BACKPACKING WITH GET OUTSIDE
Welcome!!!!
I would like to thank you for signing up for the backpacking trip. It is going to be an adventure! I look forward to getting out with all of you. I recognize that everyone is coming with her own unique experiences and fitness level and I feel confident that everyone will enjoy this trip. To ensure maximum enjoyment it is important to come to the trip with a good fitness level allowing you to hike 15km with a 35lb pack. Spend some time hiking the hills close to your home to help prepare your body.
Although we cannot control the weather, these dates in the past have proven to be an ideal time to hike, less bugs, and beautiful scenery. Get ready for some exciting days and keep your fingers crossed for good weather!
I would like to thank you for signing up for the backpacking trip. It is going to be an adventure! I look forward to getting out with all of you. I recognize that everyone is coming with her own unique experiences and fitness level and I feel confident that everyone will enjoy this trip. To ensure maximum enjoyment it is important to come to the trip with a good fitness level allowing you to hike 15km with a 35lb pack. Spend some time hiking the hills close to your home to help prepare your body.
Although we cannot control the weather, these dates in the past have proven to be an ideal time to hike, less bugs, and beautiful scenery. Get ready for some exciting days and keep your fingers crossed for good weather!
Kick Off Meeting
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The meeting will take place at Stonewaters in Canmore, AB (except for the WCT and the Skyline Trail). The meeting will start at 7pm the night before hitting the trail. Please find your way to the room in the back left hand corner of the store, behind the chocolates.
It is essential that all participants attend this meeting. Arrive with your gear lightly packed. If you are unsure what to park, bring various options, as we will cover what to pack and how to pack it. We will also review the trips itinerary, participants’ expectations, do an equipment check and divide group gear. |
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Accommodation
I highly recommend spending the night after the kickoff meeting in Canmore - book well ahead.
Air BnbCondo at Solara Resort & Spa
More than just lodging with this condo; instead, the focus is to provide great experiences/memories during your stay |
HostelsAlpine Club of Canada HI Hostel
Take in all the glory of the Three Sisters from the clubhouse decks or settle into the cozy fireplace lounge stocked with games, books and comfy couches. |
HotelsBasecamp Resorts is a unique group of vacation properties located in the heart of Canmore. They even have a hot tub on the roof top deck!
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The nights on the trip will be spent in the backcountry, using tents and camp stoves. If you don’t have your own tent, don't stress, they are provided for you (based on two people per tent), but you are required to bring your own sleeping pad and bag.
Meals
Ingredients for the meals will be organized prior to the camp with an emphasis on the nutritional requirements specific to this kind of activity. In the spirit of learning, the group will prepare the meals. We will have various options and different types of stoves so that people can learn how different set ups work. Meals will be tasty and filling, with a strong focus on being lightweight.
If you have any food intolerances or preferences, please notify us and we will do what we can to accommodate you.
Breakfast and lunch on day one is not included; also dinner on the last day is not included.
If you have any food intolerances or preferences, please notify us and we will do what we can to accommodate you.
Breakfast and lunch on day one is not included; also dinner on the last day is not included.
Cost
The cost of the trip includes:
Transportation to and from Canmore is not included in the price. Once we have an idea where people are coming from, we can organize a car pool to make sure we all have transportation.
Accommodation the night before and after the course is also not included. If you would like hotel options, please contact Get Outside or check out our resource page for suggestions.
- Backcountry skills learning
- Wilderness pass for each night
- Tents for camping
- Amazingly delicious food from the evening of day 1 to lunch on the last day
- An ACMG guide
- An on trail physiotherapist
- All group cooking gear
Transportation to and from Canmore is not included in the price. Once we have an idea where people are coming from, we can organize a car pool to make sure we all have transportation.
Accommodation the night before and after the course is also not included. If you would like hotel options, please contact Get Outside or check out our resource page for suggestions.
Cancellation and Medical Insurance
Please consider trip cancellation insurance. It is also a good idea to have medical insurance if you are coming from out of country.
Park Vehicle Pass
If you are driving please ensure you have a valid National Park vehicle pass. This covers you for rescue insurance while in the Park. You will be able to stop at the Banff National Park gate to pick up a pass when we drive to the start of our trip.
Waivers
Waivers will be handed out at the start of the course. Each participant is required to read and sign the waiver. Here is a copy if you'd like to read the waiver ahead of time.
Equipment
Carefully review the equipment list when packing for this camp. Please do not hesitate to contact Get Outside if you have any questions about your equipment - we want to be sure that you have all the right gear. We will have time the night before the trip to make final reviews so if you have questions about which item to bring or not bring, take them both along and we can make final cuts there!
