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Johnstone Strait Ultimate packing list

On our Johnstone Strait tours, we are transported to our wilderness base camp by boat. Our water taxi, equipped to carry 12 passengers and plenty of gear, is specially designed for safety and comfort, and has a spacious interior and onboard toilet. With this style of tour we are not restricted to the packing amounts and methods of our nomadic kayak tours. To transport your gear on the water taxi, compact duffel bags or back packs are suitable. Although your gear will be stored in the cabin, you may want to water proof some items such as sleeping bags, in the event that it may get dropped in the water while transferring to and from boat. Once we arrive at base camp ourselves and our gear is shuttled to shore by small row boat.

At our base camp we have dry bags that will be used for our days paddling out on the water. The small ones are great for cameras, sunscreen, and other small personal items that you would like to have near you. The larger one will be used for your spare clothing for the day. For the most part sea kayaks are watertight, although small amounts of water may leak through the rudder lines and hatches.

Following is a list of suggested items to bring along. If you have any concerns or questions about the list, don't hesitate to contact us.

Temperatures: Note that our summer temperatures from July until mid September are generally quite comfortable with temperatures ranging from 18 - 25 degrees Celsius / 70- 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Its not uncommon to find mid day summers hot enough to want to cool off in the ocean…..but do note, the cool waters of Johnstone Strait wont keep you in for too long! Early July and later September will have the cooler temperatures, and at any time of year we can have rain and wind, with temperatures occasionally as low as 13 C / 55 F. So, we just say it is best to come prepared for any type of weather.

Equipment

Sleeping bag - To be prepared for varying weather a 3 season bag is a good idea. Each of our tents are also equipped with a spare wool blanket.

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.

Sun hat - A sun hat such as a baseball or brimmed hat is a must.

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 for hot tub and shower

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.

Gloves - (Optional) If your hands are wet and there is a cool wind, you might be happy you brought them along. Wool or fleece gloves with grip are adequate. Neoprene ones are great if you have them.

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

Clothing

We recommend being prepared for all types of weather. From warm sunny days to wet, windy and cold. 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. To test your waterproofness jump in the shower and see if you stay dry!

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

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.

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)

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

Sanitation in the wilderness:

The kayak cuts no grooves and leaves no scars, as it travels freely through the waters. However on land, with the increasing number of kayakers venturing into new territory and seeking the un-traveled path, we must respect our surroundings and be aware of our impact on these environmentally sensitive areas. Spirit of the West makes every effort to ensure we leave our area as we found it. Where do we wash? Are there toilets? These are some of the most common concerns but questions not always asked. All of our camping sites are in wilderness settings and therefore are basic and rustic giving a true wilderness experience. For those wanting to wash up, we have a propane heated shower, privately nestled in the forest. Please use nature friendly soap brands. Our outhouse is considered to be one of the more environmentally accepted styles, where waste is burned on a regular basis. It also has one of the best views you will find from an outhouse.

While out on our day excursions, your guide will discuss proper elimination etiquette and suggest a suitable private area. Guides will have along a group toiletry kit, but you may want to have your own. Toilet paper should not be left in the wilderness. It can be burned (a good idea is to place in small paper bag, store in plastic bag, and toss in fire later), or transferred to our garbage. Sanitary products can be wrapped in paper bags (we have a supply at camp) or newspaper placed in Ziploc plastic bag, and then transferred to our garbage. If you have any concerns in regards to the 'how to do's' while on tour, please do not be shy to ask questions

Most of our sea kayaking British Columbia tours start from beautiful British Columbia. To kayak Quadra Island, please have a look at our kayaking Quadra Island pages to see what to do when visiting Quadra Island including our fantastic kayak Vancouver Island Day Tours. kayaking British Columbia with Spirit of the West.

Sea kayaking Canada day tours on Quadra Island

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Call Toll Free 1 800 307 3982 :: Overseas Call 1 250 285 2121

Spirit of the West Adventures
Box 569, Heriot Bay, British Columbia
V0P-1H0 Canada

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