If you plan to do a lot of hiking or outdoor activities in Manitoba, then I recommend the Grayl Geopress. I’ve had this bad boy for about two years now, and though it’s certainly an investment, I take it with me on literally all of my Manitoba hiking trips (and everywhere else). 

Not only does it filter out bacteria and pathogens as you go, but it does so in just seconds. I’ve used water purification tablets on my travels before, and they just don’t compare to the Geopress for speed.

Carry On Suitcase

If you’re looking for a high-end suitcase that will fit into the overhead bin on a plane, then I have to recommend the Nomatic Navigator Carry On 37L.

I’ve been using this carry-on for about a year now, and I love the expertly-designed compartments, the laptop pouch, and the 8L expansion feature. Plus, it looks super sleek.

Day Pack

If you’re looking for an awesome day pack for hikes in Manitoba, then I recommend the Osprey Daylite 20L. There’s a reason this bag is just so dang popular with travelers everywhere, and that’s because of the superior compartment layout, durability, and front-loading capability.

Purse

For roaming around Winnipeg and Manitoba’s other cities and towns, I don’t recommend carrying a big backpack. You will stand out and look like a weirdo tourist. For any city-related happenings, I much prefer carrying a purse.

And, as a local Winnipegger, I can assure travelers that it’s a pretty safe and fun place to visit. However, there are some areas of the city that are no-go zones, and while I’ve never heard of a mugging happening, I do recommend bringing a small day bag that will keep all your stuff safe and secure. 

The Travelon Mini Shoulder bag is RFID-blocking, has zippered closures, and is slash-proof, meaning that when your travels take you to Manitoba and beyond, your things and your information will be kept safe and secure.

Microfiber Towel

Though your Manitoba hotel is sure to have plush towels on hand, if you plan to swim in Manitoba’s lakes or go river tubing in Pinawa, then you’re going to want something to dry off with.

I recommend the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel because of its packability. It’s ultra-compact, meaning it won’t take up much room in your carry-on.

Packing Cubes

Ah, the packing cube – the accessory that either travelers love, or love to hate. Personally, I love a good packing cube. As I get older, I want all my clothes to fit into a carry-on bag so I don’t have to check luggage, and having compression capabilities is the ticket to ride.

But not all packing cubes are created equal. The Tripped Compression Packing Cubes are of great quality and are perfect for organizing and compressing. I’ve had so many packing cubes tear apart on me, and this set has yet to do that.

Hanging Toiletry Bag

Whether you’re in your Winnipeg hotel room or in a public bathroom at one of Manitoba’s many campgrounds, having a toiletry bag that you can hang is a game changer. Seriously. There’s nothing worse than having to put your toiletry bag on a rank shower floor or public bathroom shelf.

Enter the Gonex Hanging Toiletry Bag. With a brand name that has transcended decades as a staple, this gizmo is sure to last you for years. 

Sunscreen

We all know that we should wear SPF in summer, and Manitoba is no exception. But don’t underestimate the power of the Manitoba winter sun either. Though the sun is only out for a few hours every day, it does tend to reflect off of snow and can still cause sunburns. 

Especially if you plan on doing any outdoorsy winter activities, carry some Sun Bum SPF lotion with you. Your skin will thank me later.

Power Bank

There are plenty of places to get “lost” in Manitoba, but as any good adventurer knows, it’s good to have a way back to civilization.

Keeping your phone charged whether you’re on the road or the trails will be your ticket around the province. I’ve used the Anker PowerCore for years, and find it to be super trustworthy. Some external power banks just pseudo-charge your phone (if you know, you know), but this one does the job right.

Camera & Spare Batteries

If you want a level up from your phone camera but want to invest in a DSLR and lenses, then I recommend getting an action camera. The GoPro Hero 10 is a great option as it has underwater capabilities, and you can attach it to almost anything.

If you are in the market for something a little more robust, then I personally use the Canon Rebel.

Umbrella

I feel like so many places say this, but the weather in Manitoba can truly be fickle. If you plan on visiting pretty much anytime between May and September, then I do recommend you bring the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella.

Though it was dry as a tack in the summer of 2021, we had rainfalls well above the average amount in 2022. You just never know.

Insulated Cooler Backpack

If there’s one Manitoba item that you probably won’t think about until you get here, it’s the need for a cooler. While I don’t think you need an entire cooler for a short trip (unless you’re legitimately going camping that is), I do think you should bring along a small cooler backpack.

The AUSQI Backpack Cooler fits the bill perfectly. With it, you can tube down the Pinawa River or hang out at your friend’s cabin and never have a warm drink.

Manitoba Packing List for Winter

Parka

As someone who grew up in Saskatchewan and now lives in the neighboring Canadian province of Manitoba, I can tell you that winters here are no joke. A parka isn’t just for the polar bear season in Churchill either. In fact, if you’re visiting anytime between November and March, I recommend you bring a heavy-duty coat.

Columbia is a tried and true brand that will get you through Canada’s winter weather. In particular, this Puffer hooded insulated jacket should do the trick!

