What To Wear Hiking in Banff

Are you wondering what to wear hiking in the Canadian Rockies? We suggest you head out in whatever is comfortable, but never forget a hiking jacket, phone, bear spray, and water. You don’t need a new wardrobe for hiking with the latest and greatest tech.

As your hikes lengthen, you delve deeper, and begin to reach loftier heights, you’ll need some solid fundamentals. It’s a good idea to have a smart strategy regarding clothes. Layers are crucial for temperature management and aid in protection from the elements.

Cold weather, rain, sunburn, or bugs will ruin any unprepared hiker’s day. Undoubtedly, quality clothes can be the difference between a good day and a bad one. We spend roughly half our year on the trail and have seen just about all the different weather the mountains can throw at us.

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Tips For What to Wear Hiking in the Rockies

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Make Your Plans

When it comes down to what to wear hiking, you don’t need everything on this hiking attire list, as it all depends on where you’re trekking, the season, your personal preference, and the route aspects. Every hike, run, scramble, or mountaineering objective starts with the planning phase. Walking through the forest to a waterfall in the summer is not the same as summiting a mountain in the winter.

Personally, we always research the route and understand what kind of terrain we will face on our hike. It’s a good idea to know the topography of the route and check the weather forecast. Stop using Apple Weather for forecasts in the mountains as it’s far from reliable. Instead a great resource to check the weather is Mountain Forecast and Windy, which forecasts temperatures, precipitation, and wind speeds at various elevations.

Every season shares some basic principles on what you should wear when hiking. No matter the season, in the Canadian Rockies, it is always a good idea to pack insulation like a down jacket and a protective layer like a hard shell as well as a hat – yes, even in the summer.

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Layers

The most basic principle of what to wear hiking is layering. Anyone who has spent time in the wilderness or mountains can speak to the fact your temperature can fluctuate a lot on a hike. I often start out cold, and then warm up quickly as I start gaining elevation on the trail. The goal of hiking clothing is to help regulate your body temperature, provide element protection, and manage moisture.

All of that is best done through a layering system. The layering system may not be as important for short hikes at low elevations in the summer, but since most hikes in the Rockies occur at high elevation, hikers will deal with cold temperatures.

As you venture further into the backcountry the risk of a night outside also presents a greater threat so additional layers are paramount to a safe hike. You do not want to spend a night in the Rockies without warm clothes.

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Choose The Right Materials

While layers help manage moisture, the choice of material is equally important. Synthetic materials dry fast thanks to their moisture-wicking qualities. If clothes fail to dry once you’ve stopped moving, you’ll find you develop a chill fast. It’s best to avoid cotton as it is slow to dry and heavy. Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester are breathable, wick moisture away, and are durable.

For a more natural choice, try wool or canvas. While it is more cost-prohibitive, wool fabrics are amazing and offer a lot of comfort and performance. The best thing about wool is that it’s not a petroleum-based product. If possible, opt for fabrics that are recycled, Bluesign-certified, or natural.

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Invest In Your Hiking Attire

Price tags on quality gear can be eye-watering. Anyone who has walked into an Arcteryx or Fjallraven store knows that. However, the investment can often pay off in performance and longevity. Cheap items often have a shorter life and thus end up in the landfill sooner.

If you think you’ll be hiking and getting outside often, the environmentally conscious approach is to purchase quality goods that will last for many seasons and thousands of miles, instead of cheap stuff on Amazon that could get a hole in it after one use. If you’re on a budget, check out your local sporting goods consignment store. In Canmore, Switching Gear is a great consignment store that offers lower pricing on quality goods from reputable well-known brands.

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Do You Really Need New Hiking Clothes?

All that being said, think about how much time you’re going to spend in the mountains and if you really need new stuff. The short answer is likely NO. You probably already have a lot of this stuff at home. Things like wool socks, underwear, and sunglasses are all things I imagine everyone has at home. I’ve added recommendations on what we currently use during hikes. Of course, there are hundreds of comparable products.

It’s all quality gear that we’ve tried to balance for performance and value. I recommend several vital fundamentals for everyone, like a decent shell/rain jacket and comfortable boots/shoes.

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What to Wear Hiking Checklist

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Sunglasses

Ensure you protect your eyes from the sun. Since hiking is an outdoor activity, wearing UV protection is essential. UV strength is increased when you’re at elevation or near reflective surfaces such as water or snow.

