Packing List Kayak Tours & Trips ~ Coast Mountain Expeditions

Equipment List

For our sea kayaking Vancouver Island BC tours Coast Mountain Expeditions relies on high quality, well-maintained equipment. We use mostly single fibreglass sea kayaks and have many popular kayak designs to accommodate individual preference and assure comfortable paddling. Comfortable & sleek double sea kayaks are also available.

We Provide
Top quality kayaks, paddles, spray skirts, PFD’s (lifejackets), charts & compass, kayak camp-kitchen, radio & safety equipment, wilderness first aid supplies, good 2-person tents, delicious wholesome food, boat transportation, eco-lodge accommodation, and excellent certified guides. We supply 2 dry bags for each participant.

Your Packing List

• Daypack (for tours that include hiking)
• Sleeping bag & sleeping pad (rentals available)
• Pants: long and short, quick dry*
• Shirts: long sleeve quick dry* and short sleeve or t-shirt(s)
• Warm sweater or fleece jacket
• Raingear/windbreaker: (a priority:) waterproof jacket & rain pants
• Hat(s) for sun and rain
• 2 Towels & Bathing suit
• Gloves: bike gloves are good for blister/sun protection; neoprene for cold weather trips
• Water shoes: good fitting sport sandals or any shoe with grip – not flip-flops!
• Comfy dry-shoes: for short hikes and in-camp
• Socks: for blisters, bugs, warmth
• Personal clothing, toothbrush, etc.
• Sunglasses (essential)
• Sunscreen (good protection essential)
• Spare prescription glasses, if worn
• Medications (report use to trip leader)
• Water bottle: 1-litre, unbreakable
• Eating utensils: cup, bowl, cutlery
• Waterproof bags for your gear: smaller bags (10-15 litre) fit hatches best. You can make a good ‘dry bag’ with a garbage bag inside a cloth stuff sack.
• Flashlight

Optional

• Binoculars
• Camera (Bring a waterproof camera bag or plastic container—tupperware works!)
• Insect repellent: its not usually buggy here, but if you are the group bug-magnet…
• Book, small game, good jokes…
• Tips/money: Your trip is all-inclusive, but you may wish to consider a gratuity for your guides. We also have some books, local souvenirs and t-shirts/caps for sale.

Packing Hints:
For British Columbia kayak trips, quick-dry* synthetic shirts and pants are best.
Cotton clothes can be damp and uncomfortable for kayaking – dry cotton clothing for around camp is fine.
Synthetic fleece or wool provide warmth, especially when combined with a wind/rain shell.
Bring several smaller stuff sacks – 10L ‘sleeping bag size’ is good. Kayaks have adequate storage space, but the hatch openings are small.
If you have any questions about packing for your BC kayaking trip, please contact us!