Ultimate Packing Guide for an Unforgettable Mountain Vacation
Planning a mountain vacation? Whether you're dreaming of the Canadian Rockies, Glacier National Park, or the Grand Tetons, packing smart is the key to enjoying every breathtaking moment.
We just returned from an unforgettable adventure through the Canadian Rockies — hiking in Banff, rafting the Athabasca River, strolling through charming mountain towns, and dining at historic resorts. Along the way, we learned firsthand that a successful mountain trip hinges on having the right gear, the right layers, and a little flexibility.
From last-minute weather surprises to impromptu trail hikes we hadn't originally planned, the lessons we learned (and the gear we loved) inspired this ultimate mountain vacation packing guide. If you want to feel ready for anything without overpacking, you're in the right place.
Here’s everything you need to know to pack for a mountain adventure with confidence — and a few tips we wish we’d known before we zipped our bags shut!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our blog and helping us continue to share travel tips and inspiration!Clothing: Versatility is Key
Smart layering makes packing for mountain adventures easy.
Mountain vacations often mean mornings spent exploring rugged trails and evenings enjoying cozy restaurants or historic hotels. Layering is the secret weapon. A capsule wardrobe built around flexible, mix-and-match pieces keeps your luggage manageable and your outfits spot-on.
Why layering matters: On our rafting trip in Canmore, we saw firsthand how essential layers can be. We started the morning bundled up in rain jackets and fleece as a cold drizzle soaked the riverbanks. Midway through, the skies cleared and the sun blazed out, leaving us stripping off our soaked outer layers and basking in the warmth by the time we climbed out of the raft. Without good base layers and waterproof outerwear, we would have been miserable instead of laughing our way down the river. (You can read the full story of our day in Canmore here!)
Daytime Adventure Clothes
Base Layers:
Patagonia Capilene Lightweight Tops and Leggings: Moisture-wicking, breathable — ideal for hiking and rafting. These Capilene hoody shirts were my personal favorite on our recent trip to the Canadian Rockies.
Budget Options: Magcomsen, Under Armour, Baleaf available in tons of colors and sizes with fast & easy delivery from Amazon.
Mid Layers:
Cotopaxi Trico Hybrid Vest or Cotopaxi Full Fleece Jacket (similar to the one featured throughout in our pictures): Eye-catching, warm, and lightweight. We love this brand for it’s fun colors and range of cute and super functional options.
Patagonia Better Sweater: Reliable warmth.
Affordable Alternatives: L.L.Bean Sweater Fleece, Columbia Benton Springs.
Outer Layers:
REI Co-op Drypoint GTX Stretch Rain Jacket: Slim fit, fantastic protection. Exactly what we wore through the Canadian Rockies.
Patagonia Torrentshell: If you want a fun pop of color.
Puffer Vest: REI 650 Down Vest — game-changer for layering.
Packable Puffer Jacket: Patagonia Down Sweater — lightweight and warm.
Bottoms:
Compression Leggings: Lululemon Wunder Under, Craft ADV Leggings or The Gym People High Waist Leggings (what we wore in Canada). Perfect for cooler mornings or layering under rain gear.
Quick-Dry Hiking Shorts: Patagonia Multitrail Shorts are great for warmer days. Light, comfortable, and quick-drying — perfect for trail days and river adventures alike.
Hiking Pants: Baleaf has a few great options and styles including Cargo-Style and Joggers Trail Pants — lightweight, durable, and great for days when you need a little more coverage against brush or chillier temps.
Personal Tip: Instead of packing convertible pants, we relied on a combination of compression leggings and quick-dry hiking shorts. It worked perfectly — leggings were cozy for early mornings and cool days, and shorts made it easy to stay comfortable once the midday heat set in. Layering smart bottoms gave me all the flexibility we needed without the hassle of zippers or extra bulk.
Day-to-Night Versatile Outfits
Lightweight pieces that dress up easily for mountain town evenings.
Even in relaxed mountain towns, we found that a casual-chic outfit went a long way for dinners and strolling downtown.
While it was perfectly acceptable to see people in their hiking clothes even at the nicest hotel restaurants — including at the beautiful Banff Fairmont — we felt like it was a real treat to freshen up. After long, active days, changing into a clean outfit, enjoying a great glass of wine, and sitting down for a lovely meal was one of the highlights of the trip. (You can read more about our wonderful evening in Banff here.)
We love packing a great denim jacket because it easily dresses outfits up or down, works in all kinds of weather, and adds effortless style. Skirts are also an MVP — they pack small, are comfortable for walking, and can be dressed up for nicer dinners or dressed down for a casual stroll through town.