This is really important at high altitudes where vegetation is sparse, and UV rays are intense. A hike up a pass in the Canadian Rockies can easily leave you sunburned and your eyes strained.

There are many options for sunglasses, and everyone should own at least a pair. For the health of your eyes, it’s best to make sure they have UV protection. Our personal favorites for hiking are the Smith Guide’s Choice and Lowdown 2 because the sunglasses have a broad frame to reduce UV reflection.

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Sunhat

You should pack at least one type of hat to give an added layer of sun protection. We most commonly use a ball cap, but a well-designed sunhat with a wide brim is most effective. It’s all a matter of personal preference.

On a sunny day, you’re going to see a lot of sun on the trail, so it’s important to protect yourself. Our favorite hats are the LoPro Trucker hats from Patagonia as well as the Lululemon Ponytail hats if you want to wear a high pony.

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Sports Underwear

It’s best to wear underwear that wicks away moisture from your body for multiple reasons. The first is that moisture pulls away heat from your body when you’re in cold temperatures. However, more importantly, it keeps you dry in hot weather and reduces the risk of chafing or discomfort.

I know chafing might sound a little comical, but it’s a real risk when the distance starts to add up — just ask any endurance athlete. For men, I have a couple of pairs of Smartwool wool boxer briefs I’ve been hiking with for years now. For women, it’s all about personal preference, but the Patagonia Barely wool underwear comes in both bikini and thong versions.

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Wool Socks

We’ve learned to love our feet with a good pair of socks. You will want to keep your feet nice and dry while you walk around. Most importantly, wool socks stay fresh for several days as they have natural antimicrobial properties.

Try to avoid cotton socks as they are well known to cause blisters since they slip, rub, and hold moisture. My personal favorites are Darn Tough merino socks and my feet have never felt cold or wet. As a bonus, they’re produced in Vermont! We also love Smartwool and Farm To Feet!

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Thermal Layers

This is really specific to winter hikes and when temperatures drop below freezing. In general, we do not wear thermals if the temperature is above freezing; you’ll be too hot hiking. However, they’re an essential item if you’re in alpine conditions while hiking, snowboarding, scrambling, or camping.

We recommend base layers that fit snugly and are made from a noncotton material like nylon or wool. We’ve had many base layers, but our favorites are wool base layers from Helly Hansen and Smartwool and yak wool from Kora.

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Performance Shirt

I love to wear a comfortable shirt made from performance fabric that handles sweat on hot days. You should look for a fabric that is lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying, such as merino wool, nylon, or polyester.

We’ve tried a ton of hiking shirts, but we think the Outdoor Research Echo Shirts are a great value. They have both long-sleeve, short-sleeve, and tank top options, but I wear long-sleeve shirts more these days for added UV protection.

If you’re on the fence about synthetics, try a wool-based shirt from a company like Unbound. They’re more comfortable than synthetic shirts and perform equally well. The only negative aspect of wool shirts is their price.

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Mid Layer

Average temperatures in the Canadian Rockies are chilly, especially if you have plans to hike in the shoulder seasons. A comfortable sweater or midlayer is a great way to remain warm in the mornings and evenings.

There are a couple of options for hiking mid-layers: a fleece, thermal, down jacket, or softshell jacket. It depends on what you find comfortable and the weather on the trail. We have a multitude of mid-layers.

The mid-layer is the one piece of hiking clothing that does not have to be technical. A hiking specific mid-layer will perform better. However, getting by with a comfy fleece or flannel shirt is very easy. There are also a plethora of hiking specific mid-layers that blend insulation and technical shells together. One that stands our in particular is the super popular Arc’teryx Atom.

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Down Jacket

We recommend only a few items everyone has to have, and one of them is a down jacket. A down jacket is a staple for travel and outdoor activities as it’s tremendously versatile. It packs down and fits easily in a backpack, but despite its lightweight nature, it can offer a lot of warmth.

We always recommend bringing a down jacket on almost any hiking trip. It’s a great way to keep warm without eating up too much space in your hiking backpack when dealing with the mountains and vast temperature shifts. My favorite down jacket is the Arc’teryx Cerium, as it manages to blend the perfect balance between lightweight, performance, style, and fit. No matter the month or season, it’s always down jacket season in Banff!

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Shell Jacket

The most essential article of clothing for hikers is the shell jacket. You have two options for shell jackets, and it is a good idea to have both as they depend on the climate. One option is a sturdy multi-layer rain jacket and the other is a lightweight windbreaker.

