Want to know what to pack for hiking the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail on Vancouver Island? Being prepared and bringing the right gear will enhance your experience on the west coast. Keep in mind that this trail can be wet, muddy and rough, and that tides can affect access to trails and beaches. It’s also wild and beautiful – get ready for a coastal adventure.
See Juan de Fuca trail packing list pdf
Sleeping and shelter
- Sleeping bag and compression sack
- Dry bag or garbage bag to put your sleeping bag in
- Sleeping pad
- Lightweight packable pillow (optional)
Shared items for your hiking group:
- Tent with full-coverage rain fly
- Tent poles and stakes (may want to bring snow/sand stakes for beach campsites)
- Footprint
Camp kitchen
Shared items for your hiking group:
- Water filter/water treatment system
- Food – create a food plan for your group (don’t forget snacks and coffee)
- Single-burner backpacking stove
- Fuel for stove
- Lighter or waterproof matches and fire starter
- Pot set
- Cooking utensils
- Biodegradable soap
- Dishcloth and dish scraper
- Tarp to cover cooking area
- Lightweight dry bags for hanging food at night (make sure they’re big enough for all the group’s food and scented items, including toiletries and garbage)
- 15–20m of lightweight rope or cord, plus a carabiner for hanging food
Hiking gear
- 50–75L backpack
- Rain cover or pack liner
- Stuff sacks or sealable plastic bags to organize items in your pack
- Hiking boots – make sure you break them in at least a month before your hike
- Lightweight shoes or sandals for river crossings and camp
- Gaiters
- Trekking poles
- Garbage bags for extra waterproofing (and to pack out your garbage)
Shared items for your hiking group:
- Hiking permit in a sealed plastic bag
- Tide chart in a sealed plastic bag
- Juan de Fuca trail guidebook (Giant Cedars, White Sands or Hiking the West Coast Vancouver Island)
- Topographic Juan de Fuca trail map
- Compass
- GPS (optional)
- Large sealed plastic bag to store guide, map, compass and GPS
Safety gear
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Watch (to use with the tide tables)
- Whistle
- Personal first aid kit with blister care
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Knife (one with a safety locking blade)
- Bear spray in holster
- Repair kits for sleeping pads, tents and stoves; include duct tape and repair tape
- Prescription medication in a sealed, dry container. Bring twice the amount you’ll need; half stays with you, and the other half stays with your hiking partner with detailed info on dosage and side effects.
- Trip plan left with a friend
Shared items for your hiking group:
- Multi-tool
- Trowel (for the bathroom)
Clothing
When it comes to materials, leave the cotton behind. Make sure your hiking shorts, long johns, pants, t-shirts, underwear and sports bra are made of quick-drying materials that wick moisture.
- Hiking socks (2–3 pairs, wool-blend)
- Liner socks, if necessary (2 pairs)
- Dedicated pair of socks to wear in camp
- Synthetic, quick-drying underwear (2 pairs)
- Sports bra
- T-shirts (1–2)
- Hiking shorts
- Hiking pants (nylon works well)
- Lightweight long johns
- Fleece jacket, lightweight puffy jacket or wool sweater
- [Rain jacket](/en/products/clothing/jackets/rain-jackets/c/1025?filters[custom_fields.ideal for][0]=camping and hiking)
- Rain pants
- Toque or neck gaiter (wool or fleece)
- Lightweight wide-brimmed sun hat
- Lightweight fleece gloves
Personal items
- Toilet paper – bagged and lots of it
- Hand sanitizer
- Quick-drying towel or face cloth
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste (small amount)
- Power bank or spare batteries for electronic devices
- Phone or emergency communication device
- Earplugs
- Feminine hygiene supplies
- Notebook and pencil
Optional items:
- Hammock or lightweight chair for camp
- Lip balm
- Deodorant
- Bug spray or bug hat
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Playing cards
