Purcell Mountain Lodge provides doorstep access to a wide variety of trails and meadows suitable for all levels of ability and ambition. Following is a brief overview of the equipment you will need to bring to the Lodge.

Luggage Restrictions – 25lbs (11.5 kg)

Helicopters have a very limited capacity. For your safety, we must limit your baggage to a maximum of 25 pounds per person. We do not offer an overweight baggage allowance. Remember that dress in the lodge is very casual, and you will not need an elegant wardrobe. All linens, towels, robes soaps and shampoos are also provided. We even have a hair dryer for your use if you need one. You need to bring only your hiking boots, some outdoor clothing, and a few personal effects.

Type of Bag:

A single large expedition pack, or any type of regular suitcase, is not acceptable for transporting luggage in the small cargo area of our helicopters. Smaller, soft-shell bags (duffle bags) are better. Please refer to photo.

Outdoor Clothing:

We recommend synthetic clothing (such as polyester, polypropylene and fleece) because it is lightweight, does not absorb moisture, and is generally non-restrictive. Avoid cotton undergarments and socks – they absorb perspiration, become wet, and you may get cold. The key to controlling body warmth is to use thin wool or synthetic undergarments, and layer them. They can then be individually added or removed to control your temperature as required. You should also bring a water-proof jacket and, ideally, pants. “Goretex” (or similar) shell garments with venting zippers are ideal outerwear.

The easiest way to pack for a helicopter, and stay within your weight allowance, is to:

• Organize your normal day pack so it is ready to take into the outdoors,
• Come to the helicopter hangar dressed for a day of outdoor activities, and
• Use a supplemental SMALL nylon sports bag to pack any necessary casual clothes, slippers, toiletries, and other items.

Checklist – 25lbs maximum

We provide the following checklist to serve as a packing reminder and as a guideline to limit unnecessary extras. It should be noted that you will probably only wear your casual lodge clothing for a few hours in the evenings, so you really don’t need a fresh wardrobe every day. Remember that we also have a well-stocked bar with wine, beer, cider, non-alcoholic beer, and soft drinks. Reducing your precious helicopter luggage allowance by the weight of heavy beverages is not necessary.

Please ensure that you bring sturdy, over-the-ankle hiking boots.

Lodge Clothing:

• One or two changes of casual clothing
• Slippers or soft soled (non-scuff) house shoes
• Pyjamas
• Bathing suit for the sauna

Toiletries:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss
• Personal grooming and sanitary supplies
• Personal medications
• Personal first aid supplies (band-aids, aspirin, decongestant, moleskin, lozenges, etc.)

Miscellaneous Items:

• Eyeglasses, contact lenses with spares
• Camera and spare batteries
• Book to read (we do have a well-stocked library)
• Waterproofing for boots
• Compact binoculars (optional)
• Money or charge card for miscellaneous purchases (cash bar, gifts)

Outdoor Essentials:

• Daypack for camera, lunch, spare clothing, etc.
• Water bottles (Need 2 – 3 liters per day)
• Sunglasses
• Lip balm and sunscreen
• Insect repellant
• Whistle (easier than yelling for attention)
• Pocket knife
• Matches/lighter
• Toilet paper (and waterproof container)

General Hiking Equipment:

• Sturdy waterproof over-the-ankle hiking boots
• Gaitors to seal top of boots
• Walking stick

Outdoor Clothing: Note: Stay-dry synthetics are superior to cotton.

• Underwear (synthetic preferred)
• 1 set light weight long underwear for cold weather
• Regular socks
• Synthetic or wool hiking socks (several pairs)
• Lightweight long-sleeved poly/nylon, wool, or microfleece shirt
• Light fleece or wool sweater
• Light weight (non-cotton) hiking or wind pants
• Shorts
• T-Shirts
• Vented windbreaker, mountain jacket or anorak
• Rain jacket or poncho, rain pants, and rain hat

Extras for your day pack:

• Warm hat and gloves (for cool, windy conditions)
• Baseball cap / sun hat
• Wind pants, or fleece pants, as extra layer if wearing shorts.
• Closed-Cell Foam Sit Pad (optional)

Purcell Lodge Provides:

• Biodegradable soap and shampoo
• Towels and bedding
• Hair dryers
• Luxurious Robes

If you have any questions, please contact us. We would be pleased to discuss your specific equipment needs and help you to plan your summer vacation. We look forward to welcoming you to the Lodge!