Keep your pack contents dry. Coastal trips can be wet for hours or even days. Use a pack liner or waterproof bags to protect your sleeping bag, dry clothing, food and other items that must stay dry.
Note: The trip leader may have some gear available to borrow.
Know before you pack
Packing for a trip isn’t always black and white. The equipment you need depends on the trip, conditions and your own needs. Check the trip information and make sure you know:
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- Expected weather and trail conditions
- Distance and difficulty of the trip
- Expected temperature at night
- Water sources and whether water treatment is required
- Food storage requirements
- Tide times, if the route includes beaches or tidal areas
- Camping regulations and permits
- What group equipment the trip leader is providing
The 10 Essentials
All members should carry the 10 Essentials appropriate for the trip. Refer to our detailed description for more information.
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- Navigation/Communication (map, compass, whistle, GPS, satellite communicator, battery packs and cables)
- Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, hat)
- Insulation (extra clothing)
- Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
- First-aid kit and personal medications
- Fire starter (waterproof matches or lighter)
- Multitool with knife and at least 3 m of cordage
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water)
- Emergency shelter (plastic tarp, tent, garbage bag)
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Clothing (Avoid Cotton):
Avoid cotton. Synthetic or wool clothing dries faster and retains more warmth when damp.
Hiking Clothes:
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- Sturdy shoes or boots (depending on the type of trip)
- Synthetic socks or wool socks for hiking
- Synthetic or wool shirt — lightweight
- Synthetic or wool shirt — midweight
- Rain jacket or shell
- Rain pants
- Synthetic pants (or convertible pants/shorts)
- Synthetic gloves (gardening gloves are appropriate)
- Toque or warm hat
Dry Camp Clothes:
Keep these clothes dry until you reach camp.
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- Warm synthetic or down jacket
- Synthetic or wool shirt — mid-weight
- Warm synthetic/woolool s
- Dry pants for camp
Optional Clothing:
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- Gaiters
- Long underwear, synthetic or wool
- Extra socks and underwear
- Rain hat
- Camp shoes or sandals
- Sleeping gloves
Base Kit Equipment:
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- Backpack – approximately 40–60 L, depending on the length of the trip and your equipment. Your pack should fit properly and be comfortable when fully loaded.
- Pack liner or waterproof bags/stuff sacks
- Tent
- Sleeping bag appropriate for the expected overnight temperature
- Sleeping pad
- Pillow or stuff sack for clothing, if desired
Cooking, Food and Water:
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- Stove, pot and fuel
- Eating utensils, cup, bowl, spoon
- Water treatment (filter, tablets or drops)
- Snacks enough for each day + 1 extra day
- Dinners for each night + 1 extra night
- Lunches for each day
- Food storage: bear-resistant container or approved food-hanging system as required for the trip.
Personal Items and Hygiene
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- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
- Small hand trowel, where required
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal hygiene items (wipes, menstrual products, etc.)
- small face/hand towel
- Garbage bags or other method for packing out waste
Optional Extras:
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- Camera
- Sitting pad
- Silnylon tarp and cordage
- 2 large garbage bags (one for garbage and one because you just never know!)
- Bug net/hat and insect repellent
Optional Trailhead Items
These items can be left in your vehicle for the trip home:
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- Clean change of clothes
- Dry shoes
- Towel
- Rewarding drink and car snacks for a long ride home
- Bag for dirty, smelly clothes