You will be asked to carry some group gear in addition to your own personal items, so leave room in your pack for 4-6 kg (10-12 pounds) of group food and gear.
If you require rental equipment, Jenna is happy to arrange this for you.
You will be asked to carry some group gear in addition to your own personal items, so leave room in your pack for 4-6 kg (10-12 pounds) of group food and gear.
If you require rental equipment, Jenna is happy to arrange this for you.
Blisters are always a problem on camps and inevitably slow down the entire group. Please ensure your boots fit properly and have been tested out prior to your camp. Alert Jenna at the first sign of a blister – blisters will only get worse if you wait.
Suggested Clothing List
- Long underwear top and bottoms (synthetic or merino wool)
- Lightweight synthetic or merino shirt for hiking if warm
- Durable hiking pants (e.g. Schoeller or quick dry)
- Synthetic jacket/sweater
- Gore-Tex jacket (or equivalent waterproof/breathable outer shell w/ hood)
- Waterproof shell pants (Gore-Tex of equivalent, preferable full side zip)
- Warm wool or synthetic socks x 2
- Warm gloves
- Toque (yes, I am Canadian), warm hat or buff
- Hat for sun protection
- Down or synthetic insulated jacket
- Light shoes/sandals for around camp
Personal Equipment
- Backpack (45-60L)
- Pack cover
- Plastic bag to waterproof clothing and sleeping bag in pack (garbage bags work well)
- Sleeping bag (-5° C to -12°C, depending on your comfort level)
- Sleeping pad/Therm-a-rest (If you are bringing an inflatable mattress, make sure it has no holes prior to departure and bring a patch kit)
- Well fitting boots (ideally broken in before the trip)
- Mug, Bowl/Plate, cutlery
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip protection with minimum SPF 30
- Water bottle(s) - at least 1 liter, wide mouth, plastic with tight lid.
- Toilet kit including toothbrush
- Headlamp - with spare batteries
- Toilet paper and hand sanitizer (enough to last you through the trip)
- Ziploc baggies
- Lighter
Optional
- Gem Trek Map of the area
- Gaiters
- Bear spray - Your guide will carry their own
- Compression bag for your sleeping bag
- Compass
- Camera
- Collapsible hiking poles
- Pocket knife (Swiss Army style)
- Ear plugs
- Small personal amount of liquor / treats, if desired
- Reading material/pencil/journal for evening
Food
- Remember to pack lunch for day one
Some notes on equipment:
No equipment or replacement parts will be available on the trip, so be sure you arrive properly equipped with all items adjusted, sized and in very good condition. Shortages and inadequate gear may limit your enjoyment of the experience, rule out your participation in some activities, or impose an unnecessary burden on other participants. It is highly advisable that all equipment (particularly new, borrowed or unfamiliar gear) is checked out extensively before the camp on at least one other trip.
Jenna has some extra gear, so if you are short on something let her know, you may be able to borrow an item or two. All group gear including tents, stoves, pots and pans, first aid kit, group repair kit, additional camp gear, etc. will be provided.
No equipment or replacement parts will be available on the trip, so be sure you arrive properly equipped with all items adjusted, sized and in very good condition. Shortages and inadequate gear may limit your enjoyment of the experience, rule out your participation in some activities, or impose an unnecessary burden on other participants. It is highly advisable that all equipment (particularly new, borrowed or unfamiliar gear) is checked out extensively before the camp on at least one other trip.
Jenna has some extra gear, so if you are short on something let her know, you may be able to borrow an item or two. All group gear including tents, stoves, pots and pans, first aid kit, group repair kit, additional camp gear, etc. will be provided.
Lightweight Philosophy
Jenna is a big believer in keeping ones pack lightweight. After years of backpacking, she has discovered tricks and tips to pack a lighter bag. By keeping your pack lighter you get to experience more energy at the end of the day, increased agility, and fewer injuries. She is happy to help you drop weight in your pack!
Contact
Jenna Nodding
Get Outside
PO Box 8538
Canmore, AB
T1W 1P4
(403) 478-1331
jenna@getoutsideadventures.ca
www.GetOutsideAdventures.ca
Get Outside
PO Box 8538
Canmore, AB
T1W 1P4
(403) 478-1331
jenna@getoutsideadventures.ca
www.GetOutsideAdventures.ca
Have questions swirling around, don't hesitate to contact me. I am here to help!
