Written by: Sarah (@adventures.of.blondie)
Whether you love backpacking or you are thinking of starting, I can’t wait to share my experience and adventures with you, as the new backpacking ambassador for Valhalla Pure this summer season!
Hi! My name is Sarah, I’m originally from the UK but I’ve been calling the Canadian Rockies home for the last 11 years. When I moved here in the winter, I was told over and over again how incredible summer was and they were right!
By my second summer in the mountains I booked the lofty goal of backpacking into Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. Before I headed out on such a big trip, I got a few shorter trips in, to test my gear and build up my strength to carry a weighted pack.
Ever since then, I’ve spent summers doing some of the most popular backpacking trails in Western Canada. From completing the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, twice, to The Rockwall in Kootenay National Park, The Skyline Trail in Jasper and even backpacking in Tombstone Territorial Park in the Yukon. There is very little I enjoy more than planning, hiking and spending nights in the backcountry.
How I Prepare For Backcountry Adventures
I am lucky enough to live in an area surrounded by National and Provincial Parks, therefore my trip planning always starts with knowing the rules in the parks, one of the biggest rules being, stay on trail. This is easy when there are such extensive trail networks and established backcountry campgrounds.
The parks websites have a number of suggested backcountry itineraries, if you are looking for somewhere to start, otherwise a map and knowing what you can achieve in a day is important. I always consider distance between camps and elevation change as this can really impact my time and energy used on the hike.
Personally I really like getting my backcountry campground reservations locked in when they open, however I’ve also had great success picking up cancellations, especially when the forecast shows rain.
Every summer before I head out on a big trip, I always make sure to complete a shorter, one nighter. This helps me see where my stamina is and confirms my gear is still in working order before heading far into the backcountry.
When it comes to heading out, I always check the weather and trail conditions but I still pack for all weather conditions, because you never know! I always leave a trip plan with someone, including my expected return day but as an extra layer of safety, I now never head into the backcountry without my Garmin InReach Mini 2.
All of this planning has allowed me to complete some incredible trips safely, while having an awesome stress free time.
Why I Am So Excited To Partner With Valhalla Pure
When I was starting out, the biggest help for picking gear was asking for peoples opinion who were already backpacking. I am lucky enough to have a Valhalla Pure store twenty minutes away in Canmore and it’s always been my go to spot for gearing up for my adventures.
I’m a true believer in buying the best quality you can afford and having gear that lasts season after season. VPO carries some great brands which I have seen truly stand the test of time.
Gear I Still Use After 10 Years
I still own and use a lot of the same gear I purchased 10 years ago when I started backpacking. All of this gear is a true testament to doing your research and buying well the first time. Treat it well and it will last you a long time!
One of the biggest investment pieces for backpacking is the backpack. I’ve always used the Osprey Ariel 65, this bag truly carries weight so well and mine is in incredible shape despite the many kilometers it has now seen. Backpacks are personal though, I’d recommend heading in to your nearest store to get measured and try on a few with some weight in them.
My MSR Pocket Rocket 2 stove is something I take on every trip, it’s small, light and has never let me down. It transports in a small plastic box which fits in my pot set and this helps protect it, so it is still working perfectly 10 years later.
There are lots of water filters to pick from, I was recommended to buy the Platypus GravityWorks filter and I have zero regrets! It isn't the lightest on the market but at the end of a long day on the trail, it is so nice to just fill the bag, hang it and let it do its thing, to get 4 litres of filtered water.
Less of a necessity and more of a nice to have, someone recommended the Thermarest Z Seat when I was starting out. It weighs very little and I clip it onto the front of my pack, so it is easily accessible and it just adds a little padding and warmth to benches and rocks both on the trail and at camp. I’ll never head out without it.
Over the last 10 years, I’ve certainly upgraded some of my gear and benefited from lighter gear but the above do an incredible job and I’ve never felt the need to replace them and hopefully won’t for a long time!
I’m looking forward to answering any gear questions and helping others get geared up for their backpacking adventures. Gear choice can really make or break a trip, so choosing right is important.
My Favourite Trips
I’ve been so incredibly lucky to backpack some beautiful trails.
This summer will be my third trip into Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. If you haven’t added it to your bucket list, now is the time! There are some incredible day hikes in the park along with the gorgeous hike to get there. I’ve always hiked it from Sunshine Village into Assiniboine Provincial Park, camping at Magog Lake campground. Then hiked out past Marvel Lake to Mount Shark in Kananaskis.
Other backpacking trips I’ve done and would repeat in a heartbeat, include Tonquin Valley in Jasper National Park, this stunning trail has a number of campgrounds along the way, so you can split it up, the true gem of this trail is Amethyst Lake, with the Rampart Range as the backdrop. If you go in July though, just be prepared for the mosquitoes, a bug head net is a worthwhile addition to your pack at this time of year!
The Skoki Loop in Banff National Park is an incredible trip with mountain passes, lakes and a historic lodge to boot. Once you get past the ski resort fire road, the views soon open up and don’t stop for the entire trip! A perfect three day, two night trip, it can also be extended if you want to spend more time exploring the area.
Berg Lake in Mount Robson Provincial Park fully reopened to the public in 2025 and for many it is a bucket list trip. It's popular, hard to get a reservation, but worthwhile. My suggestion is to take your time hiking in, this trail has so many incredible views besides just Berg Lake.
For anyone looking to head out on their first backpacking trip, a short overnight trip to Tombstone campground in Kananaskis is so scenic! It’s a fairly short hike with not a huge amount of elevation change and the backcountry campground has recently been renovated with some of the nicest facilities I’ve seen at a backcountry campground.
