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🥾 Trail Ready: Hiking Essentials.

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Get trail ready with this collection of hiking essentials designed to help you stay comfortable, prepared, and organized on your outdoor adventures. From practical gear to helpful trail accessories, these items are great for day hikes, weekend advent...
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🏔️ Canmore, ALBERTA pics📸

Days like this in Canmore remind me how important it is to slow down and just take it all in. Nothing fancy—just nature doing its thing. I do t hi k photos even do it justice. It is THAT beautiful! Have you been?
 
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The Discover the beauty of Canmore, Alberta! Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this charming town offers breathtaking mountain views, pristine hiking trails, and crystal-clear rivers. Explore unique local shops, cozy cafés, and top-notch ... WELCOME TO CANMORE.
Town of Canmore: Home

🥾Must-Have Gear

From clothing and layers to handy accessories, these are the items I actually reach for every time I hit the trail. They are practical, versatile, and built for real outdoor mountain adventures.

 
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My personal favourite headlamp! RECHARGABLE!  Just plug into your portable charger in your backpack!
Cabela's® Rechargeable Headlamp
 
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Why do hikers use poles?  Better balance, less strain, more support.ountains, GOOD poles are important. You cannot put a price on safety…. and your knees will thank you for it!
Trekking Poles, Hiking Staffs & Walking Sticks | REI Co-op
 
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Taking care of your feet is one of the most important parts of hiking. These boots offer great traction, excellent support, and are breathable, waterproof, and comfortable—making them a reliable choice for short or long days on the trail.
Hiking Boots | Mountain Warehouse CA
 
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Hiking in the mountains, proper traction can make all the difference to your experience. These crampons help you maintain grip and stability on icy trails, and are a valuable piece of gear for winter, iced hikes or snowy mountain conditions.
Snow & Ice Equipment
 
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I am excited to share this solar powered phone charger. When you are hiking far from power sources, a backup charger is essential. This solar-powered charger helps keep your phone powered using sunlight, making it a useful piece of gear for long hike...
Solar Power Bank Best | Walmart Canada
 
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Mountain weather can change in an instant. This lightweight, waterproof jacket helps keep you dry and comfortable, while the bright color adds extra visibility on the trail. I always have a lightweight waterproof jacket like this when hiking in the m...
Women's Rain Jackets - Waterproof Coats
 
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I learned the hard way how important good hiking socks are. On my first hike I didn’t take proper care of my feet and ended up with painful blisters. Since then, wool hiking socks like these have become essential for me—they’re comfortable, non-itch,...
Merino Wool Socks & Apparel in Canada | Smartwool®
 
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These zip-off pants turn into shorts in seconds, which makes them perfect for changing weather or long hikes. Lightweight, comfortable, and one less thing to think about when you’re out exploring.
Convertible Zip Off Pants
 
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I wear shorts on my hike days when Mother Nature is calling for extreme hot weather. Always keep a pair of light hiking pants rolled up in your backpack, as the mountain weather can change at any time!  HAPPY HIKING
Women's Hiking & Trail Shorts | Columbia Sportswear CA
 
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Are you looking for affordabilty and comfort?  These pants are designed for both! HAPPY HIKING
Hiking Pants Men | Walmart Canada
 
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Hiking pants are truly a preference of what you like and how you feel. As a hiker I have seen so manymany different styles. I have several and purchase from different places…
Women's Outdoor Pants & Capris | The North Face Canada
 
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For those who like the convenience of not stopping to remove their water bottle, this backpack has the hydration bladder inside, which means a convenient drink while hiking and you can pack all your gear in it! Remember…. Mountain weather changes qui...
Hiking Hydration Backpacks | REI Co-op
 
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Perfect for keeping everything dry and protected, no matter the weather!    When rain is a possibility, it is  one less thing to worry about and keeps everything inside safe and organized.
High 50L Backpack
 
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This backpack is great for an overnight adventure on the mountain! It is lightweight and durable, lasting many many years!
Ariel 55 Women's Backpacking Pack - Women's-specific Fit
 
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I use this towel around my neck on hot days!  Wet with cool water at the trailhead and it stays cool for hours. It is perfect to cool your body while trekking the incline of the mountain to the summit.  I have purchased a few of these-
Rainleaf Microfiber Travel & Gym Towel
 
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Hydration is a must!!!  If you prefer to not have the hydration compartment in your backpack… then bring a Yeti.  Any bottle is fine really, but Yeti's are proven to keep water cold for the hot summer hikes.
YETI Water Bottles Buying Guide 2026
 
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Head gear is a personal decision.   I like my bandanas, ballcaps and I have one bucket hat.  What I loved about the bucket hat, was it protected the sun from my face and neck 360 degrees. It is super comfy!
Men's Hiking Hats
 
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Our heads are important too on a hike…Summer and fall months are perfect for this fun hat! Provides sun protection and looks snazzy! (if you like hats):)
Hiking Hair Don't Care Adjustable Cap
 
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Mountain hikers!! Protect those knees!! These are perfect for incline and decline.
McDavid Runners/Jumpers Knee Patella Strap
 
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These hiking poles are a great addition to your gear. They are durable, adjustable and the grip is strong in all inclement weather.
Trekking Poles & Hiking Staffs
 
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Are you hiking in the Spring or plan on pitching a tent on a mountain! THIS is necessity!  Nothing worse than bugs flying around you and biting you on a hike!  Be prepared!  This is the BEST product!
Bug Repellent Deet | Walmart Canada
 