They’re both great items to have on the trails, as the shell jacket is designed to protect you from the wind and rain. If there is a chance of rain or cold weather on the trail, we always pack one of GoreTex shell jackets.

We have a couple, but I really love my Arc’teryx Zeta FL Jacket for its lightweight construction and performance. Arc’teryx makes the best outdoor apparel on the market, but expect it to come with the highest price tag. Other great options that are far more affordable is the Patagonia Torrentshell and the REI Drypoint.

A lightweight windbreaker is great for warmer days when a chance of rain looks unlikely. It can help you out in a pinch against a surprise shower, chill, or even hordes of insects. A light windbreaker also packs down small and fits easily in a backpack.

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Hiking Shorts

A great pair of shorts is self-explanatory for keeping yourself cool on a hot hiking day at lower elevations. On really warm weather days, we love a pair of hiking shorts. Of course, it all depends on the terrain, weather, and landscape. Sometimes a pair of hiking pants can remain cool while protecting your legs from thick brush or rocks when scrambling up a trail meaning you don’t necessarily need shorts on.

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Hiking Pants

Lightweight pants made from synthetic material are tremendous to have in your pack. It’s what we wear most days when hiking as they’re comfortable, antibacterial, and protect our legs from mosquitos and branches.

We love to wear two different hiking pants on our travels: the Keb Trouser from Fjallraven (not lightweight, but extremely durable) and Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants. The most versatile would have to be Outdoor Research pants that are lightweight, look great, and are extremely comfortable. We recommend neutral-colored pants as they’re great at hiding dirt and can match most shirt colors.

Fjallraven’s Keb pants are a staple, but they are heavyweight, not great for quick dry properties, and extremely durable. If you really want to mix it up, you can opt for hiking tights — Tasha loves those and hikes in them often. Her absolute favorites are made by Handful as they look great on hikes and also around town.

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Belt

This is one of those obvious things that can be really easy to forget at home. I’m partial to the simplicity of a canvas belt that has a locking buckle. Canvas belts treated us well, but we’ve now opted for a Jelt belt.

Jelt is a B-corporation based out of Montana that creates elastic belts made from recycled bottles. The belts are tremendous for physical activities as they’re very slim, lightweight, and comfortable.

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Buff Headwear

We have a collection of Buff Headwear and bring them everywhere. They’re great for a multitude of reasons such as sun/wind protection, a scarf, headband, or an ear warmer. We always have one in the backpack no matter the hike, and we consider it one of the top hiking accessories. I imagine most people have one or two of these by now!

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Toque

As I’ve said before, cold evenings and nights are frequent at elevation, so a nice beanie to keep your head warm is always nice to have in your pack. It’s small, and covering your ears is one of the best ways to warm up.

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Gloves

Heavy winter gloves are not necessary on the average hike, but a lightweight pair is great for those prone to cold hands, it gets quite cold at elevation in Banff. If you’re trekking in cold temperatures, consider a pair of lightweight and weatherproof gloves that will protect your hands from the elements.

There are many gloves purpose-built for hiking, jogging, or general sports activities that would be great for your trip. Gloves are also tremendously protective from sharp rocks on scrambles or sections where you need to grip rocks.

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Hiking Footwear

I could write dozens of articles on the best shoes for hiking in Banff. Truthfully there are a ton of variables when it comes to footwear. Things to consider are terrain, fit, style, and intended use. I have several different options for footwear when it comes to the trail, and I choose based on the day.

Choose a shoe that best fits your everyday needs. A trail running shoe is perfect for most hikers as it is capable both on and off the trail. That way, you get plenty of use out of your investment. Low elevation and easy hikes in Banff are on well-maintained trails, so a good pair of hiking shoes or tennis shoes are more than adequate.

You should also be cognizant of your body’s health. Do you have previous injuries, or are you prone to ankle rolls? If you need extra support, do not hesitate to choose the best option for yourself. For most, these will be high-ankle boots.

There has been a long debate on whether you need high-top boots or low-cut shoes to protect your ankles. Truthfully we own both types and like to wear high tops on muddy trails or areas with thick vegetation and shoes in warm and dry destinations. A still sole in boots helps carry weight on multiday camping trips.

