West Coast Trail Tips #5-What to Bring
Taking a hiking adventure on the West Coast Trail is a great way to experience the real Pacific coast. But coastal hikes can be grueling and difficult. The weather is precocious, the ground conditions can be extremely variable, and the terrain can be hazardous. Making it through can be by sheer brute will, but the gear you take can help ease the way.
There are four important gear groupings to look at when you are planning. One area covers the gear for the time you are traveling. The second area covers the gear for staying in camp. Next, we have the area covering gear for the kitchen; and finally, we consider the clothing that you bring to deal with the changeable weather.
The Travel Gear
Travel gear includes the pack, the boots, the gaiters, the hydration system, and the pack cover. The pack is best if is an inside frame, fully adjustable, waist-belted expedition pack. If you have several people with larger packs, you can probably get away with a 60 liter pack, but on a 6 to 8 day camping tour, you need some volume. Make sure you get the pack fitted for you by someone who knows how to fit it and adjust it to you. Don’t take it for certain that an employee of an outdoor store actually knows how to fit a pack, even they say they have been trained. If you have any experienced hiker friends, as them to show you how to fit it properly. A good fitting pack, properly adjusted makes sure you waste little of your energy. Conserving your energy on the hike lessens fatigue and decreases the chance of accident and injury.
The most common injury on hiking trips are blisters, and the most common cause is poorly fit, poorly maintained, or not-broken-in hiking boots. For the West Coast Trail and BC hiking on the coast, you need rugged, expedition hiking boots. The trails are rugged and the packs heavy. You need to make sure that the boots you have fit the bill. Because the trails are most often muddy, gaiters are a major help in keeping feet dry. In mud, the wetness does not get through the gaiter, even if it is over the boot top. When you have standing water of 3 to 5 inches and mud up to the knee, gaiters are critical.
Water is vital to life, and beyond blisters, the most common injury on a hiking trip is dehydration. The absolute, most critical factor to incorporate into your hydration system is accessibility. Accessible water will be drunk. Even if you don’t take a filter or purification system, you need to have the water accessible. The filtration system is also very important. New gravity feed filtration systems are fast and easy. They are worth researching.
The Accommodation Gear
At the end of the day, you need shelter and sleeping gear. There are some great lightweight tents now on the market, ranging from about $200 to $600 for a two-person, three-season tent. Some tents are great, but a real pain to put up. If you get one of those tents, make sure you know how to put it up in wind and rain to keep is as stable and dry as possible.
Your sleeping gear contains your sleeping bag and insulating mat, as well as any bag liner you have. On the west coast, the damp air can make anything wet. Down bags lose their loft and warmth when they get wet. Keeping your bag dry is critical, especially in the shoulder seasons when the temperatures are lower. If your bag is GoreTex, you will not have to worry, but they are expensive. A synthetic fill bag or a hybrid bag are better choices. A heavy, -20 C is not needed. You can stay with a lighter 0 C bag on the coast. It rarely gets below freezing. Your insulating mat can be a foam pad, a standard Thermarest, or derivative, or one of the ultralight sleeping pads, also made by Thermarest.
The Kitchen Gear
The most critical considerations for your kitchen, other than the food, are that the stove works, works without a hitch, and is repairable in the field. And you also need to make sure you have your fuel when you leave. Do not count on hooking on a campfire: some beaches do not have enough wood. There are very good, light stoves on the market. It is easy to get one that is light, functional, and dependable. Liquid fuels may seem heavy, but they are refillable. Propane containers are heavy and are supposed to be refillable, but there are a lot of them that get thrown away.
Cooking pots add weight. Only take the size you need for yourself or your group. Plan on one pot meals, and limit the amount of cutlery. Coffee press lids for drinking bottles make great French press coffee, without having to carry a separate pot. Make sure you take the lid and have a good handle or pot grabber.
The Clothing
Clothing needs to be insulating. The prime mantra is, “No cotton!” Cotton dries slowly and does not insulate. The most effective way to think about your clothing is to think like an onion, with layers. Despite this Shrek-ly advice, layers increase the adjustability of your clothing options dramatically. The best fabrics are wool and fleece. New merino wool products that are thin make great base layers. Putting thin layers of fleece over top help maintain warmth.
