What to plan for...

Our "Exposed" tours vary, check the itinerary for your trip, specifically if it includes sea kayaking.

These trips have some flexibility to deal with less than ideal weather. However, if you are prepared your trip will be much more enjoyable. It is actually possible to enjoy a hike in the rain! Especially when it ends with a nice cup of hot chocolate and some dry clothes. Plan for cold and wet and anything other than that is a bonus. We like to face challenges, but no one really likes being miserable. That's where good gear makes a difference.

The best advice that we can give is "Bring what's on this list!" You might not use it all, and that would be great.

We would like you to have enough clothes to get soaking wet during the day and still have a complete, dry set of clothes to put on at night. Otherwise, you're lying in your tent in a dry sleeping bag (because everything else is wet), while the rest of the group is having dinner. Now you're cold AND hungry because you can't have food in your tent!

Remember, there is no such thing as bad weather; just bad attitude and bad gear.

Clothing

• ***Warm hat (wool or fleece)
• Ball cap or other sun hat
• Bandana
• ***1-2 sets thermal underwear, light to mid-weight. NO COTTON. Please bring 2 sets if sea kayaking.
• ***3-5 pair wool or synthetic socks
• Underwear (quantity is an entirely personal decision). Beware cotton.
• ***Gloves, lightweight wool or fleece
• ***Fleece or Puffy syntheticJacket (no down)
• ***Wool or fleece sweater or vest
• Longsleeve shirt, lightweight (for bug, sun protection). May be cotton.
• 2 T-shirts, may be cotton or some hi-tech, quick drying fabric
• Shorts and/or swimsuit (in case we find a hot tub!)
• Lightweight, quick drying pants, for wearing on the trail or at night. Note that jeans are not useful for anything other than going out to eat.
• 1-2 sets casual clothes (emphasis here on casual)
• ***1 set quality rain gear, jacket and pants. Gore-tex is fine if that's what you want, but many people here prefer less expensive, and more waterproof, rubberized Helly-Hansens or simlar. A poncho is not acceptable.
• Gloves, cycling or sailing. Not required but some people like these for long paddling days.

Footwear

• ***Hiking Boots - Lightweight hiking shoes, trail runners etc. may be acceptable for day hikes. Boots must be broken in BEFORE your trip!
• Sports sandals, running shoes, etc. for when your boots get wet.

REQUIRED ITEMS:
We will check for the following at the start of the trip. What you do not have, you will need to purchase:

- Warm Hat

- Fleece or SYNTHETIC Puffy Jacket

- ANOTHER fleece or wool layer (sweater, vest, pullover...)

- 1-2 sets of light to mid-weight thermal underwear, top and bottoms. NO COTTON!!

- Lightweight pants or shorts for hiking

- Hiking Boots

- Wool or synthetic socks

- Quality rain gear

- Daypack

- Water bottles, 2 liters total

- Sun protection (glasses, hat)

- Sleeping bag

- Sleeping pad

Sleeping bags, pads, and backpacks are available for rent for a small weekly fee. Rentals must be arranged in advance:

See the Equipment page for rental rates.

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You do not need and should not bring:Bear spray (or bear bells!), stoves or cook gear, firearms.

Important Gear

• ***Sleeping bag - a 20 degree synthetic bag would be ideal.
• ***Sleeping pad - ensolite foam or thermarest
• Daypack
• ***Water bottles, at least 2 liter capacity.
• ***Sunglasses (with strap)
• Extra glasses or contacts
• Prescription meds if needed
• Small personal first-aid kit
• Pocket knife
• Flashlight or headlamp for trips in late August & September.

Other Gear

• Camera, batteries, and film, include waterproof case or bags.
• Binoculars
• Trekking poles.
• Book, hacky sack, harmonica....
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Small towel
• Personal toiletries