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Hiking Smart: Packing for the West Coast Trail
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Hiking Smart: Packing for the West Coast Trail Packing Checklist
| Item | Description |
|---|
| Padded Backpack |
- pack should weigh a maximum of 1/4 (for females) to 1/3 (for males) of your body weight
- padded hip belt
- line your backpack with plastic bags
|
| Sturdy Hiking Boots |
- high quality hiking boots with good ankle and arch support
- soft rubber soles for better traction on slippery surfaces than hard soles
- boots that are “broken in” prior to the hike
- sandals or running shoes for wearing around camp and river crossings
|
| Waterproof Rain Gear |
- durable waterproof jacket and pants, coupled with quick drying under-layers that keep you warm when wet, such as wool or fleece
- warm hat
- gloves
- AVOID: Cotton, including jeans
|
| Tent & Waterproof Fly |
|
| Sleeping Bag & Pads |
- synthetic fills are preferable as down bags lose warmth when wet
- insert sleeping bags into waterproof bags and carry them inside packs
- closed-cell sleeping pad
|
| Water Purification System |
- filtration system or purification tablets
- water container
|
| Lightweight Cooking & Eating Utensils |
|
| First Aid Kit |
- basic first aid items, including treatments for blister and insect stings
|
| 15 metres of synthetic Rope & Bag |
- 50 ft of synthetic rope per group to hang food, use as clothes-line, etc.
|
| Food |
- High energy, lightweight, quick-cooking
- AVOID: canned goods and excess liquids
|
| Also Consider: |
- cash for unexpected emergencies (some places only take cash, such as the Nitinat Lake Water Taxi)
- hiking staff or collapsible poles
- flashlight
- weather radio
- garbage bags
- zip-lock type bags for keeping permits and other small items dry
- lighter or waterproof matches and fire starter
|
NOTE: Do not bring an axe, firearms or pets.