Being on the “wet coast,” good rain gear is necessary. Check your gear for waterproofness before you leave. It can be light, as long as it is definitely waterproof. Combining some fleece covered with rain gear breaks the wind and maintains the heat better inside the garments. Rain gear is effectively another warmth layer.
Combining the clothing with the travel gear, the placement in the pack is important. Thinking in terms of systems helps. Have systems like, “quick warmth for stops” and develop it with your clothing and pack to always have some insulating clothing near an easy pack opening, and by leaving a space by the opening for putting the clothing back. Dromedary hydration bags with the hose run out near the face and a gravity filter back beside the bag is a “hydration system.” A systems approach helps with consistency and so, it helps with safety and security. We can’t go into all gear options, but you can uncover more details with a bit of research.
The gear you bring to a hiking tour of the West Coast Trail is important. The quality, usability, and the weight are important for getting from one end to the other as easily as possible. Researching great gear and investing in quality are worth it when taking on a challenging backpacking hike like this. Using a good tour company helps relieve some of the research time because they will help you with the details and give great suggestions for what to bring and the quality to consider.
To learn more about hiking trips on the West Coast Trail, visit www.coastalbliss.ca where you will find this and much more about adventure tours and BC coastal hiking.
About the Author
Gary Ward has been leading trips and teaching in wilderness areas for 20 years. Having travelled from desert to sea, he spends most of his time now in coastal areas, exploring the boundary between land and sea, land and sky, and sea and sky.
Gary can be found on one of these boundaries, running Coastal Bliss Adventures with his partner, Georgia Newsome, and writing about Beautiful BC.
June Tailor® Fancy Fleece™ Ruler Demonstration Video
|
|
GOLDEN FLEECE HC SLEIGH MOUSEPAD MOUSE MAT PAD $13.95 |
|
|
BRAND NEW BOYS SPIDERMAN FLEECE NAP MAT PLAY BLANKET $9.99 |
|
|
Brand New Hot Sell Deluxe Pet Puppy Dog Coral Fleece Thermal Blanket Warm Mat $4.39 |
|
|
KH1090 Large Soft Indoor Outdoor Heated Dog Bed Mat with Free Fleece Cover 25×36 $87.50 |
|
|
Indoor Pet Puppy Dog Cat Soft Fleece Winter Warm Bed House Nesting + Pad Mat $0.01 |
|
|
Disney Toddler Nap Mat with Coral Fleece Blanket, Cars $31.56 |
|
|
Gift New Warm Soft Fleece Pet Dog Cat Bed with Mat S/L $4.30 |
|
|
Disney Pixar Toy Story Toddler Nap Mat with Coral Fleece Blanket $19.97 |
|
|
Disney Princess Toddler Nap Mat with Coral Fleece Blanket $19.97 |
|
|
Disney Fairies Tinkerbell Toddler Nap Mat with Coral Fleece Blanket $19.97 |
|
|
K&H Pet Heater Bed Lectro Kennel Fleece Cover Warming Mat Pad Dog Cat Furniture $82.66 |
|
|
K&H Pet Heater Bed Lectro Kennel Fleece Cover Warming Mat Pad Dog Cat Furniture $96.93 |
|
|
K&H Pet Heater Bed Lectro Kennel Fleece Cover Warming Mat Pad Dog Cat Furniture $115.59 |
|
|
Fleece Nap Mat Pillow Medium 18×29 Chili $19.99 |
