What To Bring - Backcountry Lodge Trip
CHECK-IN POINT 132 BANFF AVENUE, THE TRAIL RIDER STORE
CHECK-IN TIME IS 9:30 AM
Check-In
Check in is at 9:30 am at the Trail Rider Store at 132 Banff Ave. It is not necessary to check-in early or the day before.
Parking
During the check in process you can use the public parking lot on the corner of Beaver St and Caribou St. You can use our back door to the left of the Mount Royal bus terminal. Once the paperwork is done, we'll provide you with directions to Warner Stables where there is parking for the duration of your trip. We do not recommend leaving anything of value in your car while on your trip. If you do not have a vehicle, we will provide transportation from our office to the stables.
Cancellation Policy
Your deposit is completely non-refundable, however it is transferable to another person or trip in the next season if our office receives notice, at least 14 days prior to your trip departure date. Deposits may not be transferred to anyone already booked on a ride. Any money paid over and above your deposit will be refunded to you. No refunds are given on any trip in progress. When packing your gear, keep in mind it is being packed out on a mule and our animal's comfort is very important to us. By following these guidelines you can help us ensure that.
Packing
When packing your gear, keep in mind it is being packed out on a mule and our animal's comfort is very important to us. By following these guidelines you can help us ensure that. You must pack your gear in soft-sided, cloth or nylon bag. It cannot have any hard edges, frames or wheels. Your gear is restricted to a Total maximum weight of 30 lbs. Your coat, rain gear, hat and gloves are packed separately from your duffel and are either worn or tied with saddle strings to the back of your saddle. Saddlebags, rain gear and other essentials that you are taking on your horse with you are not included in the 30lb weight restriction.
The length of your trip will alter what you need to bring. This list is ideal for a 6 day trip.
The following list details essential items to bring with you:
- A warm coat -- Essential to ward off chilly nights or a windy day. Also bring a heavy sweater (wool is a great insulator) or a fleece jacket.
- Rain gear -- A raincoat and rain pants, and if possible, coverings for your boots and hat. Please DO NOT bring rain ponchos, they flap in the wind and spook the horses. If you have one, we recommend an oilskin slicker. We have a limited supply of full-length oilskin slickers for rent for $7/day. If you are interested in this service, please book early. Slickers are available for pick up upon check in.
- Shirts -- 2 Sweatshirts, 1 long-sleeve shirt (turtleneck if you prefer) and 2 T-shirts. Adjust according to the length of your trip.
- Jeans -- We suggest one pair for riding in during the day and another pair for wearing around camp. Two pairs of jeans are all you should need on any of our trips. Also important is a pair of long underwear for chilly nights.
- Riding boots -- A boot with a heel that can easily slip in and out of stirrups. Alternatives would be a narrow style of hiking boot or solid sneaker. For safety reasons, clunky hiking boots are not recommended. Plastic bags inside your boots can help to keep your feet dry on rainy days.
- Sneakers -- or an extra pair of shoes for wearing around the lodge, and a pair of slippers or indoor shoes to wear inside the lodge. An extra pair of dry socks is also recommended.
- Toiletries -- Towel, facecloth, biodegradable shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, disposable razors, etc. Please note that we do not have any electricity at our lodges. WE SUPPLY TOILET PAPER AND HAND SOAP AT BOTH LODGES
- Flashlight -- Remember to check your batteries!
- Hat -- A cowboy hat offers the most protection from the elements. Baseball caps or canvas-type hats are also fine. Please ensure that your hat fits snug and will not blow off in the wind
- Gloves and a scarf -- Lined leather or suede gloves provide protection from the elements and a sure grip on the reins (bring two pair just in case one gets wet). A silk or cotton scarf/bandana is recommended for extra warmth.
- Sunscreen -- sunglasses and mosquito repellent.
- Your camera -- Please ensure your batteries are well charged, as you will not be able to charge them at the lodge.
- Liquor -- Please make sure that all bottled liquor is well wrapped in plastic and placed in the middle of your duffel to prevent it from breaking. Plastic bottles are preferred. Canned mix and beer is available for sale at both lodges. Please remember that alcohol is included in your 30lb limit.
- Water bottle -- for refreshment while you are riding.
- Cellular phones do not
work in the areas you'll be riding in so leave them
somewhere safe.
- Please note: If you are planning on making your final trip payment with cash, please arrange to bring exact change with you to speed up the sign-in process. If you are planning on making your final payment with a credit card, please contact the credit card company ahead of time to make them aware of the future charge (often, to protect you, credit card companies will not allow a legitimate charge to go through if they are not aware that you are traveling in another country).
Items to have with you while riding
You'll be riding 5-6 hours each day with breaks and leisurely lunches. Your rain gear will travel with you on the horse and your guide will help you attach it to the saddle. If you would like to bring saddlebags (we don't supply them), please fill them with only those essential items that you would need during the day, such as lip balm, your camera, sunscreen, bug spray, etc. We reserve the right to limit the amount of gear in the saddlebags for weight. Fanny packs (a small pack that ties around the waist) also work well. Daypacks, backpacks or other bags are NOT allowed -- they are hard on your back and hard on the horse's back, and do not tie properly to the saddle. We have a limited supply of saddlebags for rent for $2/day, however we suggest you book them early, as last year this was a popular service. These are available for pick up upon check-in (sorry, no earlier).
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