OCEAN SOUND KAYAKING GEAR LIST
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"The climate of the Queen Charlotte Islands is mild. The annual temperature is a Balmy 8C (46 F). The summer temperatures are similar to those in northern and central BC. The islands have a reputation for rain. The east side has an average of 125cm while the west side has an average of 450 cm, some of the highest rainfalls record in Canada!" - Queen Charlotte Visitor Center.

Dressing for the Coastal Weather

Dressing for the ever changing weather of the West Coast, is to simply expect the unexpected. The sport of sea kayaking is an aerobic activity. By dressing in layers this allows perspiration to be wicked through synthetic fabrics, in turn keeping you dry and happy. Cotton is NOT an ideal fabric, it holds unwanted moisture, and in turn creates a cool environment, and a not so happy guest. Wool is an acceptable fabric, keeping you warm when wet; however taking more time to dry in a coastal environment.

Weatherproof Yourself

Whether it is wind, rain, or cool temperatures, an adequate paddling jacket is a MUST. This is your first line of defense against the weather. There are a number of great manufacturers with a range in prices, but most important make sure your seams are sealed. Gore Tex is an adequate material; however it is a breathable fabric and salt water will eventually destroy the membrane over extended use. The use of a product called NIKWiX restores Gore-Tex and gives that old material new life.

This will be the only time I wish to mention RAIN. Apart from your paddling jacket, one should think of waterproofing themselves. The only true waterproof material is rubber, and your guides most likely will be wearing Helly Hansen Rain Gear around the camp on those rainy days.

Personal Gear List

This is a list of items that we recommend to bring on our kayaking tours to ensure your comfort and happiness. This list has been tried and tested over the years. I personally do not believe in expensive name brands but most importantly I believe in quality and functional gear. How well you are prepared will reflect on the overall comfort of the group and yourself!

If you have any questions regarding the items please do not hesitate to contact me.

Download the full gear list and information here in MS Word (.doc) format

_ paddling jacket
_ rain jacket
_ rain pants
_ paddling shoes/sandals
_ hat with brim
_ toque
_ sunscreen
_ lip balm
_ sunglasses
_ thermarest/closed foam mattress
_ synthetic sleeping bag
_ 2, 20 litre dry bags
_ 1, 10 liter dry bag
_ 1 litre wide mouth water bottle
_ flashlight/ headlamp
_ 4-6 large ziplock bags
_ lighter
_ extra contacts/glasses
_ small towel
_ personal toiletry kit
_ 1-2 fast drying pants (MEC rad pants)
_ 1-2 fast drying shorts (MEC rad shorts)
_ 2-3 pairs of wool socks
_ fleece pants
_ fleece jacket/wool sweater
_ fleece vest
_ short sleeve shirt
_ long sleeve neck top
_ synthetic long underwear & top
_ bathing suit
_ bandana
_ camp footwear
_ personal snack food
_ personal prescription drugs should be duplicated and one set given to guide

Optional Items

_ knife
_ camera
_ binoculars
_ book
_ writing paper
_ Spirits (wine, beer, etc.)
_ fishing equipment & license

NOW YOU HAVE ALL THIS GEAR, HOW SHOULD YOU PACK IT?

Your synthetic sleeping bag should be placed in your one, 20 liter bag along with a synthetic thermal top and bottom so ready for a nights sleep. If you choose to bring a down sleeping bag, please use extra care and keep it dry throughout the tour.

Use your two, 10 liter bags for your personal clothing.

One bag filled with items you may not wear for that particular day, while the other bag is packed with items you may want accessible.

The tents that I provide do not need to go into your dry bags. Also leave your sleeping pad and rain gear out of your dry bags as well. If you wish to keep your therma rest dry bring along a thick garbage bag, but it usually stays dry in the rear hatch.

A 5 liter dry bag is great for accessing your personal items and they are easy to stow in the kayak cockpit with you. This bag should have your toiletries in it as well.

I do not provide toilet paper on the tour. Each person is responsible for his/her own toilet bag. Over the years I have found that the bags I would provide would be miss used.

One roll of TP (depending on size), accommodated by 2 lighters, a small bottle of hand sanitizer (which can be purchased at any pharmacy), 3-6 small sandwich zip lock bags. Just in case that lighter isn't working on that rainy day, you can stow and burn your paper in the fire at the nights end. This can go in your 5 Liter bag.

TIP remove the inside tube of your toilet paper roll, this allows you to take the TP from the middle of the roll, which is great when its raining because you don't need to remove it from your dry bag/large zip lock.

Think of the items you are bringing, do you need a litre of sun screen, bath suds, etc, break down items so they are quantified to the tours use.

FOOT WEAR

There are all kinds of foot wear and we all have our own preference. While kayaking you want something that is functional both in the water and in the kayak. Sandals, neoprene booties, etc. If your sandals are felcro make sure the felcro still works those barnacles hurt on the bare feet when your sandal is floating away.

Guests seem to be using those ever so popular Crocs, they are great but have no rigidity to them, and I have had to mend a number of feet in camp due to a branch going through the sole. Something to think about.

Hiking boots, If you are bringing leather hiking boots waterproof them. The salt water will eat them. We don't do any serious hiking and often they are not used.

Rubber boots are what I wear in the rain forest and around camp, especially if it's rainy. But you need to keep the water out of them.

A great all around sandal I use is called Chaco's.

Farmer Johns/Jane's are not required for any of my posted tours.

PADDLING JACKET

This is one of the most frequent questions I get: "Should I buy a paddling jacket?" I don't believe people need to go and make a one time purchase of a paddling jacket just for this trip; however if this is a pastime you wish to continue to pursue it can be a solid DRY investment.

A paddling jacket should have the following: reinforced seams throughout the jacket, neoprene wrists, and a hood which is nice for wind and rain.

Often guests use their old gortex winter jacket which is fine but it has disadvantageous. To make that old jacket comfortable in the coastal environment PLEASE use a gortex treatment to waterproof it, you can find these at any outdoor store. Remember to try it out well before the tour to ensure it will function properly.

Mountain Equipment Co-op makes economical jackets www.mec.ca

Navarro www.navarrogear.com, and NRS www.nrsweb.com look up their tour jackets

There are many other manufactures that will do as well, this should get you started.

THINKING OF FISHING ON YOUR TOUR?

There are fishing closures throughout Gwaii Haanas; however your guides will be throwing out a line every chance they get. We do not rely on fish for our meals but it sure is great to eat fresh fish with your dinner.

Fishing Licenses are required, and must be purchased the evening before your departure at the front desk of the Sandspit Inn. A store called Bay View by the Sandspit harbor sells fishing gear. Contact me if you are thinking of dropping a line, I can help with tackle type. The more lines in the water, the greater chance of catching something! Remember it's called fishing not catching!

ARE YOU FLYING TO SANDSPIT?

I strongly suggest guests bring the essentials and the maximum carry on luggage, the essentials nevertheless, sleeping bag, rain gear, medication, and a change of clothing. This will ensure that you have the bare minimum to start your tour incase your luggage is lost.

Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have.

Cheers Steve

403 609 5576
info@oceansoundkayaking.com