera, charged batteries

  • Small paperback

  • Journal and pencil

  • Collapsible chair

  • Bandana

  • Extra snacks

  • 1 liter platypus of your favourite spirits

  • Thermos