Pro Tip: Stick to neutrals and build a foundation of easy pieces — then elevate your outfits with great accessories. A few thoughtfully packed items like a great necklace, a statement pair of earrings, or a stylish bracelet can go a long way toward making basics feel pulled together and special without taking up much space.
When packing tops for a mountain vacation, focus on pieces that pack easily, don't require heavy ironing, and dress up nicely. You want lightweight, versatile pieces that look great with minimal effort — items that will steam out well in a hotel bathroom or get away with just a light touch-up.
Some favorites:
Velvet by Graham & Spencer Carina Long-Sleeve Blouse — Elegant but easy, and works with jeans, trousers, or skirts.
Pilcro Garment-Dye Ruched Crew Neck Cap-Sleeve Tee (Anthropologie Link) — A step up from a basic tee, flattering and perfect for layering.
The Goldie Cotton Crew Neck Sweater — Lightweight, packs small, and easy to dress up with great accessories for a cozy-chic evening look.
These kinds of tops are ideal for transitioning from active days to stylish evenings — no fuss, no stress.
Bottoms:
Madewell Jeans: We love Madewell Jeans! Affordable, tons of styles and the staff is always so happy to help pick the right pair for your look or bodytype. Survived hiking and wine tastings!
Anthropologie Colette Pants: These may be the MVP of all pants. Chic and comfy, tons of colors and they look great on everyone!
Dresses & Skirts:
Athleta Midi Traveler Dress: The name says it all. Packs small, washes easily and super versatile. Dressed up easily for dinner.
Versatile Skirts: Lightweight and easy to layer. Dress up for dinner or wear with sneakers during the day.
Outerwear:
Levis Denim Jacket: Super versatile with tons of sizes and colors.
Madewell Moto Jacket: Threw it over everything.
Pro Tip: Pack layers that work across temperatures — we had evenings on the hotel terrace that started balmy and ended downright chilly.
Footwear: Choose Wisely
Choosing the right footwear for mountain adventures: lightweight trail runners for hikes and water-friendly sandals for river days.
When you’re packing for a mountain vacation, shoes aren't just accessories — they are essential gear. The right pair of shoes can make the difference between feeling unstoppable and nursing blisters halfway through your trip. Comfort, durability, and versatility are non-negotiable, especially when you’re moving between rugged trails, charming town strolls, and cozy evening dinners.
We packed strategically and tested everything from steep trail hikes to riverside walks, and every shoe we brought earned its place in the suitcase.
Trail Runners (Instead of Hiking Boots)
For this trip, we opted for trail runners instead of traditional hiking boots. Why? We weren't tackling extreme backcountry terrain, and we needed shoes that could transition easily from town to trail.
Hoka One One Speedgoat: These were a standout for support and comfort, even on rocky paths and uneven trails. The cushioning made a huge difference on longer hikes like Tunnel Mountain and Lake Louise.
Salomon Speedcross 5: If you're planning on tougher, muddier trails, these are rugged and provide incredible grip. A little bulkier, but they really shine on technical terrain.
Danner Boots (if you simply can’t imagine not having boots) — we bought these, carried them with us all over the Canadian Rockies and never used them. That said, they’re adorable and would be our choice for boots.
Pro Tip: Even if you're mostly doing "easy" hikes, good tread matters. We saw plenty of people slipping on wet paths around waterfalls and rocky overlooks.
Water-Friendly Sandals
If you’re rafting, kayaking, or even just hitting a rocky lake shore, you’ll be so glad you packed proper water shoes.
Chacos: MVPs for moving from water activities to land. Even when soaked, they offer great traction, and dry quickly.
Teva Hurricane XLT2: A great, budget-friendly option if you want something lighter but still durable. We find Teva’s actually better than Chacos so its worth trying on both!
Why it matters: Soggy sneakers are miserable — and they don’t dry fast in the mountains. Having a quick-dry sandal meant we could enjoy water activities without ruining our everyday shoes.
Everyday Sneakers
You’ll want something easy to slip on for town days, casual sightseeing, and travel days.
New Balance 327: These were unexpectedly perfect. Light, stylish, and comfortable enough for a full day wandering Banff Avenue, exploring little shops, and climbing stairs at scenic viewpoints.
On CloudRunner 2: Sleek enough for city walks, supportive enough for 10,000+ step days.
Adidas Stan Smith: Classic and stylish. If you prefer a clean look for cafes, light sightseeing, and casual dinners, these are a great option.
Pro Tip: Break in your sneakers before your trip. Even "comfy" shoes can cause blisters if you’re wearing them new for long days of walking.
