Preparing ahead for an outdoor adventure is the best way to ensure a safe, smooth, and enjoyable experience. Plan for the unexpected, including rapid weather changes by having the right gear and supplies. A little planning can go a long way. This outdoor essentials checklist is here to help you pack smart, stay safe and fully enjoy your time in nature – without the worry of forgetting something important.
Documents		Bags
□	ID	□	Backpack – gear, food & water. Stored in bus cargo hold.
□	Skrastins MedAlert tag	□	Bus bag – holds items that stay on bus.
□	National Park pass	□	Winter: Bring onboard items that need to stay warm on the outward trip.
Hydration		Meals and Snacks
□	Water – 2 L minimum	□	Balanced breakfast – at home or on the bus
	bottles or hydration pack	□	Outbound – light snack on the bus
□	Hot or sweaty? Add 1 L	□	Lunch: Nutrient-dense foods including protein
□	1 L extra water – stays on bus	□	Fresh fruit & veggies (extra hydration)
	Optional:	□	High-energy finger food – handy to grab
□	Electrolyte drinks/tablets	□	Return trip – Protein and fibre snack
□	Winter: Bring a thermos with a hot beverage
□	Purification tablets
Summer – What to Wear or Pack		Winter – What to Wear or Pack
□	Moisture wicking shirt – weather appropriate	□	Moisture-wicking thermal layer – top
□	Hiking pants – lightweight, breathable	□	Moisture-wicking thermal layer – bottom
□	Hiking shorts – Tip: pack your pants	□	Pants – warmer weight, breathable
□	Long-sleeve shirt (sun+bugs; warmth)	□	Extra long-sleeve shirt, warmth
□	Mid-layer – fleece/down jacket	□	Mid-layer – fleece/down jacket
□	Outer layer – jacket, wind and rain protection	□	Outer layer – jacket, wind and rain protection
□	Socks – wool/synthetic; pack a spare pair	□	Socks – wool/synthetic, warmer weight; 2 pairs
□	Hiking boots in good condition	□	Insulated, boots in good condition – activity specific
□	Footwear for the bus (optional)	□	Footwear for the bus (optional)
□	Neck protection/buff	□	Neck warmer/buff/balaclava
□	Warm gloves	□	Warm gloves/mitts; 2 pairs
□	Rain gloves	□	Rain/snow gloves
□	Sun hat/cap with brim; breathable	□	Headband
□	Fleece hat	□	Wool/fleece hat; pack a spare
□	Gaiters (snow, wet or muddy conditions)	□	Gaiters (snow, wet or muddy conditions)
□	Rain pants	□	Rain pants
Summer Gear		Winter Gear – Depending on Activity of Choice
□	Sunglasses + case	□	Sunglasses + case
□	Icers (microspikes) + bag (shoulder season)	□	Icers (microspikes) + bag
□	Trekking poles	□	Snowshoes
□	Insect repellent	□	X-Country skis & wax supplies
□	Backpack rain cover	□	Poles with snow baskets – appropriate for the activity
□	Bear spray and holder	□	Backpack rain cover (snow+wet)
□	Chemical hand/foot warmers (optional)	□	Chemical hand/foot warmers
□	Sunscreen	□	Sunscreen
□	Lip balm	□	Lip balm
□	Hand sanitizer	□	Hand sanitizer
□	Tissues, toilet tissue, wipes	□	Tissues, toilet tissues, wipes
□	Bags for garbage, wet + muddy items	□	Bags for garbage, wet + muddy items
□	Whistle	□	Bear spray and holder (shoulder season)
		□	Whistle
Communication and Navigation		Emergency Kit
□	Cell phone – fully charged	□	Prescription medications
□	Trail map – paper	□	First aid kit in plastic bag – at minimum:
□	GPS – AllTrails app or similar; map  downloaded	□	Band-Aids various sizes / blister care
□	GPS device (optional)	□	Antibiotic ointment
		□	Antihistamines
		□	Medical tape / cold pack / bandages / splint
		□	Tweezers / gloves / safety pins
		□	Equipment repair tape
		□	Space blanket or bivvy sack