|
|
Fleece Nap Mat Pillow large 26×41 $31.99 |
|
|
HANDMADE Pink Stripe Fleece Cat Dog Bed Mat Catnip available $12.99 |
|
|
Handmade OOAK Pink Hibiscus Flower Fleece cat dog Bed Mat FREE Catnip available $12.99 |
|
|
RED AND BLACK PAW PRINT FLEECE DOG BED CRATE MAT-20X20 $12.99 |
|
|
CAT Dog Luxury WARM THERMAL LEOPARD Fleece MAT BED*NEW $23.99 |
|
|
Guinea Pig, Rats, Small Animal Bedding Fleece, Cage Liner. Floortime Furn. Mat $11.99 |
|
|
Guinea Pig, Rats, Small Animal Bedding Fleece, Cage Liner. Floortime Furn. Mat $11.99 |
|
|
Sanrio My Melody Car / Sofa TV DieCut Fleece Blanket Mat w Tote Bag 91cm x 76cm $22.99 |
|
|
BRAND NEW BOYS SPIDERMAN FLEECE NAP MAT PLAY BLANKET FREE PRIORITY SHIPPING $14.99 |
|
|
MINNIE MOUSE OFFICIAL LICENSED WALT DISNEY COTTON DUVET SET CUSHIONS FLEECE MORE $31.52 |
|
|
CLOUD SKY FLEECE CAT DOG BED/CRATE MAT PAD 20X28 $15.99 |
|
|
Fleece Nap Mat Pillow Medium 18×29 Chili $2.24 |
|
|
Fleece Nap Mat Pillow large 26×41 $4.13 |
|
|
FuzziBunz Fleece Changing Pad Waterproof Portable Mat $10.95 |
|
|
FuzziBunz Fleece Changing Pad Waterproof Portable Mat $10.95 |
|
|
FuzziBunz Fleece Changing Pad Waterproof Portable Mat $10.95 |
|
|
FuzziBunz Fleece Changing Pad Waterproof Portable Mat $10.95 |
|
|
FuzziBunz Fleece Changing Pad Waterproof Portable Mat $10.95 |
|
|
FuzziBunz Fleece Changing Pad Waterproof Portable Mat $10.95 |
|
|
FuzziBunz Fleece Changing Pad Waterproof Portable Mat $10.95 |
|
|
Solid Rectangle Micro-polar Fleece Bath Mat $72.18 |
|
|
Princess CAT Fleece Mat w/attached Plush Toys $25.00 |
|
|
Indoor Pet Puppy Dog Cat Soft Fleece Winter Warm Bed House Nesting Soft Pad Mat $9.89 |
|
|
Indoor Pet Puppy Dog Cat Soft Fleece Winter Warm Bed House Nesting Soft Pad Mat $18.82 |
|
|
MULCH MAT / FLEECE PEGS 15cm in Black $3.16 |
|
|
K/H Thermo Kitty Mat Heated 12.5″x25″ Cat Fleece Bed $54.95 |
|
|
MICKEY MOUSE OFFICIAL LICENSED WALT DISNEY COTTON DUVET SET CUSHION FLEECE MORE $31.52 |
|
|
IIT 3′ x 10′ Absorbent Fleece Protective Mat $5.00 |
|
|
Gift New Warm Soft Fleece Pet Dog Cat Bed with Mat S or L (3 colors available） $15.88 |
|
|
Gift New Warm Soft Fleece Pet Dog Cat Bed with Mat S or L (3 colors available） $20.50 |
|
|
Gift New Warm Soft Fleece Pet Dog Cat Bed with Mat S or L (3 colors available） $19.99 |
|
|
Gift New Warm Soft Fleece Pet Dog Cat Bed with Mat S or L (3 colors available） $19.99 |
|
|
Winter Soft Indoor Warm Coral Fleece Pet Dog Cat Puppy Fluffy Blanket Mat Camel $9.99 |
|
|
Sanrio Osaru No Monkichi Monkey Car / Sofa Fleece Blanket Mat w Banana Bag 114cm $26.99 |
|
|
Sanrio My Melody Car / Sofa TV DieCut Fleece Blanket Mat w Tote Bag 91cm x 76cm $26.99 |
|
|
Hot Sell Popular Design Soft Dog Fleece Pet Paw Prints Blanket Mat Cute $7.94 |
|
|
Indoor Dog Puppy Cat Pet Soft Fleece Winter Warm Bed House Soft Pad Mat S L Size $16.89 |
|
|
Indoor Dog Puppy Cat Pet Soft Fleece Winter Warm Bed House Soft Pad Mat S L Size $23.92 |
|
|
K&H Heated Thermo Fleece Cat KITTY MAT Pad Bed MOCHA 3291 $30.99 |
|
|
K&H Heated Thermo Fleece Cat KITTY MAT Pad Bed SAGE $30.99 |
|
|
Light Violet Soft Coral Fleece Bath Mat Rug ROMANTICE Bow With Ruffles!!! $16.99 |
