Let’s get ready!
On our expedition tours (nomadic-style) we will be packing everything into our kayaks each day in order to travel to our next campsite. While space is limited, please ensure you bring enough to stay warm and dry. Shoes can generally be packed loose in the kayak. All participants will also pack some of the group gear and food in their kayak. Don’t worry, it always looks like an impossible mountain of stuff to fit in the kayaks, but with some perseverance and coaching from your guides we always manage to fit everything.
On our basecamp tours we are transported to our wilderness base camp by water taxis which are equipped to carry all of our passengers, plenty of gear and is specially designed for safety and comfort. We are not restricted in the amount of luggage and gear we can bring. Although your gear will be stored in the cabin of the boat, you may want to waterproof some items, in the unlikely event that it may get wet while being transferring to and from boat.
Below you can find a packing list for both, expedition and basecamp tours. The lists of suggested items should keep you a happy camper! 🙂
You will also find a list of items that we provide for your tour. If you have your own gear (kayaks, paddling/camping equipment) and would prefer to use, please let us know beforehand so that we can make sure it is suitable and meets safety requirements.
If you have any other questions about the list, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Temperatures
Please note that our summer temperatures from July until September are generally quite comfortable with temperatures from 18-30 degrees Celsius / 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. June and later September will have cooler temperatures, and at any time of the year we can have rain & wind, with temperatures occasionally as low as 13 C / 55 F. So, we say it is best to come prepared for any type of weather.
PLEASE SELECT YOUR PACKING LIST:
+ EXPEDITIONS (PADDLING FROM CAMP-TO-CAMP)
Packing list for: Orca Lite, Johnstone Strait Expedition, Desolation Sound Expedition, and Nuchatlitz Expedition
PLEASE NOTE WHAT WE PROVIDE:
- All kayaks, paddling and safety gear
- Tent and sleeping pads
- Small camp pillow with case
- Deck chart (map)
- Waterproof dry bags
If you prefer to bring your own dry bags, please note the largest bag should not be larger than a sleeping bag or 20 litres; several small bags are best. We will provide one 5 litre, two 10 litre and one 20 litre dry bags for you to pack into. The 5 litre bag is good for storing small items such as cameras, sunscreen, glasses, etc. The larger ones will be used for storing the rest of your clothing. Please see our suggestions for waterproofing your sleeping bag.
If you have your own gear and would prefer to use it on your tour, please contact our office beforehand so that we can make sure it is suitable and meets safety requirements.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:
- Your own face mask(s) and hand sanitizer – for travelling
- Sleeping bag – A 3-season synthetic bag is recommended. Down bags will work but please take extra care to waterproof. If you are uncertain about whether or not you have the appropriate bag just give us a call or check with your local outdoor store. If you do not have a sleeping bag or would prefer not to travel with one, these may be rented for $25 plus tax. Please reserve in advance. To waterproof your sleeping bag line a compression sack with a heavy duty garbage bag. Press the air out of the bag with your knee and then keep compact with the compression sac which can be purchased at any outdoor shop. This also helps keep your bag small for travel.
- Wetshoes – A pair that can get wet such as sturdy full strapped sandals (such as Keens, Tevas or Chacos), neoprene booties, crocs, or rubber boots. Closed-toe shoes are recommended due to the prevalence of oysters. Please avoid flip-flops/thongs. We have a wide range of rubber boot sizes available to borrow free of charge if you don’t have your own wet shoes or have limited space in your luggage.
- Camp footwear – An additional pair of footwear that you plan to keep dry for around camp. Runners, trainers or light hikers are great.
- Sunglasses & sunscreen (stored in a Ziploc bag) – A must for protection from sun and glare off of the water. Safety cords on your glasses are highly recommended.
- Personal items – Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap/shampoo, washcloth, feminine hygiene products, hairbrush, etc.
- Medication – If you are bringing medication please ensure that…
1) The name and expiry date of drug is on the container;
2) You have the detailed instructions of your dosage and frequency;
3) It is packed in a water and sun proof container;
4) You bring a full extra dosage of your medication in a separate container to leave with your guide, in case you misplace or lose yours, or are weathered in. If you are flying, please pack all necessary medication in your carry-on luggage. - Mosquito repellent – Insects are not a significant concern in our coastal ecosystem but for those with sensitivities repellent may come in handy.
