INN TO INN - Southern Gulf Islands National Park

Indulge in this sea kayaking excursion where you’ll enjoy the scenic wonders of the Gulf Islands by day, and retire to a select number of local Inns during the evening.

What to bring ~  Clothing & Equipment List

The following is a list of the clothing and equipment you will need on your expedition. It is of utmost importance that you follow this list accurately for your own comfort and well-being. Proper preparation is a vital ingredient in your enjoyment of the program. When selecting your clothing, keep in mind the following principles about staying warm and dry:

Layering

It is very effective to wear layers of clothing to stay warm, as the air trapped between the layers acts as an insulator. Layering also allows you to regulate your body heat by adjusting the number of layers, depending on the temperature and your activity level. There are 3 main layers: ‘Transfer’ which is the layer next to your skin; ‘Insulating’ which is the main warmth layer(s); and, ‘Protective’ which is the outer layer to protect you from wind, rain, and other elements.

Keeping Dry

Wetness increases the loss of body heat and is uncomfortable, so it’s important to stay as dry as possible. Some clothing is hydrophobic, and therefore, stays dry (i.e., synthetics such as polypropylene, polyester, capilene, and natural fibres such as wool and silk). Clothes made of these materials make great expedition clothing. Be careful of other materials (e.g., cotton and down), because they are absorbent and stay wet. Also, avoid overdressing as it can cause excess perspiration and therefore wetness.

Please avoid cotton clothing (including jeans) if possible. Once it is wet, cotton takes a very long time to dry in this coastal environment.

Clothing List

Footwear

• 1 pair shoes to be worn during the day while kayaking. We recommend a pair of quick drying running shoes or a pair of wind surfing shoes such as Nike Aqua Socks, neoprene wet suit boots or amphibious sandals like ‘Tevas’, however ‘Tevas’ do not protect your feet from scrapes as well as running shoes and socks. Whichever you choose, make sure they have strong thick soles for walking on pebbles.
• 1 pair of sturdy running or walking shoes for wearing around the Inns and on short walks
• 2 pairs of wool or thermal socks

** Please do not bring rubber boots for in the kayak!

Headwear

• Wool/fleece hat
• Sun hat or visor (ballcap)
• Rain hat (sou’wester), not needed if you have a hood on your raincoat

Handwear

• Pair of wool or synthetic gloves with waterproof shell that closes tightly around your wrists (or kayaking pogies). These are to be worn on bad weather days while paddling or to cover hands that need protection from the salt water and sun.
• Also optional to bring cycling gloves or light neoprene gloves to protect from blisters

Upper Body

• 2 synthetic fabric shirts (1 lightweight, 1 medium-weight) for paddling
• 2 t - shirts
• 1 long-sleeved shirt with collar
• 1 fleece zip-front jacket or pullover (for cool evenings and mornings)
• 1 coated nylon waterproof raincoat with sleeves that close tightly (make sure that it’s durable)
• Lightweight windbreaker or paddling jacket

Lower Body

• 1-2 pairs shorts (light/fast drying nylon is best)
• 2 pairs polypropylene long underwear
• 2 of quick drying light nylon (or nylon blend) pants
• Pair waterproof rain pants (Note: A full length coated nylon cagoule can be substituted for rain coat/pants)

Duffel Bag / Pack

• Duffel bag for carrying gear to the trip departure point – make sure that it stuffs small as it will be carried in the kayak (see below ‘Packing for your kayaking trip’)
• Several small to medium stuff sacks or drybags
• Small sturdy nylon daypack for in kayak & on hikes (beltpack)

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Additional items

• Any relaxing evening clothes you wish to have while you are at the Inn’s
• 1 pair sturdy, dark sunglasses with neck cord (100% UV protection)
• 1 pair extra prescription glasses if you wear them or contact lenses
• 1 water bottle (litre / quart size) with widemouth
• 1 cup for lunches (heavy plastic recommended)
• 1 toiletry kit – biodegradable soap, (bar soap does not work well in slat water, we suggest ‘Sea Suds’ a liquid product designed for use in salt water), toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste, small container moisturizing cream, small container of hand sanitizer
• 1 tube waterproof sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher recommended)
• 1 tube lip slave (with PABA recommended)
• 1 quick dry towel
• Extra garbage bags (for waterproofing gear)

Optional items

• Camera (insured for loss, theft, and damage recommended) with extra memory card/film and batteries
• Waterproof box or bag for storing camera (see below ‘Packing for your kayaking trip’)
• Small binoculars (also insured for loss, theft, and damage recommended)
• Journal and pencil / pen
• Small musical instrument
• Chart of the area (see ‘Maps & Charts’ in Further Information package), laminate your charts or cover them with waterproof vinyl (e.g., Mactac). Naturally your guide(s) will bring charts as well to discuss daily paddling distances.
• Favorite ‘goodies’

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First Aid

Your guides will carry an extensive wilderness first aid kit, however, you should bring the following items for your own personal use:

• Band-aids (elastoplast or fabric type are best)
• 1 roll gauze
• Blister kit (moleskin or ‘second skin’)
• Tensor bandage
• Adhesive tape, small gauze or telfa pads
• Topical antibiotic ointment (e.g., polysporin)
• Antacid
• Mild analgesic (e.g., aspirin, Tylenol)
• Mild anti-inflammatory (e.g., Ibuprofen)
• Motion sickness medication (e.g., Gravol, Transderm patches); any personal medication (bring extra!)

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Equipment

Group equipment such as paddles, sprayskirts, PFDs (lifejackets) are all provided. However, if you would prefer to bring your own equipment please clear its performance with the office and then confirm that you will bring it.

Packing for your kayaking trip

The object of packing for a kayak trip is to have all your equipment and clothing organized in many small waterproofed bags. Stuff sacks (nylon bags with drawstring closures) in various sizes (available at any outdoor supply store or easily made yourself) lined with the garbage bags are helpful in organizing and waterproofing your gear. Use small to medium size bags as they will be easier to fit into the kayak storage areas. Divide your gear in some logical order. For instance, pack one bag with things you will need for evening - e.g., shoes, jacket, long pants, etc.). In another bag, pack your extra clothing (clothing that you will need only in an emergency or extremely bad weather). Continue dividing gear in such a manner.

To ensure that your gear is waterproofed, line each of the nylon stuff sacks with two large garbage bags, put in your gear, then twist each bag’s top individually and tightly and tuck it into the stuff sack. Alternatively, you may opt to buy stuff sacks that are guaranteed to be 100% waterproof, however, these bags are more expensive, often do not keep gear 100% dry, and can develop holes. If you do use these bags, bring along some extra plastic garbage bags. All your stuff sacks should fit inside your large duffel bag. Please arrive with your gear organized and waterproofed as described above.

Your camera gear deserves special attention. First, before you leave home, make sure it is insured for any accidental damage as well as loss or theft. On the trip, it is best kept in a waterproof box such as a Pelican box, or some other commercially made waterproof and dustproof hard shell case. Check with your local diving stores and larger camera stores for the various models available.