|
|
Hot Sell Lovely Design Pet Dog Cat Paw Prints Fleece Couture Blanket Mat New $3.06 |
|
|
Hot Sell Pet Dog Cat Paw Prints Fleece Couture Blanket Mat Design Brand New $4.19 |
|
|
Hot Sell Pet Dog Cat Paw Prints Fleece Couture Blanket Mat Personalized Design $7.94 |
|
|
Hello Kitty CAT Fleece Mat w/attached Plush Toys $25.00 |
|
|
Dog Puppy Cat Pet Soft Fleece Winter Warm Bed House Soft Pad Mat Indoor $18.99 |
|
|
Gardman R687 4-Tier Mini Greenhouse $36.42 4 Tier Green House Great Gift Idea Our Grow Racks are ideal for extending the growing season in the spring and fall. Their small size allow them to be placed on decks, patios, or indoors next to a window. Grow Racks come with a UV protected, clear, vinyl cover which holds in humidity reducing plant’s watering needs. Easy access and ventilation is provided by the zippered door panel in the covering… |
|
|
Proforce Multimat Trekker Mat Olive/Coyote Self-Inflating 72 X 20 X 1 Inch 4 Seasons $59.95 The Trekker Mat by MultiMat is quickly becoming the choice of many Military members. The Unique design and color combination sets the Trekker apart from the competition and the choice of Military Professionals. Self-Inflating Mats not only provide a little extra comfort sleeping on top of rocks and other hard surfaces but also help to add a barrier between you and the cold ground beneath. 20kg/… |
|
|
Proforce Combat Casualty Blanket Strong Insulating Materials 56 X 84 Inch Individually Packed $10.18 Provides emergency protection in al weathers…. |
|
|
6PK FLEECE PAW PRINT BED, Color: May Vary – Randomly Picked; Size: 27 X 36 (Catalog Category: Dog:BEDS & MATS) $73.53 (Color: May Vary – Randomly Picked; Size: 27 X 36)… |
|
|
FLEECE BED, Color: May Vary – Randomly Picked; Size: 40X30 INCH (Catalog Category: Dog:BEDS & MATS) $40.71 Pet bedding is made with durable materials and quality workmanship that will last for years. Comfortable bed for pets.Ingredients: Fleece(Color: May Vary – Randomly Picked; Size: 40X30 INCH)… |
|
|
Precision Pet SnooZZy Original Fleece Bumper Bed for Dogs $11.79 Precision Pet SnooZZy Original Fleece Bumper Bed for Dogs is designed to fit crates. Precision Pet SnooZZy Original Fleece Bumper Bed for Dogs is designed to provide your dog with the ability to play hard and rest easy. Precision Pet SnooZZy Original Fleece Bumper Bed for Dogs provides your pet with comfort at home, in the car or away from home due to it’s versitile design…. |
|
|
Country Quilts & Soft Furnishings $3.75 This text contains a collection of projects for homemade soft furnishings with a country theme. Each project can be machine-appliqued and quilted using the precise patterns and simple instructions provided…. |
|
|
ORIGINAL PATENT APPLICATION NUMBER 1,071,747 FOR FLEECES OR MATS OF GLASS FIBRES OR SIMILAR MINERAL FIBRES, AND A METHOD AND AN APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING SUCH FLEECES OR MATS. (GERMANY). … |
|
|
Fancy Fleece Slotted Ruler $20.49 Fancy fleece slotted ruler can be used to create seven different decorative treatmentsCraft guide uses a 45 mm rotary cutter and matCutting tool is perfect for all types of crafting |
