What To Bring - Wilderness Tent Trip
CHECK-IN POINT 132 BANFF AVENUE, THE TRAIL RIDER STORE
CHECK-IN TIME IS 8:30 AM
Check-In
Check in is at 8:30 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. From there, we will shuttle you to the trailhead on Mount Norquay. If you do not have a vehicle, we will provide transportation from our office to the trailhead on Mount Norquay.
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, including sleeping bag, thermo-pad and your duffel. It's a good idea to line the inside of your duffle bag with garbage bags for waterproofing. You may pack your sleeping bag and mattress separately from your other gear. 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 sleeping bag -- We
recommend a bag rated to -15 degrees Celsius or 5
degrees Fahrenheit. You may not need it, but it sure
comes in handy if you do. To further keep you snug
and warm, we also recommend that you bring a flannel
sheet or non-bulky blanket that fits inside your sleeping
bag.
- A treated canvas tarp -- used
to wrap under and around your sleeping bag to help
keep you warm and dry during the night. This can also
be used during the day to waterproof your sleeping
bag (see instructions below on how to make a bedroll).
Tarps can often be found at army surplus stores. Heavy
cotton found at a fabric store can be waterproofed
and serve the same purpose. Although canvas tarps
are what we use and recommend, you are welcome to
bring the bedroll of your choice. We have a limited
supply of 8'x10' treated canvas tarps for rent for
$5/day. If you are interested in this service, please
book early. These are available for pick up upon check
in and are rented out on a cash only basis.
- A mattress -- A self-inflatable
mattress (e.g. thermorest) works the best to ensure
a comfortable night's sleep.
- A warm coat -- Essential to
ward off chilly nights or a windy day. Also bring
a heavy sweater (wool is a great insulator) or 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. These are available for pick up
upon check in and are rented out on a cash only basis.
- Shirts -- 2 Sweatshirts, 1
long-sleeved shirt (turtleneck if you prefer) and
2 t-shirts.
- Jeans -- We suggest one pair
for riding in over the six days and one other pair
for wearing around various camps at night. 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 will keep your feet dry on rainy days.
- Sneakers -- or an extra pair
of shoes for wearing around camp, 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 the camps. WE SUPPLY TOILET PAPER AND HAND SOAP
AT ALL CAMPS.
- 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 or ties on and will not blow off
in the wind.
- Gloves & 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 is recommended for extra warmth.
- Sunscreen-- sunglasses and
mosquito repellent.
- Your camera -- Please ensure
your batteries are well charged. Please note that
we do not have any electricity at the camps.
- 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. Please
pack canned beer separate from your duffel. Canned
mix and beer is available for sale in all of the camps
.Please remember that alcohol is included in your
30lb weight limit.
- Cellular phones do not work
in the areas you'll be riding in so leave them somewhere
safe.
- Water bottle - for refreshment
while you are riding.
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).
How To Make Bed Roll
Lay out your canvas tarp on the ground. Lay your mattress
pad in the middle of the tarp with the air valve pointing
to the top of the bedroll (open the valve so that the
air will escape as you roll). Line your sleeping bag with
a flannel sheet or extra blanket. Place your closed sleeping
bag in the middle of the tarp, on top of the mattress
pad. Put a pillowcase in the middle of your sleeping bag.
(Once you are ready for bed, you can use your warm coat
inside the pillowcase as a pillow). Fold one side flap
of the tarp over the sleeping bag. Fold in the other side
of the tarp over the sleeping bag. Fold the bottom flap
over and start rolling towards the top of the sleeping
bag. Once you are near the head of the sleeping bag, reach
in and close the valve on your mattress pad. Fold in the
top flap of canvas tarp and finish rolling. Using a rope
with a slipknot, tie the bedroll securely.
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