Banff National Park

Travel Guide for Banff National Park & the Canadian Rockies

Menu
  • Places to Stay
  • Things To Do
    • Backpacking
    • Banff Wildlife
    • Biking
    • Fishing
    • Golf Courses
    • Hiking
    • White Water Rafting
  • Plan Your Trip
    • How To Get Here
    • Banff National Park of Canada Maps & Guides
    • Maps of Banff and Area
  • Canadian Rockies Vacation Planner
  • Blog
  • Contact
Menu
Banff National Park Hiking

5 Must-Have Items to Take with You when Hiking

Posted on April 6, 2016April 6, 2017 by K. Gordon

When going on a vacation many people want five-star service, amazing amenities, wonderful entertainment and permanent room service. Not me, though – for me, the perfect vacation is to put on a backpack with three days worth of food and water and get lost in the wilderness – on foot. Hiking is a wonderful way to rediscover your place in nature, and to run away from the madness of everyday life. But hiking is not a walk in the park – you have to prepare for your first venture into the wilderness.

Here is a list of five must-haves you should not leave home – or the hotel – without.



1. A first-aid kit

Cuts, bruises happen – so you’d better be prepared for them. A first-aid kit has to contain disinfectant, bandages, some generic drugs for headaches and their likes, scissors and all the essentials for treating minor injuries you suffer while on the road.

2. A phone

Ideally a satellite phone for emergencies – but in most areas an average smartphone will do. It will make it easier to kill time by the fire, to check out casino reviews here or to help you keep in touch with your friends and family. In an emergency situation it can be a lifesaver, too.

Make sure to take a battery pack with you – power outlets are rarely found in the forest.

3. A sleeping bag

When you go to the mountains, you’d better be prepared for chilling nights. Sleeping under the stars, by the fire, sounds great – but only if you have something to keep you warm. Sleeping bags are usually lightweight and take up just a little space, but make all the difference when night falls.

4. Trekking poles

Trekking poles can be very useful when hiking. For one, they can help you cover more ground in a day – you can use them to push yourself forward while walking, for less effort and a better speed. But their importance shows best when you are going uphill.

But they are extremely helpful when you go downhill, too. A 1999 study in The Journal of Sports Medicine has shown that using these poles takes a lot of pressure off your knees – literally – when going downhill. They can reduce the compressive force that pushes on your knees by up to 25%.



5. Good hiking boots

If you plan to hike, make sure your boots are up to the task. Avoid cheap variants – they are usually not worth their price. It’s not just about comfort (although that’s important, too). But your feet being soaking wet and hurting halfway around your trip can be a downer for everyone.

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Email

Related Articles

Search for Banff Info

Banff Sponsors

 

Our Lodging Partners

paradise lodge bungalows

johnston canyon lodge bungalows

 

Basecamp Resorts

pomeroy_kananaskis_mountain_lodge

banff_park_lodge

Banff Sponsors

 

Our Banff Activity Partners

Wild Warter Yamnuska Mountain Adventures Golf Canada's West

Banff Sponsors

 

Find It Fast!

  • Ultimate Canadian Rockies Vacation Planner
  • A First Timers Guide to Banff National Park
  • Plan Your Trip to Banff
  • How to Get to Banff
  • Banff Alberta Maps & Guides
  • Maps of Banff and Area
  • The Must Dos in Banff Town

Accommodations in Banff

  • Where to Stay in Banff National Park
  • Banff Bed & Breakfasts
  • Hotels in Banff
  • Banff Inns
  • Banff Lodges
  • Banff Hostels
  • Banff Campgrounds

Banff Activities

  • Things To Do in Banff
  • White Water Rafting in Banff
  • Wildlife in Banff National Park
  • Backpacking
  • Biking
  • Fishing
  • Golf
  • Hiking

Plan Your Trip to Banff

  • Ultimate Canadian Rockies Vacation Planner
  • A First Timers Guide to Banff National Park
  • Plan Your Trip to Banff
  • How to Get to Banff
  • Banff Alberta Maps & Guides
  • Maps of Banff and Area
  • The Must Dos in Banff Town
© 2022 Banff National Park | Powered by Minimalist Blog WordPress Theme

hotels

deals

budget

packages
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.