What to Bring for Your Sea Kayaking Skills Trip

Please do not bring any more than we have indicated unless you contact us first. You will enjoy a light pack. When choosing an item, always consider its weight. Please take your time when choosing and purchasing your clothing and equipment - it is important for the comfort and enjoyment of your trip. Don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions. Any cotton or excess clothing and equipment you bring to the Banff area should be left in in your hotel storage. Expect weather to be variable. We have seen lows of -5C and highs of 30C.  Some trips are warmer than others.  It is often windy, but sometimes calm. It is usually dry, but we have experienced both rain and snow for numerous consecutive days. The single most important consideration for your clothing is the fabric. Do not bring any cotton clothing any further than Banff. Wicking layers (underwear) should be Capilene, wool, silk or similar. Insulating layers (jackets, pants) should be fleece, wool, pile or similar. Outer layers (wind and rain jackets/pants) should be nylon of a waterproof breathable. If you are not sure what type of fabric a particular clothing item is made of, check the label.

CLOTHING LIST

  • Dry suit or full wet suit

  • 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

  • 1 Rain jacket/gore-tex shell with hood (make sure sleeve cuffs have velcro or similar closures)

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

  • 1 quick dry hiking pant

  • 1 Wind/rain pant

  • 2 pairs of socks

  • rain boot that you can stow easily in kayak

  • padding glove (neoprene is nice)

  • Paddling shoe (neoprene boot is nice) that your dry suit sock can fit into or if wearing a wet suit, neoprene sock that fits into your paddling shoe

  • Camp shoe…running shoe is nice

  • Winter hat, and neck buff/scarf

  • Sun hat

EQUIPMENT LIST:

Hike Banff will provide group equipment such as emergency communications, tarp and first aid kit.

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

  • 1 inflatable thermorest

  • Tent with poles and stakes

  • Stove, pot set, fuel

  • Tarp

  • 3 or 4 stuff sacks, 10-15 liter size

  • I XL duffle bag (not rigid) that you can pack all your small paddling stuff sacks

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

  • 1 headlight

  • Sunglasses with crockie (lanyard around your neck)

  • 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

  • Your ID and valuables from your wallet in a ziplock

OPTIONAL:

The following items are optional:

  • Camera, charged batteries in waterproof container

  • Small paperback

  • Journal and pencil

  • Collapsible chair

  • Bandana

  • 1 liter platypus of your favourite spirits