Dressy Flats
Mountain towns are laid-back, but it’s still nice to have a non-sneaker option for a special dinner or evening out.
Madewell Greta Ballet Flats: Light to pack and pairs well with jeans or a skirt!
Rothy's Flats: Machine washable, tons of colors and available in a variety of different toe shapes.
Why it matters: You don’t need heels or anything fancy — but swapping sneakers for simple, comfortable flats can make your whole outfit feel a little more special for dinners and resort evenings.
Our Personal Footwear Packing Strategy
We each packed three pairs:
Trail runners for hikes and active days
Casual sneakers for towns and everyday exploring
Dressy flats for evenings out
We also packed a pair of cute hiking boots — sturdy, stylish, and totally Instagram-worthy. But here’s the truth: We didn’t end up wearing them once.
Between the lighter trails we chose and the incredible comfort of our trail runners, the boots stayed tucked away in our bags the entire trip. If we were packing for this trip again, we wouldn’t bring the hiking boots at all — they just added extra weight without adding real value. Lesson learned!
Pro Tip: Unless you’re doing backcountry trekking or seriously rough terrain, a great pair of trail runners is more than enough for most mountain adventures.
Comfort Essentials for Hotel Stays
Small comforts from home make hotel stays even more relaxing.
Even when you're staying in beautiful hotels like the Fairmont Banff Springs or the Rimrock Resort, it’s the little comforts from home that can make your trip feel truly relaxing.
After long days of hiking, rafting, and exploring, we were so grateful for a few small essentials that helped us recharge and feel like ourselves again.
Here’s what made a huge difference — and why we’d never travel to the mountains without them again:
Hair Tools
Hotel hairdryers are always a gamble — sometimes decent, but more often underpowered, heavy, or weirdly hot. If you care about your hair looking (and feeling) decent after a day in the elements, it’s worth packing your own tools.
Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel Hairdryer: Compact but powerful. One of our go-to travel hairdryer when we can’t bring our Airwrap.
Dyson Airwrap: A splurge, but 1000% worth it. It takes a lot for us to leave this home! After long trail days, being able to style and smooth your hair without extra heat damage feels like such a luxury and worth the extra weight & room in your bag. We have travel cases for ours (and yes - we have two!)
Pro Tip: Travel-size hair tools aren’t about vanity — they’re about feeling comfortable and confident even after a full day of mountain weather!
Toiletries
Organizing toiletries well made every hotel check-in faster and less stressful.
Bagsmart Hanging Toiletry Bag: A total game changer. It kept everything organized and easy to hang up in tiny hotel bathrooms.
Travel Kits from Drunk Elephant or Kiehl’s: Perfect because you get high-quality products without having to decant them yourself.
Ries Refillable Bottles: Way better than the flimsy ones you find at drugstores. They never leaked, even when tossed around in suitcases.
Freshen-Up Must-Haves:
Deodorant wipes for quick refreshes between activities.
Dry shampoo for days when a full wash just wasn’t happening.
Hydrating face mask — mountain air can seriously dry you out! Love having one of these after a long day and a hot shower.
Chargers and Tech
Between phones, watches, cameras, and tablets, we had a lot to keep charged — and not every hotel room has enough outlets.
OneBeat Power Strip: Compact, powerful, and bonus: cruise-ship approved for future trips!
Portable Power Bank: Essential for long excursion days when we were away from outlets for 10+ hours.
Medicines and Relief Essentials
Altitude, unpredictable weather, and non-stop activity take a toll.
Having a few go-to comfort items made a huge difference.
Travel Pill Organizer: Instead of hauling multiple bottles, this kept everything neat — from Advil to allergy meds.
Penetrex Cream: Absolute lifesaver for sore feet and knees after all-day hikes.
Roll-On Biofreeze: Perfect for quick muscle relief, especially on days when we did more elevation gain than expected!
Funny but True: We weren’t too proud to admit chafing cream was a must-pack item — hot weather + lots of movement makes it essential.
Hotel Sleep Essentials
Some hotel rooms were absolutely gorgeous... but not always quiet or dark.
Weighted Eye Mask: Helped block out early sunrise light and made sleeping easier even when we changed hotels mid-trip.
White Noise App: A phone app saved us more than once when hallway noise or neighboring guests got too loud.
Pro Tip: A little preparation meant we slept so much better — and better sleep = more energy for the next day’s adventure.
Other Essentials for a Mountain Vacation
Packing a lightweight daypack with essentials makes mountain adventures easier and more flexible.
