Ultimate Packing Guide for an Unforgettable Mountain Vacation
Welcome back! If you’ve been following our adventures, you know we recently shared an exciting itinerary for our upcoming girls' trip to the Canadian Rockies with Adventures by Disney. As we gear up for this unforgettable journey, I want to take you through a comprehensive guide on everything I’m packing. Our adventure will include hiking in Banff National Park, river rafting on the Athabasca River, exploring charming mountain towns, and dining in some of the finest restaurants the Rockies have to offer. With so many diverse activities planned, it's essential to pack smartly and efficiently. While this is our first big mountain vacation, we’ve spent the last few months researching and talking to all the experts we know. We’re finishing the touches on our packing, zipping up bags and finally feeling ready!
I’ve always been a minimalist packer, preferring to keep things tight and organized. However, a trip like this, with its range of activities and unpredictable weather, demands a bit more flexibility. We’re sharing everything we learned and have prepared for. This guide will help you prepare for a mountain vacation without overpacking, ensuring you have everything you need to be versatile and ready for whatever comes your way. Let's dive in!
Clothing: Versatility is Key
When planning for a trip that includes outdoor adventures, city exploration, casual dining, and even a few nicer dining experiences, it’s essential to have a versatile wardrobe. Our adventure in the Canadian Rockies will take us from the bustling streets of Calgary to the serene beauty of Banff and Jasper National Parks. We'll experience everything from high-energy hikes to relaxed evenings in historic hotels. A capsule wardrobe is the perfect solution, allowing you to mix and match pieces to suit any occasion while keeping your luggage light and manageable.
Daytime Adventure Clothes
Daytime adventures in the Rockies require clothing that can handle varying weather conditions, from sunny days to sudden rain showers, with temperatures ranging from the 60s during the day to the 30s at night. Here's what I'm packing to stay comfortable and prepared:
Base Layers:
Patagonia Capilene Lightweight Tops and Leggings: These are essential for regulating body temperature and keeping moisture away from the skin. They are perfect for layering and provide a comfortable base whether we’re hiking, rafting, or exploring. More affordable options are easy to find across amazon and other stores. Look for lightweight, moisture-wicking tops from Columbia, Under Armour or Baleaf.
Mid Layers:
A good fleece jacket or vest is indispensable for providing warmth without adding too much bulk. I have recently fallen in loves with all things Cotopaxi for their adorable color blocking and unique patterns. The Trico Hybrid Insulated vest is a really cute choice that looks super warm and versatile.
Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket: This fleece jacket is warm, comfortable, and stylish, making it ideal for those crisp mountain mornings.
Alternative: For a more budget-friendly option, consider the L.L.Bean Sweater Fleece or the Columbia Benton Springs Fleece Jacket.
Outer Layers:
REI Co-op Drypoint GTX Stretch Rain Jacket: The weather in the Rockies can change rapidly, so a reliable waterproof and windproof jacket is a must. This jacket is lightweight, breathable, and perfect for protecting against the elements. While the Patagonia Torrentshell Rain Jacket in orange is adorable and highly recommended by many, I opted for the REI coat because it had a more flattering fit and was much more comfortable. As a more affordable alternative, The Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket offers excellent protection at a more affordable price point.
Puffer Vest: A lightweight puffer vest is a fantastic addition for extra warmth. It’s easy to pack and provides an additional layer of insulation without the bulk of a full jacket. I personally went for the REI Co-op 650 Down Vest which is comfortable, packs into itself and has a flattering fit.
Packable Warm Jacket: A packable puffer jacket gives keeps you ready for temperature swings without the bulk of carrying around a big, heavy winter jacket. The Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket is lightweight, warm, and packs up into its own pocket for easy carrying in a backpack.
Bottoms:
Compression Leggings: Compression leggings are great for providing support during long hikes and keeping you warm in cooler temperatures. The Lululemon Wunder Under High-Rise Tights are a favorite for their comfort and durability. Also very highly ranked at a much more affordable price, The Gym People high waist yoga pants with pockets which come in different colors.
Convertible Hiking Pants: Convertible hiking pants offer versatility by transforming from pants to shorts, perfect for changing weather conditions. The Prana Halle Convertible Pants are a great option.
Hiking Shorts & Pants: For warmer days, a good pair of hiking shorts is essential. The Patagonia Fleetwith Shorts are comfortable, quick-drying, and perfect for outdoor adventures. Or for a more affordable option, consider the Columbia Saturday Trail Pants for another versatile hiking pant option.
