Banff National Park

Official Tourism Guide for Banff National Park & the Canadian Rockies

Menu
  • Places to Stay
    • Camping in Banff
  • Things To Do
    • Backpacking
    • Banff Wildlife
    • Biking
    • Golf Courses
    • Hiking
    • Skiing In Banff
    • Snowshoeing in Banff National Park
    • Summer Sightseeing Tours
    • White Water Rafting
    • Zipline Tours
  • Plan Your Trip
    • How To Get Here
    • Shuttle Service to Banff
    • Banff National Park of Canada Maps & Guides
    • Banff National Park Maps
    • From Vancouver To Banff By Train
  • Eat & Drink
  • Shopping
  • Canadian Rockies
    • Webcams in Banff
    • Real Estate in Banff
  • Contact
    • Have a Picture You Want to Share?
  • Book Hotel
Menu


Home » Banff Blog – The Ultimate Banff Experience » 5 Must-Carry Items When Going on a Hiking Trip

5 Must-Carry Items When Going on a Hiking Trip

Posted on April 4, 2018August 5, 2022 by Chris Smith

There are many ways to explore the scenic views of the Canadian Rockies by vehicle or motor coach tour or by plane or a helicopter, but the best way to absorb the beauty of the mountains will always be to go on foot. While hiking is not necessarily for everyone – it takes quite a bit of effort to spend a day walking uphill, after all – it is an unparalleled method of diving deep into the wonders and peace of nature. But to make it safe, too, here is a short checklist of items each hiker should have in their backpacks when going even for a day-long hike.

Map and compass

GPS units are very useful for finding your way out of the woods when you’re lost – but they are not 100% reliable. If you find yourself in a situation when you can’t rely on satellites and gadgets, having their “old school” version – a map and a compass – can be life-savers. And they are not very heavy – you’ll find the place for them in your backpack.



Food and water

Food and water are vital if you go hiking – it’s an extra effort, after all, that involves calorie consumption and sweating, too. Even if you go on a day-long trip, packing a few essentials like trail mix, protein bars, and such, along with enough water for you, can be vital.

Rain gear

Even the sunniest day can bring rain so make sure to be prepared. Umbrellas are usually useless so be sure to pack a raincoat – and make sure your boots are water-resistant. Nobody likes to walk around in wet shoes, after all.

First-aid kit

Even on a day-long trip, there is the possibility to suffer injuries – cuts, bruises, and such. So, it’s important to have at least the basics with you – disinfectant, band-aid, gauze, and such. And as a general rule, take a first-aid class – it can prove useful in many situations, not just when exploring the mountains.

Tools

Being safe and being prepared are almost synonymous when hitting the trail. So, before you leave, make sure to pack some essential tools that you might need when hiking. These include a knife or a multi-purpose tool (like a Swiss army knife), a means of lighting a fire, and a flashlight and/or a headlamp to help you find your way home if you stay out too late.

Choose the right gear

Make sure the clothes and gear you choose for your hiking trip will serve you well on the mountain. Choose boots and clothes that fit well and are comfortable while being resistant at the same time – few things can be so frustrating than seeing your boots give in to the stress of the trail halfway to your destination. Choose a good backpack with a rain cover that’s big enough to hold all your gear and supplies. They will not only make your trip more enjoyable – if things go wrong, they can be life-savers.

2 thoughts on “5 Must-Carry Items When Going on a Hiking Trip”

  1. DIANA GILLOGLY says:
    September 13, 2021 at 11:43 pm

    ARE THERE BEARS OR COUGARS?

    1. K. Gordon says:
      September 14, 2021 at 8:11 pm

      There sure are Diana, but usually at some distance as wildlife is just as afraid of us and we should be cautious about them! Always carry bear spray, travel in a group if you can and make noise as you hike.

      Be safe and have fun!!

Comments are closed.

Banff Sponsors

 

Shop Banff!

Search for Banff Info

Our Banff Activity Partners

Wild Warter

Yamnuska Mountain Adventures

Valley Zipline Adventures

Great Divide Nature Interpretation

WOW Banff

Golf Canada's West

The Banff Newsletter

Keep up to date on all the hotel deals, things to do, and latest news in Banff!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Banff Sponsors

 

Banff Sponsors

 

Find It Fast!

  • Ultimate Canadian Rockies Vacation Planner
  • A First Timers Guide to Banff National Park
  • Shuttle Service to Banff
  • Plan Your Trip to Banff
  • How to Get to Banff
  • From Vancouver To Banff By Train
  • Banff Alberta Maps & Guides
  • Banff National Park Maps
  • The Must Dos in Banff Town
  • Webcams in Banff

Follow Us

Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Pinterest

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
  • Zipline Tours
  • White Water Rafting in Banff
  • The Complete Guide to Wildlife Viewing 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
  • Shuttle Service to Banff
  • Plan Your Trip to Banff
  • How to Get to Banff
  • From Vancouver To Banff By Train
  • Banff Alberta Maps & Guides
  • Banff National Park Maps
  • The Must Dos in Banff Town
  • Webcams in Banff
© 2023 Banff National Park • Advertise With Us • Privacy Policy

As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This site also participates in various other affiliate programs, and we may get a commission through purchases made through our links. Please read our complete Privacy Policy for more information.

hotels

deals

shuttles

activities