Equipment checklist

Jasper National Park

Trip planning checklist

Select a trip that best suits your party’s abilities and experience, interests, equipment and the time you have available.
Familiarize yourself with the trail you have selected. This includes using additional reference guides, our self-service guides and topographical maps.
Obtain a backcountry permit online at parkscanada.ca/bookjasperbackcountry or by phone at 1-877-737-3783.
Check trail conditions and weather prior to departure.
Be prepared to be self-sufficient during inclement and rapidly changing mountain conditions by packing the right clothing and camping gear.
Let a friend or family member know about your travel plans.
Check the trailhead kiosk prior to your hike; it contains valuable information about closures and warnings.

Summer backcountry equipment checklist

What to bring

This is a list of suggested equipment, which you can adjust to suit your preferences.This equipment list does not account for the special knowledge and equipment required to travel in avalanche terrain.

Mountain weather is unpredictable; be prepared for winter conditions at any time of the year. Snow may persist in high mountain regions into the summer and avalanche danger may be present in any season. 

Clothing
  • Boots - with ankle support and good soles
  • Extra socks
  • Hat and gloves/mittens
  • Long underwear
  • Raingear – pants and jacket, gaiters
  • Sandals/runners - for fording streams and at camp
  • Shorts, pants and shirt
  • Wool sweater, down vest, or fleece/down jacket
Food and gear
  • Tent with waterproof fly
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Backpack
  • Food – including enough for an extra day
  • Stove, fuel, lighter or waterproof matches, pot, dishes, eating and cooking utensils
  • Water filter, purification tablets or extra fuel for boiling your water
Other essentials
  • Backcountry permit and reservation
  • Basic toiletries and toilet paper
  • Bear-proof food storage containers where no food storage is provided
  • Bear spray
  • Candle
  • Emergency blanket
  • First aid and blister kit
  • Garbage bags
  • GPS/compass
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Knife
  • Repair kit
  • Rope and carabiner (approx. 8 m)
  • Signaling device (whistle/mirror)
  • Sunglasses and sunhat
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Topographic map
  • Water bottle
  • Waterproof matches and/or lighter
Optional
  • Satellite communication device (SPOT, InReach, Zoleo, etc.), locator (PLB) or satellite phone
  • Insect repellant
  • Binoculars
  • Biodegradable soap
  • Camera
  • Field guide(s)
  • Notebook and pencil
  • Altimeter
  • Towel
  • Trekking poles
Winter backcountry equipment checklist

What to bring

This is a list of suggested equipment, which you can adjust to suit your preferences. This equipment list does not account for the special knowledge and equipment required to travel in avalanche terrain. 

Mountain weather is unpredictable; be prepared for changing conditions. 

Clothing

  • Fleece pants and vest
  • Gaiters or insulated over-boots
  • Insulating top (synthetic)
  • Long underwear top/bottom
  • Outer shell top and pants
  • Synthetic outer socks with wicking inner socks
  • Warm hat and gloves/mitts

Snow gear

  • Avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel
  • Backcountry skis or snowboard
  • Boots  
  • Poles
  • Ski repair kit (spare binding parts, tools)
  • Skins
  • Snow kit (crystal card, loupe, thermometer)

Camping gear

  • Backpack
  • Sleeping bag
  • Water treatment or filter
  • Tent
  • Sleeping pad
  • Stove and fuel
  • Toiletries (including toilet paper)
  • Cooking/eating utensils

Other essentials

  • Backcountry permit and reservation
  • Candle, fire starter
  • Compass and topo map
  • Emergency blanket
  • First Aid and blister kit
  • Food
  • Headlamp extra batteries
  • Knife
  • Repair kit
  • Signalling whistle/mirror
  • Sunglasses, goggles
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Toilet paper
  • Trip plan (left with friend)
  • Water and Gatorade
  • Waterproof matches/lighter

Optional

  • Satellite communication device (SPOT, InReach, Zoleo, etc.) locator, (PLB) or satellite phone
  • Altimeter
  • Binoculars
  • Book, deck of cards
  • Camera
  • GPS
  • Knee pads
  • Notebook and pencil
  • Rope

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