Written by: Anastasia (@anastasia.ventures)
If you're reading this, it means that you are pretty keen on hiking in British Columbia. Maybe you are a seasoned hiker, or someone who is just starting out and is about to have the time of your life! Either way, you are about to get the ultimate packing checklist so you never forget anything ever again!
If you're in a rush, here is the PDF of the list. If you're looking for some tips and my recommendations, read on!
Weather in the Pacific Northwest can turn on a dime, and being prepared is the difference between an unforgettable adventure and a miserable (or dangerous) situation. This comprehensive packing guide is designed to get you out there safely, whether you’re heading out for a few hours or heading deep into the backcountry for a multi-day trek. To determine exactly what to bring, always think about how far you plan to hike, how remote the location is, and what the weather forecast has in store. Personally, I’d rather be overprepared than under.
Throughout my years of hiking, I have made some pretty silly mistakes, like not bringing microspikes because it was June, and then falling/sliding down a mountainside because the alpine still has snow in June (and even July). Now I always carry microspikes. Or packing two Camelbaks and three water bottles because I was too stubborn to buy a water filter. Now I own multiple. They are a game-changer. Whether it's a personal bottle like the one from Katadyn for day hikes or a filtration system like the one from Platypus for backpacking trips, it's worth it. It costs $60–200 to avoid heatstroke, save your back from carrying 6 L of water, and be able to cook your boxed mac & cheese in peace.
Part 1: The BC Day Hiking Checklist
Day hiking feels simple: you wake up at home and come back before bedtime. If you are going to your local park or maybe a 30-minute trail down the road, you could get away with just your runners and some water. However, we need to talk about what you should bring. Search and Rescue’s most popular call-out reason is people getting lost or disoriented...even on local Vancouver hikes that are only a few hours long (i.e., Saint Mark's Summit, Tunnel Bluffs, etc.). So yes, bring those extra snackies (cause you can eat them on the car ride home too).
This list is your foundation for longer day trips. Items marked with an asterisk (*) can be considered optional depending on the weather, trail conditions, and your personal preference.
I did not mention this in the list, but I love to bring a comfy pair of shoes and an extra water bottle to leave in my car. Nothing feels better than letting your feet breathe on the way home. If you're looking for recommendations on what I bring, here is my version of the list. I have added links from Valhalla’s website so you can find the exact items!
Anastasia’s Day Hiking List
The Essentials & Navigation
[ ] Offline map AllTrails/Gaia (Yes, I use both) + BC Backcountry Map
[ ] Garmin Inreach
[ ] Bear Spray (carried somewhere easily accessible, not inside your pack!)
[ ] Headlamp
[ ] First Aid Kit (has my moleskin + Aspirin + Emergency Shelter + Fire-Making Kit)
[ ] Multi-tool
[ ] Arc’teryx Mantis 26 Backpack (a whistle is built-in!) + rain cover
[ ] SPF Sunscreen & Lip Balm (all work for me!)
[ ] Bens Bug spray
[ ] Hat + Sunglasses (the style depends on the day!)
Clothing & Footwear
[ ] Base layers (Icebreaker or Smartwool is a game-changer!)
[ ] Mid-layer (fleece or lightweight down jacket)
[ ] Rain jacket (Arc’teryx Beta Rain Coat)
[ ] Gloves + Warm hat* (essential for alpine summits, even in summer)
[ ] Kahtoola Microspikes* (highly recommended for early-summer snow patches)
[ ] Windquester Strider Z Hiking poles*
Nutrition & Hydration
[ ] CamelBak
[ ] Snacks & Meals (leftovers turned into wraps/sandwiches, bars, cookies, trail mix, etc)
[ ] Extra supply of food/snacks (a must even if it ends up being for the car ride home)
Hygiene & Personal Items
[ ] Hand sanitizer
[ ] Toilet paper + Ziplock bag (cause emergencies happen)
[ ] Portable charger*
[ ] Camera or Phone
[ ] Trail permits or park passes (if required)
Part 2: The BC Backpacking Checklist (Overnight Additions)
Ready to sleep under the stars? When you're transitioning to an overnight or multi-day trip, your packing strategy shifts to comfort, shelter, and camp kitchen management. It’s a fun balancing act of making sure that you're safe and happy, without making your pack too heavy.