- Bathing suit
- Ziploc bags & several large garbage bags – We will provide you with dry bags, but these come in handy for transporting laundry or wet clothing.
- Small flashlight or headlamp – With spare batteries. Headlamps are preferable as they allow for hands free operation
- Water bottle – Bike bottles or Nalgene-style bottles
- Camera – In a waterproof bag or case, or you may use our dry bags.
- Gloves (optional) – Biking gloves work well to protect your hands from blisters. If you are really concerned about having cold hands, and are paddling in the spring or fall seasons, you may want to invest in neoprene gloves or pogies.
- Beverages – We supply a wide range of teas and coffee as well as juices. You are welcome to bring along soda pops or alcoholic beverages. Please note however that we do expect our guests to consume alcoholic beverages responsibly and strictly enforce a no alcohol on the water policy.
- Fishing gear (optional) – Make sure you have a valid B.C. fishing license. These can be purchased online at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/licence-permis/index-eng.htm
- Book or journal
- Binoculars (optional)
- Gratuity for your guides – at your own discretion
CLOTHING
Clothing should be suitable for the time of year, bearing in mind that it could become cold and wet at any time of year. 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.
- Rain jacket & rain pants – For the unexpected nasty weather. To test your waterproofness – jump in the shower and see if you stay dry! (we’re serious!) (If you would like to rent/hire rain gear from us, please reserve in advance of the tour. Tops and bottoms can be rented for $25 plus tax for the set).
- Light windproof jacket (optional)
- Hats – sun hat (baseball or full-brimmed hat and warm wool/fleece hat for evenings or cooler days
- Long-sleeved non-cotton shirt (synthetic/wool) – 2
- Long pants – 2 pairs of a quick drying, synthetic fabric pants (1 for paddling, 1 warmer for camp). Athletic style pants (running or yoga) are generally appropriate. Jeans are NOT recommended for paddling.
- Lightweight long underwear – 2 pairs, helps to keep you warm at night or as a base layer during the day. We recommend one set for kayaking and one set which is reserved for sleeping and always stays dry
- Sweater – A warm wool or fleece sweater
- T-shirts – 2-3
- Shorts – 1 quick dry nylon
- Warm socks – 4 to 6 pairs (1-2 warmer pair for around camp)
- Undergarments
ADD-ONS FOR COOLER WETTER FORECASTS:
- A second warm wool or fleece sweater
- An extra t-shirt
- An extra pair of warm pants
- 1-2 additional pairs of socks
+ BASECAMP TOURS (STAYING AT ONE CAMP)
Packing list for: Whales & Wilderness Glamping, Johnstone Strait Ultimate, Orca Family Tours
PLEASE NOTE WHAT WE PROVIDE:
On the Whales & Wilderness Glamping:
- All kayaks, safety & paddling gear, waterproof dry bags
- Walk-in canvas tents on wooden platforms, real beds, thick soy foam mattresses, warm blankets, 2 pillows (firm & soft), linens, bath towels, flashlight/headlamp, mosquito repellent, travel tea/coffee mug, library of natural history books, camp binoculars (you may wish to bring your own pair for paddling)
On the Johnstone Strait Ultimate:
- All kayaks, safety & paddling gear, waterproof dry bags
- Spacious tents on wooden platform covered with large trap, thick sleeping pad with sheet, pillow and pillow cover, warm wool/fleece blanket, towel, hot water bottle, travel tea/coffee mug, camp binoculars (you may wish to bring your own pair for paddling), library of natural history books
On the Orca Family Tour:
- All kayaks, paddling & safety gear, waterproof dry bags
- Tent & sleeping pads
- Small camp pillow with case
- Travel coffee/tea mug
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:
- Your own face mask(s) and hand sanitizer – for travelling
- Sleeping bag – (not for Whales & Wilderness Glamping) A 3-season synthetic bag is recommended. Down bags will work but please take extra care to waterproof. If you are uncertain about whether or not you have the appropriate bag just give us a call or check with your local outdoor store. If you do not have a sleeping bag or would prefer not to travel with one, these may be rented for $25 plus tax. Please reserve in advance. To waterproof your sleeping bag line a compression sack with a heavy duty garbage bag. Press the air out of the bag with your knee and then keep compact with the compression sac which can be purchased at any outdoor shop. This also helps keep your bag small for travel.