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Trail Running Shoes

We both have numerous pairs of Salomon Speedcross trail runners and they’re great on the trails around Banff. We wear them on nearly all our hikes around the Rockies, unless we are carrying an overnight backpack for camping (then we will switch to boots).

They’re pretty heavily cushioned, so they protect your feet from uneven or rough surfaces. The tread pattern is aggressive though meaning these are not really great to use for indoor work outs.

However, if you’re big on the actual sport of trail running, it’s pretty tough to beat the Salomon Speedcross. They have a diehard following in the Rockies and food good reason. The lightweight shoe is high on comfort, and the aggressive tread pattern ensures you always have a grip. We’ll burn through a pair of these each summer. Of course, in Canmore and Banff it seems you’re not a local trail runner until you’ve owned a pair of Speedcross.

As I stated earlier, Banff’s low elevation and easy hikes are on well-maintained trails, so a good pair of hiking shoes or tennis shoes are more than adequate. We mix it up, but if you plan to take any big mountain hikes/scrambles, PLEASE wear hiking-specific shoes or boots. Too often, people get themselves in trouble with the wrong footwear on a trail where a slip could mean serious injury or death.

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Approach Shoes

This is a great option for more challenging scrambles as approach shoes are designed specifically for the sport and alpine climb approaches. The shoe shares similarities with a hiking boot and climbing shoe. Things such as flat grippy rubber and a protected toe box come from climbing shoes. While a study platform protects the foot from rock strikes and provides support on steep terrain.

On easier scrambles, I’ve found trail running shoes totally appropriate. However, as you reach more advanced terrain, the grip on your shoes is quite literally a lifesaver. Not to mention, loose scree and rock can shred a pair of trail running shoes like cheese on a grater. I’ve tried a couple of approach shoes now and prefer the Arc’teryx Konseal.

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Hiking Boots

When it comes to hiking, it’s tough to beat purpose-built synthetic boots as they are lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, and often waterproof. While hiking in the mountains, loose rocks are a real threat on the trails, and it’s a good idea to wear decent hiking boots or shoes.

I’d say wear what you’re comfortable with, but if you have plans to head to the wet areas, it would be good to bring a pair of high ankle boots. Ankle-high boots are for protection against thick brush, bugs, and loose rocks.

So, owning a good pair of hiking boots will come in handy if you plan to explore different climates. We love the Merrell Moab II, which comes in both women’s and men’s versions, in addition to high and low-cut versions. They are not the most technical boot, but they’re always reliable and never give you a blister. I took a brand new pair on a backpacking trip and hiked 30 kilometers a day in them with no threat of blisters. Most importantly, they’re the best value for hiking boots!

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Peak Design Capture Clip

This is has been one of our favorite additions to our camera equipment and hiking outfit. The Peak Design capture clip allows a camera to be clipped onto your backpack strap or belt. It has to be one of the best accessories we’ve ever used for carrying our camera while hiking in Banff (because you will want to take lots of photos!)

The clip feels secure and robust, and it has a straightforward design that makes switching straps easy. We’ve brought it on several hikes around the Canadian Rockies now and it has changed the way in which we photograph hikes. The access it provides to your camera is much better than a camera strap, allowing it to swing and bang into everything.

It’s super handy and a must for anyone who wants to carry their camera on hikes, but not have to fumble around in their bag every time they want to take a photo.

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Bear Spray*

This is a non-negotiable item if you’re in bear country and in some parks, it’s actually required by law. Bear spray should be on your person and not in your pack. We each have a neoprene sleeve that holds our bear spray on our belt pocket. It’s easy to reach in case of an emergency which is the most important detail.

It’s a good idea to make noise while hiking in the bear country, whether that is singing, ringing a bell, clapping, or banging your hiking poles. Be wary of blind spots on your hikes, such as tight bends and forested sections of the trail.

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Daypack

If you’re not going on an overnight backpacking adventure, a daypack should be more than enough to hold your belongings. No matter what you do in Banff, you will want a daypack to store your belongings. My daypack usually consists of a shell jacket, down jacket, hiking poles, bear spray, snacks, water, gloves, chapstick, a buff, camera, first aid kit, navigation, and an emergency blanket.

While not everyone needs an alpine pack, the key to take away is to opt for the correct size pack. I love a versatile size around the 30L mark. 30L gives enough room for gear-heavy days, but it’s light enough for light short treks or walking around town. If you don’t have plans for big hikes, any nice backpack will do the job.

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