The foothills of the Canadian Rockies aren't a hard place to survive. In fact, they're a great place to practice your skills. There's water, endless materials for shelter and fire, and at this time of year, edible berries all over the ground.

But: if you've fallen into a narrow canyon, can't get out, are soaked through, can't make fire, and the rain turns to snow (common at that elevation), the equation is a bit more complex. That water is very darn cold at this time of year. If he'd been badly hurt by the fall, this story would have had a tragic ending.

I don't think he needed any special gear. Just the usual what-if preparations for an impromptu overnight stay. Standard notification of where you'll be and when to call for rescue. A note on the dash of his truck -- "heading NW, back by dark, date, initials."

And possibly boots with better grip on slippery rock.