For me, there are some non-negotiables. Firstly, a pair of camping slippers or Crocs (depending on the location). I LOVE down slippers because they are so light and compact. Rab makes a great pair. To me, it is exactly what my feet need after a long day of trekking. Secondly, I need a mug. Whether it's for an evening cup of tea or a morning coffee, count me in. You can use any mug, but if you are looking to conserve space, the Ti-Double M30 Stacking Mug from Snow Peak is pretty great since it's light, multi-use, AND stacks (as per the name). Lastly, I need a comfort meal. Dehydrated meals are revolutionary, but I try to have a true “comfort meal” where I can. Comfort to me looks like a bowl of Annie’s Mac & Cheese, Ramen, cereal, instant oats, or instant cookie dough… Yum.
In terms of packing, I keep everything from the Day Hiking list above, and add these backpacking-specific essentials to my bag:
What Anastasia Brings to a Hiking Sleepover:
Camp & Overnight Gear
[ ] Alpine Lowe 55 L (one day i’ll spoil myself on an Osprey)
[ ] MSR Tent (with rainfly and footprints)
[ ] Big Agnes Sleeping bag (rated to the appropriate night temperatures)
[ ] Big Agnes Sleeping pad (R Value/insulation matters!)
[ ] Inflatable pillow (a little luxury goes a long way)
[ ] Bear Vault (this or a bag is mandatory for BC backcountry food storage)
[ ] Down Slippers or Crocs
Camp Kitchen & Nutrition
[ ] Pot
[ ] Mug (if you are wanting a mug that stacks with a bowl try Snowpeak)
[ ] Collapsible bowl
[ ] Spoon, Fork, knife (in my multitool)
[ ] Dehydrated meals either premade or comfort style (Breakfasts & Dinners)
[ ] Extra supply of calorie-dense food (trail mix, jerky, dried fruit, etc.)
Expanded Clothing (Keep in a Dry Bag/Ziplock)
[ ] Fresh undergarments
[ ] Extra hiking socks (I always keep a pair dedicated strictly for sleeping/emergencies)
[ ] Loose long-sleeve shirt (sunburns, comfort, bug barrier, etc!)
[ ] Warm change of pants (for lounging around camp…sometimes they are fuzzy PJ’s)
Camp Health & Hygiene
[ ] Toothbrush + Paste
[ ] Biodegradable soap (use at least 70 meters away from water sources)
[ ] Quick-dry microfiber towel
Part 3: Golden Rules for the Trail
Before you head out to the trailhead, remember these four safety tips. They are what will save your life if something goes wrong and will keep BC’s wild spaces explorable for everyone.
Always Make a Trip Plan: Let a trusted friend or family member know exactly where you are going, what route you are taking, and when you expect to be back. It’s a great way to spark a convo, send pictures, tell someone you love them, and, most importantly, get help if something goes wrong.
Weather Changes Fast: Mountain weather is highly unpredictable. Check the forecast multiple times leading right up to your hike, and be prepared to turn back if conditions turn sketchy.
Download Your Maps Ahead of Time: Cell service disappears quickly in the mountains. If you are using AllTrails or Gaia, download your maps offline before you lose service at the trailhead. I like to use AllTrails for my hike and Gaia to navigate the landscape.
Leave No Trace (LNT): Always pack out your garbage, food scraps, and toilet paper. If you pack it in, pack it out! Leaving garbage is bad for the environment, animals, and others who come after you. It can take up to 3 years for toilet paper to decompose in the backcountry. If you leave food scraps, it will attract wildlife, increasing your probability of an encounter.
Not everything will go to plan when you are in the backcountry. Sometimes there will be surprise storms, wildlife encounters, obstacles, and hiccups. I’ve had it where I started a hike on a sunny day with a friend and at the top it started hailing so uncontrollably it became a whiteout. Thankfully, we packed rain gear and took it as an opportunity to enjoy the scenery. The only reason these surprises become fun stories is because we were prepared. A hail storm could easily become a recipe for hypothermia or a miserable walk back. That’s why it's so important to have a checklist and be prepared.
I hope that no matter what your adventure brings you, these checklists help you stay prepared and have a blast.
Happy hiking!
Disclaimer: This list reflects my personal gear preferences and is a starting point only. You are entirely responsible for your own safety, trip planning, and gear research. Please verify local trail conditions and official park resources before heading out, as I am not liable for your packing choices or trip outcomes. Stay safe and have fun out there!