Here is a basic list of gear you will need for the course. You may have some of these things already. I will be contacting local retailers about discounts for our group.

WRCA already has: Tents, Tarps, Sleeping pads, Stoves, Water Filters, Headlamps, Hiking Poles, Gaiters

 

Sleeping:

1.       Sleeping Bag: Synthetic insulation (not goose down), Mummy shaped and around -7 to -9 C temperature rating. The reason I am excluding down is because if it gets wet it won't retain heat and will be a pain to dry out - and the Juan de Fuca trip has the potential for being a little wet. Synthetics are less expensive as well!

Footwear:

2.       Hiking Boots: Must be waterproof and at least a mid-cut (not a low-cut style shoe). You will need the ankle support. We have a class set of gaiters (waterproof covers that attach to the middle of your boot and go up your shin). Try to avoid boots that are mostly mesh.

3.       Hiking Socks: 3-4 pair. Non-Cotton (Wool is best). Cotton soaks up moisture and doesn't dry out so avoid anything with cotton. I would recommend a pair of socks per day (4).

Optional: a pair or two of liner socks. These help wick moisture away from the foot as well as provide a little more cushion.

 

Clothing:

4.       Base Layers: Minimum 2 tops, 1 bottom. Non-Cotton. You will be hiking in the base layer tops. Many of you might have polyester or nylon tops already - you can bring these but I would prefer if you had at least 1 full-sleeved base layer.

5.       Middle Insulating Layers: Fleece & Polyester types. 1-2 tops. Non Cotton.

6.       Sleeping clothes (cotton OK)

7.       Rain Jacket and Pants: Should be shells capable of layering with your other clothes. Must be Waterproof (not resistant).

8.       Toque + Gloves. Gloves can be liner-style gloves, they are just something to put your hands in at night.

       9.   Undergarments (personal preference for amount)

      10. Sunglasses

Miscellaneous:

11.   Bowl, mug, utensils: (bowls can hold soups and meals and your food won’t cool down as quick as if it were on a plate. Your choice whether you want to bring a Thermos for hot drinks or just a cup (I’d recommend the Thermos!)

12.   Water Bottle or Camelback water bladder: Need to be able to carry 2L of water – whether that is two 1L Bottles or one 2L bladder.

13.   Toiletries: Toothbrush, Deodorant, Toilet Paper, Chap Stick

14.   Camera (highly recommended)

15.   Journal

16.   Stuff Sacks for clothes, gear (optional, but it's nice to have things like a waterproof sack for sleeping bag)

17.   Zip lock bags and garbage bags for waterproofing gear

18. Fox 40 Whistle

19. Small pack towel (for drying hair, tent)

 

“I say, beware of all enterprises that require new clothes, and not rather a new wearer of clothes.”
―     Henry David Thoreau, Walden