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Planning on a overnight mountain adventure? Don't pack a heavy tent… these are durable and lightweight! PS- you have to get a bigger backpack for overnight adventures… that is a whole new level!
Camping and Hiking
 
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If you are hiking in areas with wildlife, the key is UNSCENTED SUNSCREEN. Animals are often attracted to sweet or tropical smells like coconut, banana, or fruit scents found in many sunscreens.  Neutrogena unscented sunscreen is what I use.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense SPF 60+ Lotion
 
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Such a small thing but really useful to have! It keeps your hands free &  lights the way if you are out early, late, or lose daylight on the trail.   It's an item you will be glad that you packed!
Headlamps | Mountain Warehouse CA
 
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When you decide to put on a pair of hiker boots and gear up your backpack, don't forget that hydration is super important for those huge hikes!  Not only are they good for you, but they are DELISH as well!
Energy and Electrolyte Drinks | MEC

🧭Safety Essentials

These are the items I bring with me to feel prepared and safe on the trail. It's practical, and doesn't take up a lot of room in your backpack.  Five of these items I have attached to my pack straps or backpack…the rest are inside! EASY PEASY! 

 
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As a hiker, or you must remember you are in BEAR territory.  This is their home. They live here.   Typically, they will not bother you and generally more afraid of you. (unless they have cubs or are immeciated).  There is always a risk of running into a bear.   Having Bear spray readily available ( NOT STORED IN YOUR BACKPACK) is essential.  Hike smart- be respectful, and educatate yourself on how to use it BEFORE you hit the trail!  *YOU TUBE has great videos*.
Bear Spray
 
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Nothing beats peace of mind on every mountain hike. Family can see where you are, and in an emergency, help can reach you quickly. Explore confidently, knowing you are connected even in remote spots with less stress and  more freedom to enjoy the trail.  If you don't have a satellite communicator, but your hiking companion does… PLEASE learn how to use it in the event of an emergency.  Time is of the essence on a mountain!
Satellite Communicators | Garmin
 
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Don't forget to pack your compass when heading to the mountains! Trails are not always clearly marked and the ever changing weather can lead you off trail. Even experienced hikers like me bring it just in case. Phones maps can die, but a compass is a...
Compasses - Walmart.com
 
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Hiking in the mountains means you are in bear territory. Don't forget your bear bells. Put them on your backpack or furbaby if they are travelling with you. Safety is paramount… this gives those beautiful bears a heads up you are in the area without ...
Coghlan's Bear Bell with Magnetic Silencer
 
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Ropes and carbiner clips are essential for safety and versatility on the trail for setting up gear, securing items, or helping out in tricky spots. They are lightweight, easy to pack, and one of those things that gives peace of mind when you need it....
Black Diamond® Equipment | Climb. Ski. Run. Hike.
 
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Emergency gear is essential when hiking in the mountains. This durable climbing rope provides dependable strength and can be useful in unexpected situations where extra safety and support are needed.
NTR 8MM Static Climbing Rope w/ 2 Hooks
 
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These lifestraws never leave my backpack! Hiking the Rockies is beautiful and peaceful but we never know if we will encounter an emergency or run out of water. Lifestraws have a filtration and is safe to fill with lake water. Always be prepared!
Lifestraw
 
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Keep this handy dandy item in the front or side of your backpack. This is truly essential for every hike, from cutting tree limbs for a fire (if needed), to defending yourself against wild animals. ( I hope this never happens), but one can never be t...
Pocket Knives
 
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Every hiker should carry a dependable flashlight. It provides the light you need for early starts, late finishes, or unexpected situations on the trail.  Replace batteries every couple of months, or get a chargeable battery, but make sure you have a portable charger also!
Flashlights
 
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Whistles are essential in hiking, especially dense areas. Sometimes the quick blow of your whistle alerts the wildlife and they leave the area. It is also helpful in the event of an emergency to alert other hikers of a bear/cougar and/or hiker injury...
Whistle
 
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This takes up very little room in your backpack. Always be prepared for the unknown.  I had to use one for an injured hiker I came across on a cool damp spring day.  It kept her warm and calm until medical arrived. ( which isn't in minutes on a mountain).  Always think ahead and keep safety in mind when packing for your trip.  Emergancy blankets are must haves!
9 Pack Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets
 
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I cannot stress the importance of safety while hiking. One must be ready and prepared for the highs and the lows of the adventure. First Aid kits that are compact will fit nicely into your backpack. You don't want to be on a mountain and require firs...
First Aid Kits | Walmart Canada
 
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Hiking the Rocky Mountains includes possible encounters with bears and cougars! I like to pump a short sound when limited people are on the trail and I am hiking thru a heavily forested area, bushwacking or when in thick vegetation.  It's a “heads up” for our wildlife that we are in the area and loud enough to move them along.
Emzone Signal Air Horn, 3-pk, 100 g

🍲Dehydrated Food

 
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Having dehydrated food is not necessary for a day hike, but is it handy to have one in your backpack “just in case”, or if you plan on sleeping on the mountain.   If you don't use dehydrated food- pack carefully!  You will attract bears if not sealed 100%.
Backpacker's Pantry Canada | Freeze-Dried & Dehydrated Meals ...
 
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If you are planning to stay on the mountain, I would suggest dehydrated food so you don't purposefuly attract bears!  These are delightfully really good!
Camping meals - Dehydrated Food and Freeze Dried Food