Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada
Equipment
To enjoy your West Coast Trail (WCT) experience you must be comfortable. Bring appropriate clothing. Aim for quality and lightweight equipment. Your pack should weigh a maximum of 1/4 (women) to 1/3 (men) of your body weight. Reassess the content of your pack if it is heavier than this.
Sturdy boots. High quality hiking boots with good ankle and arch support are required. Rubber soles provide better traction on slippery surfaces than hard Vibram soles. Do not break in new boots on this hike. Sandals or running shoes are good for wearing around camp and for river crossings only.
Your feet are going to get wet, be prepared©Parks Canada / 1981 / V-1
The west coast receives close to 3 metres of rain annually©Parks Canada / 1981 / V-1
Waterproof rain suit and clothing. Quality waterproof jacket and pants coupled with a layering system are the most effective. Under-layers should be quick drying and keep you warm even when wet such as wool or fleece. Bring a warm hat and gloves.
Lightweight backpacking stove and fuel.
High energy, lightweight, quick-cooking food.
Do all cooking a minimum of 100 metres from tents©Parks Canada / E. Brittain, 1994 / V-1
You will be on the trail for approximately 5 days, pack carefully, avoid unnecessary weight!©Parks Canada / B. Brittain, 2002Backpacks require a padded hip belt and should be lined with plastic bags.
A tent with a waterproof fly is absolutely necessary.
Sleeping bag. Synthetic fills are preferable. (Down bags lose warmth when wet). Pack sleeping bags in waterproof bags and carry them inside packs.
Bring a tent with a waterproof fly and tarp©Parks Canada / B. Brittain, 2002
It is likely to be wet. Pack everything in plastic.©Parks Canada / 1994Closed-cell foam sleeping pad.
TofinoTide Tables and Waterproof West Coast Trail Map (both are available at the WCT Info Centres).
A watch is critical for using Tide Tables.
First aid kit that includes treatments for blister and insect stings.
15 meters (50 ft) of synthetic rope per group to hang food, use as clothes-line, etc.
Also . . . emergency signalling device, cash for unexpected emergencies, water container, water purification equipment, toilet paper, zip-lock type plastic bags for keeping permits and other small items dry, lighter or waterproof matches, candles and fire starters, garbage bags to pack out all your refuse, gaiters, sun screen, lip screen, sunglasses, toiletries, flashlight, weather radio, repair kits for equipment, lightweight shoes for camp, cooking and eating utensils
Cellular phones work on many of the beaches (Check with your carrier to see if they have coverage in this area) or marine VHF radio
Some hikers find a hiking staff or collapsible ski pole useful.
Do not bring an axe, firearms or pets!