PACKING FOR BANFF

What to bring so you're ready for anything

🎒 THE GOLDEN RULE

Layer, layer, layer. Mountain weather changes fast. You might start a hike in a t-shirt and finish in a down jacket. The key is versatile layers you can add or remove.

The magic formula: Base layer (moisture-wicking) + Mid layer (insulation) + Outer layer (wind/rain protection)

PICK YOUR SEASON

Click to see what to pack

SUMMER PACKING (JUNE - AUGUST)

Warm days, cool nights, and the occasional thunderstorm. Pack for versatility.

👕 Clothing

  • Moisture-wicking t-shirts (3-4)
  • Light long-sleeve shirt (sun protection)
  • Hiking pants/shorts (convertible ideal)
  • Light fleece or sweater
  • Rain jacket (packable)
  • Warm layer for evenings
  • Swimsuit (for hot springs!)
  • Casual clothes for town

👟 Footwear

  • Hiking boots (broken in!)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals or flip-flops
  • Moisture-wicking socks (3-4 pairs)

🎒 Gear

  • Daypack (20-30L)
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder
  • Trekking poles (optional but helpful)
  • Headlamp
  • Bear spray (can rent locally)
  • Binoculars (for wildlife)

🧴 Essentials

  • Sunscreen SPF 30+ (UV is intense!)
  • Sunglasses (polarized)
  • Hat with brim
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Bug spray (June-July especially)
  • First aid kit
  • Camera
💡 Summer Pro Tips:
  • Even in summer, mornings can be 5-10°C. Bring that fleece!
  • Afternoon thunderstorms are common - always have rain gear
  • Bug spray is essential in June/July, especially near water

FALL PACKING (SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER)

Crisp days, cold nights, and the chance of early snow. Layer game needs to be strong.

👕 Clothing

  • Base layers (merino wool ideal)
  • Long-sleeve shirts (2-3)
  • Fleece jacket
  • Down or synthetic puffy jacket
  • Waterproof shell jacket
  • Hiking pants (no cotton!)
  • Warm hat and gloves
  • Buff or neck gaiter

👟 Footwear

  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Warm socks (wool blend)
  • Gaiters (for muddy/snowy trails)
  • Comfortable shoes for town

🎒 Gear

  • Daypack with rain cover
  • Insulated water bottle
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp (days are shorter)
  • Bear spray
  • Hand warmers

🧴 Essentials

  • Sunscreen (still important!)
  • Sunglasses
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Moisturizer (dry mountain air)
  • First aid kit
  • Camera (larch season!)
💡 Fall Pro Tips:
  • Snow can happen anytime after mid-September at elevation
  • Larch Valley in late September is worth the crowds
  • Elk are rutting - keep 30m distance, they're aggressive!

WINTER PACKING (NOVEMBER - MARCH)

Serious cold requires serious gear. Don't underestimate -20°C temperatures.

👕 Clothing

  • Thermal base layers (top & bottom)
  • Mid-weight fleece
  • Heavy down or synthetic jacket
  • Waterproof/windproof shell
  • Insulated snow pants
  • Warm hat (covers ears)
  • Balaclava or face covering
  • Insulated gloves + liner gloves
  • Neck gaiter or scarf

👟 Footwear

  • Insulated winter boots (-30°C rated)
  • Heavy wool socks (multiple pairs)
  • Ski/snowboard boots (if skiing)
  • Ice cleats/microspikes
  • Indoor shoes for hotels

🎒 Gear

  • Insulated water bottle
  • Hand/toe warmers (lots!)
  • Headlamp
  • Ski/snowboard gear (or rent)
  • Snowshoes (can rent)
  • Daypack

🧴 Essentials

  • Sunscreen SPF 30+ (snow reflects UV!)
  • Ski goggles or quality sunglasses
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Heavy-duty moisturizer
  • First aid kit
  • Camera (protect from cold)
⚠️

Winter Driving Warning

If you're renting a car, you MUST have winter tires (M+S or mountain snowflake symbol). It's the law Oct 1 - Apr 30. Better yet, take the shuttle and skip the stress.

💡 Winter Pro Tips:
  • Cotton kills - it holds moisture and makes you colder
  • Keep electronics close to your body to preserve battery
  • The hot springs are AMAZING after a cold day
  • Rent ski gear locally to avoid airline baggage fees

SPRING PACKING (APRIL - MAY)

The wildcard season. Pack for winter AND summer because you might get both.

👕 Clothing

  • Base layers
  • T-shirts and long sleeves
  • Fleece jacket
  • Down jacket (still cold!)
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Hiking pants
  • Rain pants (optional but useful)
  • Hat and gloves

👟 Footwear

  • Waterproof hiking boots (essential!)
  • Gaiters (mud and slush)
  • Wool socks
  • Extra socks (you'll get wet)
  • Waterproof shoes for town

🎒 Gear

  • Waterproof daypack or rain cover
  • Trekking poles (helpful in mud)
  • Microspikes (icy patches)
  • Headlamp
  • Dry bags for electronics

🧴 Essentials

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Lip balm
  • Moisturizer
  • First aid kit
  • Patience (weather is wild)
💡 Spring Pro Tips:
  • Waterproof everything - spring is wet and muddy
  • Many high trails still have snow until June
  • Waterfalls are at their most impressive
  • Baby wildlife everywhere - keep your distance

ALWAYS PACK THESE

No matter what season

🆔

ID & Documents

Passport/ID, park pass, travel insurance, emergency contacts

💊

Medications

Prescriptions, pain relievers, allergy meds, altitude sickness pills

🔋

Electronics

Phone, charger, power bank, camera, adapters (Canada uses Type A/B)

💰

Money

Credit cards, some cash (CAD), notify bank of travel

🗺️

Navigation

Downloaded offline maps, trail maps, compass (cell service spotty)

🍫

Snacks

Trail mix, energy bars, electrolytes - always have food on hikes

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