- Wetshoes – A pair that can get wet such as sturdy full strapped sandals (such as Keens, Tevas or Chacos), neoprene booties, crocs, or rubber boots. Closed-toe shoes are recommended due to the prevalence of oysters. Please avoid flip-flops/thongs. We have a wide range of rubber boot sizes available to borrow free of charge if you don’t have your own wet shoes or have limited space in your luggage.
- Camp footwear – An additional pair of footwear that you plan to keep dry for around camp. Runners, trainers or light hikers are great.
- Sunglasses & sunscreen (stored in a Ziploc bag) – A must for protection from sun and glare off of the water. Safety cords on your glasses are highly recommended.
- Personal items – Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap/shampoo, washcloth, feminine hygiene products, hairbrush, etc.
- Medication – If you are bringing medication please ensure that…
1) The name and expiry date of drug is on the container;
2) You have the detailed instructions of your dosage and frequency;
3) It is packed in a water and sunproof container;
4) You bring a full extra dosage of your medication in a separate container to leave with your guide, in case you misplace or lose yours, or are weathered in. If you are flying, please pack all necessary medication in your carry-on luggage. - Mosquito repellent – Insects are not a significant concern in our coastal ecosystem but for those with sensitivities repellent may come in handy.
- Bathing suit
- Ziploc bags & several large garbage bags – We will provide you with dry bags, but these come in handy for transporting laundry or wet clothing.
- Small flashlight or headlamp – With spare batteries. Headlamps are preferable as they allow for hands free operation
- Water bottle – Bike bottles or Nalgene-style bottles
- Camera – In a waterproof bag or case, or you may use our dry bags.
- Gloves (optional) – Biking gloves work well to protect your hands from blisters. If you are really concerned about having cold hands, and are paddling in the spring or fall seasons, you may want to invest in neoprene gloves or pogies.
- Beverages – We supply a wide range of teas and coffee as well as juices. You are welcome to bring along soda pops or alcoholic beverages. Please note however that we do expect our guests to consume alcoholic beverages responsibly and strictly enforce a no alcohol on the water policy.
- Fishing gear (optional) – Make sure you have a valid B.C. fishing license. These can be purchased on-line at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/licence-permis/index-eng.htm
- Book or journal
- Binoculars (optional)
- Gratuity for your guides – at your own discretion
CLOTHING
Clothing should be suitable for the time of year, bearing in mind that it could become cold and wet at any time of year. 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.
- Rain jacket & rain pants – For the unexpected nasty weather. To test your waterproofness – jump in the shower and see if you stay dry! (we’re serious!) (If you would like to rent/hire raingear from us, please reserve in advance of the tour. Tops and bottoms can be rented for $25 plus tax for the set).
- Hats – sun hat (baseball or full-brimmed hat and warm wool/fleece hat for evenings or cooler days
- Light windproof jacket (optional)
- Long-sleeved non-cotton shirt – (synthetic/wool) – 2
- Long pants – 2 pairs of a quick drying, synthetic fabric pants (1 for paddling, 1 warmer for camp). Athletic style pants (running or yoga) are generally appropriate. Jeans are NOT recommended for paddling.
- Lightweight long underwear – 2 pairs, helps to keep you warm at night or as a base layer during the day. We recommend one set for kayaking and one set which is reserved for sleeping and always stays dry.
- Sweater – A warm wool or fleece sweater
- T-shirts – 2-3
- Shorts – 1 quick dry nylon
- Warm socks – 4 to 6 pairs (1-2 warmer pair for around camp)
- Undergarments
ADD-ONS FOR COOLER WETTER FORECASTS:
- A second warm wool or fleece sweater
- An extra t-shirt
- An extra pair of warm pants
- 1-2 additional pairs of socks
+ WATCH OUR 'PACK LIKE A PRO' VIDEO
The video provides some practical, and humorous, tips and tricks you might appreciate! 🙂
