West Coast Trail Packing List

Hiking is an enjoyable activity that allows you to explore natural settings. The West Pacific Trail, open from May 1 to September 30, is located on the southern west coast of Vancouver Island and is considered one of the most challenging and scenic trails to hike. Along the 47-mile trail of coastline and backcountry, hikers find waterfalls, caves, sea stacks, sandstone cliffs and beaches. Hiking the trail takes anywhere from five to seven days and covers terrain that is often rocky, uneven, slippery, muddy and full of steep slopes. Being prepared when hiking the West Pacific Trail is crucial.

  1. Backpack

    • Your backpack fully packed should weigh no more than one-fourth of a woman's body weight and one-third of a man's weight. Your backpack should have a padded hip belt and be lined with plastic bags to protect your belongings, as the trail is a coastal trail and often wet.

    Footwear

    • Choose comfortable, sturdy boots with rubber soles that provide reliable ankle and arch support. As you will often hike across bogs, waterfalls and beaches, running shoes and sandals are also recommended and are more comfortable to wear at your campsite.

    Clothing

    • Pack clothing that is lightweight, can be layered and dries quickly, as the trail is often damp due to traditional maritime weather. Include a waterproof jacket, wind pants, shorts for crossing creeks, two to three shirts, a fleece or sweatshirt, a warm hat and gloves, and a hat to protect you from sunburn and rain. In addition, you'll need a pair of comfortable socks for each day.

    Hiking Gear

    • To navigate the trail, you need a waterproof west coast map, because it's more durable and better able to withstand the damp, wet terrain of the West Coast Trail than a regular map. You also need a tide tables map and watch to know when it is safest to cross a beach trail. As the trail is often slippery and uneven, hikers may slip and cut themselves; therefore, pack a first-aid kit to treat any injuries.

    Camping Equipment

    • To set up a comfortable camp and enjoy a relaxing evening after the day of hiking, bring a backpacking stove and fuel to heat food, as cutting branches off trees is illegal along the West Coast Trail. You also need matches or a lighter, cooking and eating utensils, and 15 meters of synthetic rope to hang food and dry clothing. For shelter and sleeping, choose a tent with a waterproof fly; as the nights can be very damp, bring a synthetic sleeping bag packed in a waterproof bag to ensure warmth and dryness and an air mattress or closed-cell foam sleeping pad for protection against the rocky and rough terrain. You should also carry a cell phone in case of emergency, as coverage is available on many beaches.

    Food

    • The food you pack for along the trail should be lightweight and high energy, such as nuts, trail bars and jerky. Dehydrated foods are also recommended, but make sure they are packaged in plastic bags to stay dry.

    Miscellaneous Equipment

    • Consider packing emergency signaling equipment in case you need to signal your location, water purification equipment for filling water bottles, candles and a flashlight, garbage bags to use at camp and for added protection from the wet conditions, gaiters to keep sand and mud from entering your boots, sunscreen to avoid sunburn, zip-close bags to hold permits and a repair kit in case your tent is torn or damaged.