While clothing and footwear are crucial, there are a few other essentials that made a major difference on our Canadian Rockies adventure. Some of these were things we intentionally packed — and a few were "thank goodness we threw that in at the last minute" lifesavers.
Daypack or Small Hiking Backpack
Osprey Daylite Pack or Cotopaxi Del Dia Daypack: Lightweight daypack big enought to fit a water bottle, extra layers, snacks, sunscreen, and a camera without feeling heavy or bulky.
Why it matters: Mountain adventures often mean starting the day in one climate and ending in another. Having a lightweight bag meant we could carry our rain jackets, puffer vests, and all the little extras comfortably.
Pro Tip: Look for something with a built-in hydration sleeve if you’re planning long hikes!
Reusable Water Bottle
Owala, Hydro Flask or Yeti: We each carried a reusable insulated bottle, and it was critical for staying hydrated at higher altitudes (where you lose water faster than you realize).
Why it matters: Staying hydrated helped us avoid altitude headaches — and kept us feeling energized during long sightseeing days.
Sunglasses and Hat
Polarized Sunglasses: A must. The sun at higher elevations is no joke, and the glare off snow or water can be intense.
Packable Sun Hat: We loved having lightweight hats that could be shoved into a daypack and popped on for extra sun protection during midday hikes.
Swimsuit
Yes — even in the mountains! Between hotel pools, hot springs, and unexpected rafting opportunities, you’ll want a swimsuit ready to go.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit any natural hot springs, bring a less expensive suit — some minerals can discolor delicate fabrics.
Lightweight Gloves
Smartwool or REI Lightweight Gloves:
Perfect for early mornings, gondola rides, and breezy viewpoints.
We used ours more than we expected — mornings in Banff were crisp, even in July.
Small First Aid Kit
Not the most glamorous, but totally necessary. A few basics (band-aids, blister pads, ibuprofen, allergy meds, and altitude sickness remedies) saved us multiple times after long hiking days and unexpected bug bites along lakeside trails.
Snacks for Excursion Days
Packing a few granola bars, trail mix packets, and electrolyte packets made early morning departures and long hiking days so much easier.
Mountain towns can be expensive and options can be limited outside major areas — it’s worth being a little self-sufficient.
Things We Almost Forgot (But Were SO Glad We Packed)
Capturing every moment was easy with tech essentials like a GoPro head mount and a portable iPhone gimbal — so glad we packed them!
Even with all the planning, there were a few small but mighty items that nearly got left behind — and they made a big difference.
iPhone Gimbal
We debated whether to bring our gimbal because it felt like "extra gear" — but was so glad we brought this Insta360 Gimbal. Capturing smooth video of rafting, hiking, and gondola rides made our trip footage look a thousand times better, with very little extra weight to carry.
Extra Socks
Between surprise rainstorms, sweaty hikes, and rafting, extra dry socks were an absolute lifesaver. We loved having wool compression socks for extra comfort. Nothing feels better than peeling off damp socks and sliding into a fresh pair after a long day.
Quick Grab-and-Go Snacks
While the towns have great dining options, there were moments we needed a quick snack — early morning excursions, long trail days, or bus rides. Having granola bars, trail mix packets, and electrolyte packets stashed in our daypacks made a huge difference.
Personal Note: In Lake Louise, we hit a massive crowd surge mid-morning and the wait times at cafes were an hour or more. Having a quick snack in our bag meant we could keep exploring instead of standing in line.
Lightweight Tote Bag
A packable tote was perfect for carrying souvenirs, organizing layers, or tossing extra snacks and water bottles into for day trips.
Wrapping Up: What We Learned
Making memories that will last a lifetime in the Canadian Rockies.
When we first booked our Canadian Rockies adventure, we thought packing for the mountains would be simple — layers, right? Easy.
But as we started preparing (and then living it), we realized mountain trips demand a little more strategy — not because they're difficult, but because they’re full of contrasts:
Chilly mornings and sunny afternoons. Rugged hikes and elegant dinners. Outdoor adventures and cozy nights by a fire.
What we learned most:
Smart layering is everything.
Comfortable, versatile shoes are non-negotiable.
Little comforts from home (like a great hairdryer or weighted sleep mask) can make a hotel room feel like your own cozy space.
And a little planning — like packing extra socks, fresh snacks, and a portable charger — can save you from small frustrations that add up over a long trip.
The best part?
Once you’re packed smartly, you can truly relax into the adventure — soaking up mountain sunrises, glacial lakes, town strolls, and unforgettable dinners without stressing over your gear.
We'd love to hear from you! What are your must-pack essentials for a mountain vacation? Share your tips in the comments below!
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