Trip planning
Bear Safety Gear Checklist (Printable)
A printable bear-country gear checklist for day hikes, backpacking, canoe trips and shoulder season in Canada, plus a pre-trip check you can do in 5 minutes.
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Use this checklist the night before you go. Tick the base list, then add the section for your trip type. For the reasoning behind each item and where to carry it, see What to carry when hiking in bear country.
5-minute pre-trip check
- Recent bear reports for the area on the BearSee map
- Park or land-manager closures, warnings and restrictions (some areas require groups of four or more during high bear activity)
- Weather and sunset time
- Bear spray expiry date
- Trip plan left with someone: route, return time, when to call for help
- Devices charged; offline map downloaded
- Flying? Plan to buy or rent bear spray at your destination (why)
Base list: every trip
- Bear spray in a holster, one per person (choose a can)
- Map, offline GPS app or GPS unit, plus a backup
- Headlamp
- Insulating layer, rain shell, warm hat
- First aid kit and blister care
- Water (and a way to treat more)
- Extra food in sealed packaging
- Sealable garbage bag for wrappers and peels
- Whistle
- Sun protection
- Charged phone and power bank
Add for: solo, remote or no-cell routes
- Satellite messenger, PLB or phone with satellite features (compare options)
- Device on a shoulder strap, not in the pack
- Spare batteries or cable for the device
Add for: backpacking and camping
- Bear-resistant food storage that meets the rules for your route: canister, approved bag, or use of provided lockers/poles (which one?)
- Odour-proof liner bags for food and toiletries
- Rope, if hangs or pole systems at your campsite need it
- Cooking kit you'll use at least 50 m downwind of your tent
- Separate bag for all garbage, packed out
- Unscented or minimal toiletries, stored with food
- Camp clothes that you didn't cook in, for sleeping
Add for: canoe trips
- Waterproof barrel or dry bags for food
- Bear-resistant storage or a plan to use the route's caches, lockers or hangs
- Bear spray reachable in the canoe (clipped to a thwart or PFD) and on portages
- Rope for hangs where allowed
Add for: shoulder season (spring and fall)
- Extra warm layers, gloves and toque
- Keep bear spray and batteries inside your jacket on cold days; cold reduces spray pressure and battery life
- Traction devices (microspikes) for icy trails
- Earlier turnaround time for shorter days
- Extra awareness: bears are out of dens in spring and feeding heavily in fall
Add for: trail running and mountain biking
- Bear spray in a chest holster or bottle-cage mount
- Slow down and call out before blind corners; speed and silence cause surprise encounters
- Run or ride with others
Leave at home
- ~~Bear bell~~ (Parks Canada: not effective; use your voice)
- ~~Earbuds~~
- ~~The dog~~ for backcountry trips (or keep it leashed)
- ~~Food you can't seal~~
After the trip
- Report any bear sightings on BearSee
- Check bear spray for use or damage; replace if expired
- Dispose of used or unwanted bear spray at a household hazardous waste facility
Frequently asked questions
What gear do you need for bear safety? Bear spray in a holster for each person, bear-resistant food storage overnight, a way to call for help, and the standard essentials.
Do I need bear spray for a day hike? Yes. Parks Canada recommends carrying it at all times in bear country.
What should I check before leaving? Recent bear reports, closures and warnings, weather, daylight, spray expiry, and your trip plan.
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Sources: Parks Canada: safe travel in bear country · Parks Canada: bear spray · Parks Canada: Banff backcountry · Recycle BC: bear spray