Have you ever gone kayaking with whales? You'll want to pack the appropriate gear to maximize your comfort. The following is a list of the clothing and equipment you will need at Orca Camp. It is of utmost importance that you follow this list accurately for your own comfort and well-being during your trip. 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.
Clothing & Equipment List
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.
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.
** Please do not bring rubber boots for in the kayak although they can be great around camp!
Your guides will carry an extensive wilderness first aid kit, however, you should bring the following items for your own personal use:
Group equipment such as tents, paddles, sprayskirts, PFDs (lifejackets) are all provided. We pride ourselves in the quality of the equipment we have selected for your use. 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. Our guides will further have corresponding and laminated charts of the area in camp to follow and show daily paddling routes to our guests. Please refer to Further Information on Orca Camp for matching chart numbers.
Your Orca Base Camp trip is unlike any of our other expedition style trips as you have the convenience of having a home base to make yourself comfortable in for the duration of your trip. The extreme waterproofing which is needed for our expedition trips is not necessary with our base camp program. However, we do suggest you take precautions just the same.
We suggest using a duffel bag to pack your gear in. Lining the duffel with a garbage bag is always a safer bet as we do get transferred out to our base camp by water taxi. In case you are bringing your own sleeping bag, may we also suggest lining your sleeping bag stuff sack with a garbage bag as well in order to ensure it stays dry during the transfer with the watertaxi.