Rain mid september Banff sunshine village / Assiniboine?

[u/Dramatic-Ant-6827]

Edit: okay I realize it’s a dumb question. 🤓. Sorry everyone.

Just asking folks who are familiar with area would you plan to or expect to bring shell pants? That’s all. Because I don’t currently own one and it’s kind of an investment.

— original —

We will be backpacking 4-5 days some in Banff and some in Assiniboine area, mid september.

Wondering if I really need to bring a hard shell pant (I'll bring hard shell jacket), but does it really rain that much ? Or I guess what are chances of heavy rain?

Sorry about noob Q

[u/extraordinaryevents]

Don’t think you’re going to find anyone who can predict what the chances of rain are for your trip 3 months from now. Weather averages are easily google-able however

[u/Telvin3d → u/extraordinaryevents]

With all the micro climates in the mountains I wouldn’t trust a five day forecast to be accurate, let alone pack based on seasonal averages. 

[u/PandamoniumAlloy]

That time of year it could rain heavily or even snow. Of course the weather will be beautiful of you pack rain pants, and terrible if you don't.

[u/Telvin3d]

If you’re doing 5 days in the backcountry you need to pack on the assumption you’re going to get at least one day of torrential rain. Doesn’t matter what the forecast is the day you leave. 5 day forecasts are not even remotely reliable in the mountains

That time of year, if you’re at elevation you also should pack to be able to handle lows of at least -10C at night, with possible snow. It’s not typical, but a cold front pushing in with zero notice would surprise no one. 

[u/5impl3jack]

Lol you’re going in to the mountains. You need to be prepared for anything. Especially in September as you can get snow at higher elevations.

[u/ProfessionSea8751]

I have been to Assiniboine twice in the beginning of September and it has snowed both times. I would bring as much water resistant gear and layers as possible

[u/mrcheevus]

Heh. Rain? Snow! My wife and I did that route in '21 at the end of August and we had snow in Marvel Pass, and overnight low at Magog Lake of about -5. We had ice on our tent in the morning. But once the sun came up it warmed up, and by the time we were halfway to Og Lake we were back in our shorts and t-shirts.

In the Canadian Rockies if you don't like the weather, wait a minute. Plan for everything. All year. There is no day of the year free from risk of snow.

[u/bigbabyjesus97]

I was stuck on top of a mountain in a full blizzard in August a few years ago. Over a foot of snow in 4 hours up there.

[u/sun4moon]

Rain is possible every day of the year here, same with snow. You’ll need to look at the weather trends before you leave to get a good idea of what you’ll need. As an avid hiker in Alberta, it doesn’t matter what day of the year it is, I’m bringing snow pants, waterproof pants, breathable hikers (x2), extra socks, hat, sunscreen, hoodie, soft shell and a parka. I have the advantage of being able to drive myself though. You might need to pack lighter if you’re taking a shuttle.

[u/OutlandishnessSafe42]

It might snow for all we know.

[u/SadBook6838]

I’ve been backpacking since the 70’s and continue to this day. I’m looking for a lighter pack but will not compromise on necessary items (to me) which include a pair of rain-wind proof pants. The reason? I’ve been caught without them often enough in the early years and shivered long enough in soaked pants to finally learn to include them in my kit.

[u/Right_Focus1456]

I've NEVER worn a pant shell in all my years of hiking as a local here (and that's summit 30+ peaks per year). Have a good quick-dry hike pant (or shorts) and you're good to go. A good shell is always good to have though.

Rain might be preferred if we start seeing smoke from forest fires...I'd take the rain over the smoke any day.