Clothing List – Gulf Islands Expedition – 5 Days

5 day Expedition Clothing Pack List
Note: Cotton gear gets wet quickly and becomes heavy, very cold and dries very slowly. Wool or synthetic gear acts like a wick and moisture is drawn to the outer layers. Jeans are not appropriate pants for camp. Wearing layers including wool and synthetic is best for our climate.

  • A good sunhat with a brim and a toque
  • 4-5- pairs underwear
  • 4-5 pairs wool/synthetic socks
  • Swimsuit/shorts and 1 small beach towel
  • 1 pair long underwear, top & bottoms (synthetic or wool)
  • 3-4 t-shirts
  • 1-2 long-sleeved synthetic shirts
  • 1 set of good, waterproof rain gear: jacket and pants
  • 1 warm synthetic puffy/insulation jacket that packs down nicely
  • 2-3 pairs of shorts
  • 2 pairs of long pants (not full cotton)
  • 1 pair of sturdy, water friendly sandals or water booties/beachwalkers (flip flops are not appropriate water shoes)
  • 1 pair of light hiking boots or runners

    Other gear
  • Synthetic sleeping bag – not down filled or cotton/flannel lined, which absorb moisture and don’t insulate well in a coastal environment (we have extras, they have a $20 + GST cleaning fee) *not applicable for cabin-based itineraries
  • Theramarest/inflatable sleeping pad or insulated pad (we have extras, they have a $15 + GST cleaning/maintenance fee) *not applicable for cabin-based itineraries
  • Sunscreen, Zinc sticks for facial protection; (pls. ensure all sunscreen is reef friendly.)
  • Sunglasses with straps/retainers
  • Toiletries – toothbrush, toothpaste, brush/comb, face cloth, hand towel, contacts/glasses
  • Flashlight or headlamp (with an extra set of batteries)
  • Medication – Please bring an extra set of medication for your guide to pack, in case they get spoiled, wet or need to be administered by guide vs yourself
  • 1L water bottle
  • 2-3 dry bags (mid size, not over 15L; 10 litres is best for packing)
  • 1-2 Buffs/neck tubes for warmth
  • Paddling gloves; we can supply pogies (neoprene over-mitt) or neoprene gloves but paddling gloves are lighter and more flexible.

    Optional/Notes
  • Please limit electronic equipment (laptops, handheld gaming devices). I-phones do make good cameras and usually are waterproof.
  • A camera that is not part of your phone is optional. Cameras should be waterproof as even the humid saltwater ocean conditions can negatively affect them. We have an expedition camera and will send photos after trip
  • Bug spray can be helpful at camp; however, some people are sensitive to it and many brands – particularly those containing DEET – are highly toxic. Please use bug spray with care or consider a natural brand or bug net.

    If you have any questions or concerns, please call or email us! Note: We can cater to all kinds of special diets; please fill in the section on the medical forms to ensure you let us know what foods you cannot eat. A personal call/email to ensure we have a full understanding of your dietary restrictions, is also appreciated.