Bringing the proper clothing and accessories can make or break a trip. Being comfortable in the wilderness is important to us, so we have assembled a clothing list for our trips (see below). The areas we visit can have changing conditions during your sea kayak trip, even during the summer in British Columbia. Most of our trips are to Johnstone Strait, Blackfish Sound, and the Broughton Archipelago. Some of our custom trips go further north to areas like the Great Bear Rainforest, Haida Gwaii, and the Central Coast of British Columbia. In these areas, we start in late spring and move into summer during June, July, August, and September. Generally, air temperatures are stable and mild. When high-pressure cells move through these areas, winds are strong, and often the first few days are cool with a drying trend. At other times, low-pressure cells can keep air temperatures stable but on the cool side, especially in the morning. Usually, days start off cool, so we suggest you begin with layers of clothing and look forward to removing them as the day goes on. Evenings are surprisingly warm.

However, since this is the West Coast, downturns in the weather happen, bringing short bursts of wind and rain. It is best to be prepared for all weather types, including suitable warm clothing.

Below is a list to help you with your clothing and gear requirements for your adventure vacations with us. It’s always a good idea to bring an entire spare set of warm, dry clothing each day while out in the kayaks.

Kayaking and Personal Gear

Clothing (modify for day trips)

We recommend you bring ALL of the following clothing on our sea kayaking trips:

• 1 rain jacket

• 1 pair of rain pants

• 1 rain hat

• 1 warm wool or fleece hat

• 1 summer hat with a brim

• 1 light windproof jacket

• 1 pair of long fleece or warm comfortable pants (jeans NOT recommended)

• 2 lighter pairs of pants made of quick-dry synthetic fabric

• 1 pair long underwear

• 1 warm fleece jacket or wool sweater

• 1 fleece or wool vest

• 1 pair of cycling gloves and a pair of neoprene gloves

• 1 long-sleeved quick-dry shirt, made of synthetic fabric (cotton NOT recommended)

• 2–3 quick-dry shirts

• 2 T-shirts

• 1–2 pairs of quick-dry nylon shorts

• 3–5 pairs of socks, including 1 warmer pair for around camp

• Underwear: light poly underwear works best in the marine environment

Dressing for the BC Outdoors: Layering

Layering is the best way to regulate body temperature and maintain warmth. We suggest you avoid cotton (except for hot days), since cotton has no insulation value when wet.

• First Layer: An inner material that wicks moisture away from the body and provides a comfortable, dry feeling even when wet (Polypropylene, Lycra, Nylon, Polyester).

• Second Layer: A synthetic material such as fleece or pile is ideal for providing warmth. Wool is also suitable.

• Third Layer (Outer Layer): A water/wind-resistant jacket works well in our paddling environment.

Personal Gear

• Compact sleeping bag: To be prepared for varying weather, a two-season bag is recommended. The BC coast marine environment rarely gets cold—the norm is mild and damp. Please contact us if you do not have a sufficient sleeping bag; we have sleeping bags available for rental during the summer.

• Sleeping pad/mattress: We can provide a suitable sleeping pad if you don’t have one.

• Non-waterproof nylon stuff sack: If your sleeping bag does not already come with one, they are ideal for packing your sleeping bag and can be used with a garbage bag for waterproofing during transport.

• Wet (water) shoes for kayaking: sandals or rubber boots (we recommend bringing both).

• Camp footwear: hiking shoes or runners.

• Sunglasses & sunscreen: to protect from sun and glare off water (store in a Ziploc bag).

• Safety cords for your glasses.

• Bathing suit

• 1 small towel

• Medication: If bringing medication, please ensure that (a) the name and expiration date of the drug are on the container, (b) you have detailed dosage and frequency instructions, (c) medications are packed in water- and sun-proof containers, and (d) you bring a full extra dosage in a separate container to leave with the head guide in case you misplace yours or become weathered in.

• Personal items: toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, washcloth, hairbrush, feminine hygiene products (non-perfumed items attract fewer bugs), small hand towel, etc.

• Mosquito repellent

• Small flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries

• 1 or 2 filled water bottles: bike bottles or Nalgene bottles work best.

• 2 cameras with waterproof bag or case

• Small binoculars (we have an extra pair at camp)

• Garbage bags to transport your gear while on the water

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

• Book to read or journal

Discovery Expeditions will assist you with further questions regarding your gear requirements. For those traveling to coastal destinations on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo, Courtenay, and Campbell River all have well-stocked retail outfitters you might want to visit. The local outfitters have a keen sense of local knowledge and are up-to-date with environmental changes that have occurred over the winter. Call our office at 250-756-0094.

Fishing Gear Option

If you want to try fishing, you must purchase a fishing license. We can provide information on the license you will require. We have two fishing rods at camp but do not supply fishing bait or lures. We suggest bringing colourful buzz bombs or hoochies. There is excellent fishing just minutes from our basecamp location in Johnstone Strait. Pink salmon is the main species, approximately three to four pounds in size. You are also welcome to bring your own fishing gear. Be sure to ask at the local tackle shops what fishing gear to bring for the West Coast.