Summer Packing List
Walcott Lodge - June through September
Essential gear and equipment for your summer visit to Walcott Lodge
Important: You will be hiking 11km (3-4 hours) with your gear. Pack efficiently but don’t sacrifice essentials. Every item listed here has a purpose for your safety and comfort.
Hiking & Access
Footwear (Critical)
- Hiking boots (waterproof, broken in - no new boots!)
- Camp shoes or sandals (for lodge wear)
- Wool or synthetic hiking socks (3-4 pairs)
- Sock liners (optional, helps prevent blisters)
Clothing Layers
Base Layer
- Moisture-wicking t-shirts or base layers (3-4)
- Underwear (enough for trip duration)
- Sports bra (for women)
Mid Layer
- Long-sleeve hiking shirt (sun protection)
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Insulated jacket (puffy or synthetic)
- Lightweight hiking pants (2 pairs)
- Convertible zip-off pants (optional but recommended)
Outer Layer
- Rain jacket (waterproof, breathable - essential)
- Rain pants (waterproof - essential)
Accessories
- Wide-brimmed sun hat or cap
- Warm beanie or toque
- Sunglasses (UV protection, Category 3-4)
- Lightweight gloves (early/late season)
- Buff or neck gaiter (sun/wind protection)
Backpack & Gear
Pack
- Comfortable backpack (50-65L for multi-day)
- Daypack (20-30L for daily hikes from lodge)
- Pack rain cover or dry bags
- Waterproof stuff sacks for organization
Hiking Essentials
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Water bottles or hydration system (2-3L capacity total)
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Map and compass (provided at lodge, but bring your own if preferred)
- Whistle (for emergencies)
- Multi-tool or knife
Personal Items
Toiletries (Eco-Friendly Only)
- Biodegradable soap (all-purpose - required)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Toilet paper (small amount as backup)
- Hand sanitizer
- Feminine hygiene products
- Towel (quick-dry, compact)
- Wet wipes (biodegradable)
Sun & Insect Protection
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+ minimum, reef-safe preferred)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Insect repellent (DEET or natural alternatives)
- After-bite treatment
Medical & First Aid
- Personal prescription medications (full supply)
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Antihistamine (for allergies)
- Blister treatment (moleskin, second skin)
- Personal first aid kit
- EpiPen (if prescribed)
Electronics & Documentation
Power & Devices
- Camera with extra batteries/memory cards
- Smartphone (note: no service at lodge)
- Power bank(s) (fully charged - no charging at lodge)
- Headphone/earbuds (for the hike)
- E-reader or tablet
- Charging cables
Documentation
- Photo ID
- Travel/medical insurance information
- Emergency contact information
- Lodge confirmation/booking details
- Printed copy of this packing list
- Trail map and directions to trailhead
Optional But Recommended
Recreation & Comfort
- Binoculars (for wildlife viewing)
- Field guides (birds, wildflowers, geology)
- Journal and pen
- Book(s) for evening reading
- Playing cards or travel games
- Small pillow (if you’re particular about pillows)
Photography
- Extra camera batteries
- Lens cleaning kit
- Tripod (compact/lightweight)
- Polarizing filter
Nature Study
- Hand lens or magnifying glass
- Notebook for nature observations
- Pencils for sketching
Food & Snacks
While meals are provided at the lodge, bring snacks for the trail:
- Energy bars or granola bars (4-6)
- Trail mix or nuts
- Dried fruit
- Electrolyte powder or tablets
- Hard candy or gummies (quick energy)
DO NOT BRING
Prohibited Items
- ❌ Drones (prohibited by Parks Canada)
- ❌ Pets (not permitted)
- ❌ Electric devices requiring charging (hair dryers, curling irons, etc.)
- ❌ Scented products (perfumes, scented lotions - attracts wildlife)
- ❌ Non-biodegradable soaps or shampoos
- ❌ Fireworks or firearms
- ❌ Disposable plastic items (be environmentally conscious)
Leave at Home
- ❌ Excessive luggage (you’re carrying it!)
- ❌ Valuable jewelry
- ❌ Work laptops (disconnect!)
- ❌ Expectations of cell service or Wi-Fi
Packing Tips
Weight Distribution: Pack heavy items close to your back, medium weight up high, light items at the bottom.
Accessibility: Keep rain gear, snacks, water, and sunscreen easily accessible.
Compression: Use stuff sacks and compression bags to maximize space.
Test Your Pack: Do at least one training hike with your fully loaded pack before arrival.
Check Weather: Review the forecast before finalizing your packing. Early season (June) can be cooler and wetter; late season (September) can have early snow.
Questions?
Contact us at stay@walcottlodge.com or call +1 (403) 555-0100
Remember: Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. But also remember: you’re carrying everything 11km!
Last Updated: October 2025
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