What to plan for…

Our “Exposed” tours vary, check the itinerary for your trip, specifically if it includes sea kayaking.

These trips have some flexibility to deal with less than ideal weather. However, if you are prepared your trip will be much more enjoyable. It is actually possible to enjoy a hike in the rain! Especially when it ends with a nice cup of hot chocolate and some dry clothes. Plan for cold and wet and anything other than that is a bonus. We like to face challenges, but no one really likes being miserable. That’s where good gear makes a difference.

The best advice that we can give is “Bring what’s on this list!” You might not use it all, and that would be great.

We would like you to have enough clothes to get soaking wet during the day and still have a complete, dry set of clothes to put on at night. Otherwise, you’re lying in your tent in a dry sleeping bag (because everything else is wet), while the rest of the group is having dinner. Now you’re cold AND hungry because you can’t have food in your tent!

Gear List:

Clothing

*Warm hat (wool or fleece)

Ball cap

Bandana

*1-2 sets thermal underwear, light to mid-weight. NO COTTON. Please bring 2 sets if sea kayaking.

*3-5 pair wool or synthetic socks

Underwear

*Gloves, lightweight, no cotton

 *Fleece or Puffy synthetic jacket (no down)

 *Wool or fleece sweater or vest

 Long sleeve shirt, lightweight (for bug, sun protection). May be cotton.

 2 T-shirts, may be cotton or some hi-tech, quick drying fabric

 Shorts and/or swimsuit

 Lightweight, quick drying pants, for wearing on the trail or at night. Note that jeans are not useful for anything other than going out to eat.

 1-2 sets casual clothes

 *1 set quality rain gear, jacket and pants. Gore-tex is fine if that’s what you want, but many people here prefer less expensive, and more waterproof, rubberized Helly-Hansens or similar. A poncho is not acceptable.

Cycling/sailing gloves for kayaking

Footwear

 *Hiking Boots – Lightweight hiking shoes, trail runners etc. may be acceptable for day hikes. Boots must be broken in BEFORE your trip!

 Sports sandals, running shoes, etc. for when your boots get wet.

Important Gear

 *Sleeping bag – a 20 degree synthetic bag would be ideal.

 *Compression stuff sack for your sleeping bag. It should pack down to smaller than a basketball.

 *Sleeping pad – ensolite foam or thermarest

 *Backpack – Maximum Exposure only. Make sure this fits properly. At least 4000 cubic inch capacity (approx. 70 litres)

 Daypack

 *Water bottles, at least 2 liter capacity. Camelback type systems are not recommended.

 *Sunglasses (with strap)

 Extra glasses or contacts

 Prescription meds if needed

 Small personal first-aid kit

 Pocket knife

 Flashlight or headlamp for trips in late August & September.

Other Gear

 Alarm to wake you up (your phone battery may not be enough for longer trips).

 Small waterproof bags to organize your clothes, plastic or nylon.

 Camera, batteries, include waterproof case or bags.

 Binoculars

 Trekking poles

 Sunscreen, fits in a quart size ziplock

 Insect repellent, fits in a quart size ziplock

 Small towel

 Personal toiletries, travel size

Your Guide will check your Critical Gear* as indicated above. What you do not have, you will need to purchase; this could delay the start of the trip for your entire group. Don’t be “that guy”.