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Gear To Bring... (we recommend mec)

Depending on your tour selected will also determine what gear is required.

For trips into Johnstone Strait, the Great Bear Rainforest, Cape Scott, Haida Gwaii and Coastal Destination on Vancouver Island you will find that usually the temp is mild throughout the months of June thru to Sept. However since this is the West Coast you will also find that storms do happen, and with those storms there is most often wind and rain. It is best to be prepared for all weather types and this should include suitable warm clothing.

TC Kayaks has prepared a short list that will help you with your gear requirements and what items should be packed. For those that are traveling to Coastal Destination on the Island Nanaimo, Courtenay and Campbell River all have well stocked retail outfitters you might want to visit. They possess a keen sense of local knowledge and are up to date with environment changes that have occurred over the winter.

For those that are wishing to try fishing please remember that you will need to purchase a fishing license. TC Kayaks can suggest information on the license that is required to fish the oceans of the West Coast of Canada. You are also welcome to bring your fishing gear and we have excellent fishing locations just minutes from our base camp location in Johnstone Strait. Pink Salmon is the main species and usually they are approx 3 to 4 pounds in size. West Coast fishing is known for unique gear so advice is best sought from the local tackle shops.

For clothing methods layering is the best way to regulate body temperature and maintain warmth. We suggest avoiding cotton (except for those hot days). Cotton has no insulation value when wet. An inner material that wicks moisture from the body and gives a comfortable dry feeling even while wet is the best first layer (Polypropylene, Lycra, Nylon, Polyester). A synthetic material such as fleece or pile makes the best second layer to provide warmth. Wool is also suitable. It is always a good idea to bring an entire spare set of clothes each day while out in the kayaks.

Rain jacket, pants and hat - For the unexpected nasty weather. The rain jacket and hat is most important.While Rain Pants are optional it is recommended and you will find that rain pants add to your comfort while kayaking.

Warm hat - wool or fleece hat will come in handy for cooler days and evenings.

For those hotter sunny days nothing beats a brim hat. You will find that a good summer hat while make you feel very good even on the sunniest days. While baseball caps are okay they still do not measure up to a good brimmed hat.

Light windproof jacket – optional

 

Long pants - 1 pair of fleece or warm comfortable pants, 2 lighter pair such as a quick dry fabric, and 1 pair long underwear. Jeans are NOT recommended for paddling. It should be mentioned that fleece pants are the most comfortable for those cool nights and colder days.

Sweaters - 2 warm fleece or wool (one may be all you need but if one gets wet you have an extra)

Vest - fleece or wool (keeps the body core warm and allows the arms to breath)

Gloves - these might help on cold days and some people feel that they help while paddling.

Long-sleeved quick dry (non cotton) shirt - 2 to 3 quick dry shirts

T-shirts – 2

Shorts - 1 or 2 quick dry nylon

Socks - 3 to 5 pair (1 warmer pair for around camp)

Undergarments- light poly underwear works best in the marine environment.

 

Personal Gear to Bring

To be prepared for varying weather a two season bag is a good idea. TC Kayaks suggests that you bring a sleeping bag that is compact. The marine environment rarely gets cold. The norm is mild and damp on the BC Coast.

We have a dozen sleeping bags for rental during the summer.

Sleeping Pad - Discovery Expeditions can provide a suitable sleeping bag if needed

Non waterproof nylon stuff sac - If your sleeping bag does not already come with one, they are ideal for stuffing your sleeping bag in and using in conjunction with a garbage bag. Having the stuff sac on the outside prevents the garbage bag from ripping. They can be purchased at most outdoor and hardware stores.

Wet shoes - A pair that can get wet such as sandals. If you want extra warmth, rubber boots where you can wear socks are best. In the hot mid summer season you will enjoy wearing your sandals to cool off. Our guides tend to bring a combination of sandals and rubber boots.

Camp footwear/hiking shoes - A pair of runners or hiking boots will come in handy for our hike.

Sunglasses & sunscreen (stored in Ziploc) - A must for protection from sun and glare off water. Safety cords on your glasses are also a good idea.

Towel and bathing suit - Not too bulky of a towel.

Medication - If you are bringing medication please ensure that, a) the name and expiry date of drug is on container, b) you have the detailed instructions of dosage and frequency, c) they are packed in water and sun proof container, d) you bring a full extra dosage of your medication in a separate container and leave with head guide, in case you misplace or lose yours, or are weathered in.

 

Personal items - Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, washcloth, feminine hygiene products (non-perfumed items are less likely to attract bugs), hairbrush, etc.

Small hand towel

Mosquito repellent

Small flashlight -with the batteries

Water bottle - 1 or 2 filled water bottles. Bike bottles or Nalgene bottles work best.

Camera & film - In waterproof bag or case. You may use our dry bags that are at camp.

Binoculars (optional)

Garbage bags - As mentioned above we will provide you with dry bags to store items in your kayaks. A garbage bag may come in handy to transport out laundry, clothing that has gotten wet etc.

Beverages - We supply a wide range of teas and coffee as well as juices. You are welcome to bring soda pops, or alcoholic beverages for the evenings.

Book or journal- Hip pocket all weather note pad makes writing legible notes in rain and snow a lot easier

 

Discovery Expeditions will help you with further questions regarding you gear requirements.