Versatile Day / Evening Wear
When we’re not soaking up nature trails and mountain vistas we’ll be soaking up beautiful hotels and strolling through charming towns. A selection of versatile clothing is essential for transitioning between daytime city-strolling and evening activities. These pieces can be dressed up or down, allowing us to be both stylish and comfortable. Personally, my style tends to be pretty classic and casual, making it easy to build a capsule wardrobe that’s easy to mix and match throughout the trip.
Tops:
Versatile Shirts and Blouses: I’m bringing a few tops that can be easily layered under jackets or paired with different bottoms. This flexibility means I can dress up or down as needed without packing too many items. I love shirts like the Everlane Clean Silk Short-Sleeve Square Shirt, which is stylish, versatile and easily washable! I personally love shirts and blouses from Maeve. Also look for classic button-up shirts or stylish blouses from brands like J.Crew, Madewell, Banana Republic or Anthropologie.
Bottoms:
Comfortable Pants, Jeans, and Leggings: A mix of these will ensure I'm prepared for various activities and settings. Jeans and leggings can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for both casual outings and nicer dinners. I love the Madewell High-Rise Jeans for their flattering fit and versatility. The Colette pants at Anthropologie are another great go-to! They can easily be dressed up, down and are flattering on everyone.
Dresses:
Casual Dresses: I love having one or two casual dresses that can be easily accessorized for a more polished look. They’re great for evenings out and can be paired with a jacket or scarf for added warmth and style. The Athleta Midi Dress is comfortable, stylish, and perfect for transitioning from day to night.
Midi Skirts: I also love a midi-skirt. They pack up small, are comfortable and easy to throw on with a basic tee, jacket and nice pair of sneakers. You can’t go wrong with a slip skirt but there are so many other fun prints to help add a pop of fun into your trip wardrobe. I have a jcrew black silk slip skirt I love but this option from Madewell is a great, similar option.
Outerwear:
Casual Blazer or Jacket: A versatile jacket is an amazing staple for a capsule wardrobe. It works well for both casual and semi-formal settings, providing warmth and style without being too bulky. The J.Crew Regent Blazer is a perfect choice for dressing up jeans and a blouse. Another option is the Madewell Washed Leather Motorcycle Jacket which adds a chic edge to any outfit and is great for layering over dresses or tops.
For dining at some of the finest restaurants, like the renowned Eden at the Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff, a smart casual outfit with a nice blouse, dark jeans or a skirt, and non-sneaker shoes works perfectly.
Footwear: Comfort and Function
Footwear is one of the most critical aspects of packing for a mountain vacation. The right shoes can make a significant difference in comfort and functionality, whether you're hiking, exploring towns, or dining out. Since we’re not doing an extreme or intense hikes, we don’t technically need boots. If we did, I’d definitely be going for the Danner’s which I’ve been admiring for years. Instead, I’m going to try and keep my footwear haul streamlined to versatile essentials.
Trail Runners:
Hoka One One Speedgoat: These trail runners are incredibly comfortable and stable, perfect for day hikes and other outdoor activities. They offer excellent support and cushioning without the weight of traditional hiking boots.
ON Cloudventure: I tried these on and found them super cute and comfortable, but they provided less stability than the Hokas for trailrunning. They are a great option if you prefer a lighter shoe with a sleek design.
Salomon Speedcross 5 : Another excellent option for trail running and hiking. However, this shoe looks much more like a traditional rugged outdoorsy shoe and is less sleek or stylish than the previous choices.
Water / Hiking Sandles:
Water-Friendly and Comfortable: Chacos are my go-to for any water-related activities. They’re comfortable, durable, and great for both hiking and casual wear.
Alternative: The Teva Hurricane XLT2 offers similar comfort and durability.
Casual Sneakers:
Versatile and Stylish: A good pair of casual sneakers can be dressed up or down, making them ideal for city exploration and casual dining. They provide the comfort needed for walking around all day while still looking stylish enough for evening activities. Be cautious when choosing this shoe. There are a lot of really stylish and cool looking sneakers that aren’t worth the travel bulk for the limited comfort or versitility they deliver. Reeboks are a great choice but offer no arch support for people with high arches (like me). Nike Airmax’s are an easy style win but are heavy and stiff; I couln't imagine roaming around for hours in them. In the end, these were my favorite options I tried on: New Balance 327 for their comfort and fun gumsole design, On CloudRunner 2 for their comfort and sleek color blocking, Bondi 8 which are unbeatable for comfort and support, or the Adidas Stan Smith for a stylish and comfortable option.
