What to Pack for Your Canadian Rockies Adventure

Adventure Guidelines 

• Since the weather in the Canadian Rockies can change by the hour, we recommend layering your clothing (i.e., wearing a T-shirt, fleece, and jacket) so you can be comfortable throughout the day, regardless of the temperature.
• For our three-night stay in the Bugaboos, the following gear will be available for your use, though please keep in mind you will still want to bring your own gear so that you have it for the entire duration of your trip:
  —Technical, waterproof, leather hiking boots (Salomon, Tecnica, Garmont) (Ranging from children’s size 12, 13 and 1-3, adults 4-14 — all are medium width)
  —Lightweight wind and rain resistant jacket
  —Rain pants
  —Sturdy, waterproof day pack
• Remember that during the adventure, heavy rain is always a possibility, and proper rain gear is a must.
• Be sure to pack warm clothing, including hat and gloves, and rain gear in your carry-on bag when traveling by air.
• Keep in mind that we will be hiking throughout the day, so you may wish to bring a change of casual clothes for dinner in the evenings.
  
  

Clothing

• Lightweight, breathable, waterproof rain gear
  —You will need both a rain jacket with a hood and rain pants. It is extremely important your rain gear be fully waterproof, not just water-repellent. Waterproof shells that can be layered over fleece, should temperatures be chilly, are ideal. Flimsy, plastic raingear is easily torn, rendering it useless for the remainder of the adventure, so we recommend you avoid these items when possible. Your raingear may be your most useful pieces of clothing.
• Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots or walking shoes
  —Again, make sure your boots/shoes are completely waterproof, not just water-resistant. They should also have good tread so you do not slip during walks should we experience inclement weather. Your boots/shoes should also be broken in to prevent blisters.
  —If you are comfortable hiking in tennis shoes, you may opt to bring these instead of hiking boots. Keep in mind, however, that hiking boots will be better suited for mud and rain and also offer ankle support, which is important when walking on uneven terrain.
• Warm sweater or fleece 
• Warm jacket
• Warm hat and gloves or mittens 
  —It can be quite cool during early morning excursions.
• Scarf or fleece neck gaiter 
  —Nice to have if you’re particularly cold-natured.
• Underwear
• Silk or polypropylene long underwear
  —Bring both tops and bottoms, as they are very helpful for layering under your regular clothes.
• Socks
  —Bring several pairs of warm socks made of wool or other synthetic material. Cotton socks are not recommended.
• 2–3 long-sleeved shirts 
• 2–3 short-sleeved T-shirts 
• 2–3 pairs of long, lightweight pants
  —You may also want to bring zip-off pants, which are perfect for cool mornings and evenings and warmer afternoons.
  —Jeans are not recommended for hiking.
• 2 pair of shorts
  —You may only need one pair if you are also bringing zip-off pants.
• 1–2 sets of nicer clothes (optional)
  —While the dress code on the majority of the trip is very casual, some guests may prefer to bring a couple outfits of smart casual clothing for evenings/dinners throughout the trip.
• Warm sleepwear (nights can be chilly)
• Extra pair of walking shoes (tennis shoes or sandals are fine)
  —It’s nice to put your feet in a fresh pair of casual shoes or sandals at the end of the day if you’ve been wearing hiking boots all day.
• Swimsuit (optional)
  —Nice to have for our three-night stay in the Bugaboos to enjoy the rooftop hot tub.
• Athletic clothes for stretch class (optional)
  —During our three-night stay at Bugaboo Lodge, optional stretch classes will be offered each morning to warm up for the day’s hike.
  
  

Additional Items 

• Cash
  —For discretionary gratuities (you may want to bring envelopes for discreet presentation)
  —For personal spending (souvenirs, Internet use, or food and beverages not included in your trip fee)
  —Optional activities such as the scenic helicopter flight (credit cards will also be accepted)
• Water-resistant daypack or dry bag backpack 
  —To carry gear during outings
• Lightweight neck gaiter (included in your pre-trip package)
  —Provides sun, wind and/or dust protection.
• Reusable water bottle (included in your pre-trip package)
  —In our continuing effort to operate our adventures with as little impact on the environment as possible, you will receive a reusable water bottle (unless you opted out on your Booking Form) to take with you on your adventure. We will provide drinking water throughout the adventure for you to refill your bottle. By doing this, you will avoid using multiple disposable plastic bottles.
• Binoculars
  —Binoculars are very useful for spotting wildlife in the distance and can definitely make your experience more enjoyable. Waterproof binoculars are not required.
• Hairdryers are provided at all accommodations
• Hiking poles (if needed)
  —We will have hiking poles available for your use throughout the trip, but if you choose to bring your own make sure they fit in your checked baggage, as you generally will not be allowed to carry them on the plane.
• Sunglasses (with UV filter)
  —Polarized glasses help you to see through the reflection at the surface of the water and can be very useful while looking for marine life. Most sunglasses are not polarized, and it can be worth purchasing them to get the most out of your wildlife adventure. It’s also a good idea to have a strap on your glasses for security while on the boat.
• Prescription glasses/contact lenses
• Sun hat 
  —Make sure that your hat has a brim for sun protection. Also, have something to secure your hat when it is windy. You do not want it to get blown overboard during the adventure.
• Headlamp or small flashlight
• Earplugs
• Toiletries in reusable containers to minimize waste 
  —Shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion are provided at all of our hotels on this adventure.
• Insect repellent and anti-itch ointment
  —Repellents containing DEET are the most effective against mosquitoes, but please be aware that DEET is a very strong ingredient which can damage plastics, clothing and equipment.
• Sunscreen and lip balm (at least SPF30)
• Hand sanitizer  
• Dry bags or reusable waterproof bags 
  —Bring several sizes. These are great for wet or dirty clothing and to protect camera equipment.