" ...an indispensable resource for exploring the wild parts of Canada's westernmost province via public transport. "
Dave McBee Get Lost Magazine
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Sea Asparagus
This salty delicacy will be found wherever sea kayakers lurk. Carpeting the water's edge on mud flats, sheltered coves and estuaries, sea asparagus prefers limited exposure to wave action. Sea asparagus has more aliases than its segmented stems have branches, being known variously as glasswort, pickleweed, samphire and pigeon foot. In the camp kitchen sea asparagus is versatile. Stems can be munched upon as is, used to perk up salads, presented like asparagus or even collected for pickling or freezing. A British Columbia company has developed a market for sea asparagus, shipping the frozen product to upscale restaurants worldwide. Soak sea asparagus in freshwater for several hours before preparing to reduce its salinity.
Illustration by Manami Kimura
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Backpack lined with orange, jumbo-sized plastic garbage bags.
Sleeping Bag; Avoid down unless planning to do a lot of winter camping. Feathers get soggy under typical “wet coast” conditions.
Ensolite Foam Pad; Lighter and more useful than the popular Therm-A-Rest, foam pads can be used for comfort around the camp without worrying about burns and punctures. In emergencies, foam can be cut up and used for splint pads or backpack repair. Yellow foam pads also can be used to signal with.
Tent or bivy sack
Stove; Avoid the ones which require disposible butane cannisters.
Cooking Gear; Eat directly from the pot and avoid carrying bowl and plate.
Water Bottle; Keep it handy and rehydrate often.
Flashlight or headlamp and batteries.
Duct tape; 1001 uses from repairing packs, kayaks, boots, etc.
Nylon Cord; 20 metres or more. Ideal for hanging food, tarps, wet clothes, etc.
First Aid Kit and the knowledge to use it.
Knife; Swiss Army: good, Rambo: bad.
Whistle
Topographical Map & Compass
Personal clothing; Lightweight, quick-dry, clothing suited to layering. Avoid cotton as it dangerously conducts heat away from the body when wet.
Anorak or other weather-resistant shell. Breathable fabrics are ideal.
Sun hat; Wide-brimmed or with neck flap.
Sunglasses with UV filtration
Sunscreen & lip salve
Moleskin; lots if prone to blisters
Mosquito Repellant
Matches & firestarter
Hiking Boots; Well-broken in before the trip.
Socks; Ultra-thin polypropolene undersocks used in combination with thicker wool socks will help keep feet dry and prevent blisters. No cotton.
Camp Shoes; Back up footwear with the emphasis on comfort; should be durable enough for hiking in if necessary. Sandles are inadequate for the job.
Camera
Personal effects; Keep it light. First timers always bring too much.