Snow Pants

Skiing, snowboarding, skating, tobogganing, and snowshoeing. These are a few of the things you can expect on a trip to the great white north in the winter. And with temperatures diving well below freezing, having a thermal layer on your bottom will be a must.

The Columbia Women’s Bugaboo Omni-Heat snow pants are the perfect piece of warm gear. Their button closure is stylish, the interior lining holds in heat, and they’re totally waterproof.

Mittens

I’m gonna level with you, getting frostbite during Canada’s frigid winters can be a real concern, and you don’t want to harm one of your digits by not having proper gloves.

The Carhartt W.P. Waterproof Mittens have a fleece cuff and adjustable closure, a waterproof insert, and are moisture-wicking. They’ll keep your fingers toasty warm no matter how cold it gets. 

Winter Boots

I get it. A pair of heavy-duty winter boots might seem “uncool” to walk around in all day. But when the snow hits or it becomes -30 outside, you’re going to need a serious pair of boots.

The Dream Pairs Winter Boots are super cute, have a warm lining, include adjustable laces, and have an anti-slip sole. Your tootsies will thank you!

Toque (Beanie)

As someone born and raised in Canada, it almost pains me to write the word “beanie” on my website. Like… it’s a toque. Come on. Anywho, it’s a supremely good idea to pack a toque on your trip to Manitoba, anytime from October through April.

This Columbia Whirlibird Cuffed Beanie both looks good and will keep your noggin toasty warm even on the coldest of weather days. 

👉 Sidenote: Last winter in Winnipeg I walked 10 minutes to the grocery store, forgot my toque, and promptly got frostbite on my ears. I almost screamed my ears hurt so bad after. Don’t let this be you!

Scarf or Gaiter

To be honest, if you plan on just visiting Winnipeg in the winter, then I recommend bringing a normal chunky scarf. I find them way more fashionable than a gaiter, and you’ll get by just fine hopping between restaurants, museums, and breweries.

However, if you plan on doing any real winter sports in Manitoba, then absolutely pack a gaiter. This nifty little piece of cloth will keep your face and neck warm in even the coldest of temperatures and is perfect if you’re out in the wilderness.

Wool Socks

Sure, you’ll have your winter boots at the ready, but if you don’t have a good pair of wool socks to go inside them, then you run the risk of cold feet on your adventure. And I don’t mean the emotional kind.

The Alvada Merino Wool Thermal Socks are the perfect antidote to frozen toes. They have cushioning in the footbed, are moisture-wicking, and have the coziest fuzzy liner. 

Base Layers

My mom called them long johns, but I hear the hipsters today refer to them as “base layers”, so take from that what you will. But a solid pair of thermal undergarments will help to keep you insulated and happy. You’re not a polar bear, after all.

The Carhartt Force Heavyweight base layer is the perfect thing to pack to ensure you can still feel your legs and torso at the end of a long day outside.

Heat Strips

In my humble opinion, air-activated body warming strips are just *chef’s kiss*. The perfect accessory to winter in Canada, you simply take the wrapping off the strips, put the activated part in your boots, gloves, or under your shirt, and laugh at your friends for being colder than you are.

These Sport Temp Hand & Body Warmers are happy to take on the job. Not only do they provide 18 hours of heat (!!), but they are also odorless and TSA-approved. 

Crampons

I’m going to level with you, it took me until I was 30 years old and hiking in Banff before I realized that crampons were a gift from the beyond. Seriously, if you’ve ever gone hiking on ice in the winter or felt like you could slip at the drop of a hat, then wearing a pair of crampons is a good idea.

In particular, these Outdoor 360 crampons are highly rated. They’re highly rated, have 19 microspikes on each crampon, and have a secure fit.

Manitoba Packing List for Summer

Sandals

Contrary to popular culture, Canada does not exist in a frozen polar tundra every day of the year. In fact, it can get sweltering hot in the Manitoba summer, during which time you’ll find most locals heading out to one of the many lakes or water parks. 

This pair of Luna Cork Footbed Sandals are super comfortable and stylish to boot.

Hiking Shoes

Hiking in Manitoba is a great time. Seriously, between the Whiteshell, Riding Mountain National Park, Spirit Sands, Hecla Island, and so much more, some trails here are worth drooling over. However, big bulky hiking boots may be too bulky, and they’re not necessary for Manitoba’s relatively-flat trails. This is why I recommend you bring a pair of hiking shoes.

These Bearpaw Hiking Shoes are comfortable, have a cushioned footbed, and have great traction.

Bathing Suit

Did you know that Manitoba has over 100,000 lakes? True story bro. And unless you plan on taking them on in the nude you’re going to need a trusty swimsuit.

I think that this Cupshe Women’s One Piece is just so darn cute. I have a few bathing suits from Cupshe, and I’ve never been disappointed.

Light Jacket

For visiting any of Canada’s prairie provinces in the spring, summer, or fall, you’re going to need at least a light jacket. Even in July and August, the air can sometimes get chilly at night, and having an extra layer will go a long way.

Though I’m always impartial to my denim jacket or fleece, this OTU Women’s Waterproof jacket will double as a raincoat – which will be soooo handy if you get caught in one of the local notorious thunderstorms.

Bug Spray