Dressier Shoes:
Non-Sneaker Option: I always bring a pair of shoes that can be dressed up for nicer dinners or events. They should be comfortable enough to wear for extended periods but stylish enough to elevate any outfit. Examples include ballet flats or low-heeled ankle boots, which are perfect for the cobblestone streets of Banff and Jasper. Rothy's offers a lot of different style flats that are comfortable, easy to pack, stylish and washable! I love the strapped Mary Jane. Madewell also has an adorable strapped Mary Jane, although perhaps not the most comfortable for long walking.
Comforts of Home and Essentials
While traveling, bringing a few comforts from home can make your stay much more enjoyable. Here are some must-haves that I always pack:
Hairdryer:
Personal Preference: Hotel hairdryers can be so unreliable. At best, they’re passable. At worst (which most time they are) they’re HORRIBLE and leave my hair looking like a mess. I always bring my own hairdryer. Here’s the thing: As many travel guides out there claim to have recommendations on “tiny but mighty” travel hairdryers the reality that most “travel hairdryers” are no better than whatever the hotel provides. If your someone who needs the reliability of a great hairdryer (like me) be prepared to spend for a great travel hairdryer or suck-up the luggage space and bring your full-sized. For a great travel hairdryer, I personally have and love the Drybar Travel hairdryer. The Babybliss Mini has great reviews. I plan to travel with my Dyson Airwrap (worth every single penny btw) in a travel case.
Toiletries:
Toiletry Bag: Over the years I’ve had Dopp kits and more expensive toiletry bags. In the end, my favorite has been a Bagsmart toiletry bag I bought from Amazon! It’s affordable, super functional, easy to clean, easy to organize and can be hung up once you arrive at your destination.
Travel-Sized Products: Many of your favorite brands likely offer travel sized versions or even travel kits, making it easy to bring everything with you in a fresh new little package vs. packaging it yourself. Look for travel kits from brands like Drunk Elephant or Kiehl’s for quality products in travel sizes.
Travel Sized Containers: Reusable travel containers make it easy to bring my favorite products that are not available in a travel size. I love the Ries bottles which are a small investment upfront but much better, more functional and more durable than the cheap drug-store travel bottle set.
Freshen Up Products: I love having the comfort and convenience of deodorant wipes and dry shampoo to make it easy to freshen up fast on the go or in between activities.
Chargers & Power Strip:
Multiple Device Power Strip: A charging bank is essential for keeping all my devices powered, especially on days when we’re out exploring from morning till night. Having multiple phones, watches and cameras to charge each night can sometimes make outlet sharing a challenge. The OneBeat power strip is a great choice because it can also be used on CruiseShips. Most other powerstrips are not approved for cruise ship use!
Medicines:
Travel Pill Organizer: I use a travel pill organizer to keep all my medications sorted and accessible. It’s a convenient way to ensure I have everything I need without carrying multiple bottles.
Foot & Discomfort Relief: Walking all day can take its toll on your feet or other “parts.” Penetrex cream is a lifesaver for sore feet and joints, and it doesn’t smell! Roll-on biofreeze is another great option, especially for those with back or hip pain. We’re not too proud to admit that chafing cream has become a must-have in our bags, especially for hot weather trips!
Sunscreen:
Protection from the Elements: Sunscreen is a must for any outdoor activity. I pack a high-SPF sunscreen to protect my skin from harmful UV rays during our adventures. The Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 is a great, lightweight option.
Other Essentials:
Comfort Items: Some people don’t sleep well in hotels, no matter how nice they are! While I don’t tend to have trouble sleeping in hotels, you never know when you need a little extra help making sure you have a great night sleep. I tend to travel with a weighted eye mask which is great for falling asleep fast or helping with headaches. I also have always have white-noise options (a machine or iphone app).
Wrapping Up
We can’t help but laugh at ourselves, thinking back to when we booked this trip nearly a year ago: comparing the alternates we were relieved Canada would be “so easy to pack for!” Oh how wrong we were! Mountain trips require lots of layers, strategic items and being prepared for weather that can change faster than your itinerary! But with a bit of planning and organization, you can ensure you have everything you need without being weighed down. By focusing on versatile clothing, essential gear, and smart packing techniques, you'll be ready for any adventure the Canadian Rockies throw your way. Our goal is to balance being prepared for various activities and weather conditions while keeping our luggage light and manageable. And thankfully everything we’ve learned and prepared can be easily used again and again for all future Mountain trips!
Stay tuned for more posts about our preparations and the exciting experiences we’ll share from this magical journey! What are your must-haves for a mountain vacation? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below!
