What to bring?

Vancouver Island is full of mice! They will find you and get into your gear. Use plastic totes with snap lids or locks. Put your food, paper, and anything they can nibble on away. In the morning, check your glove box, as they like to hide and eat your insurance papers. We always put our garbage and food in our truck overnight if there are no food caches provided. Lock your doors; bears can open them.

Always overpack! Bring extra food, water, batteries, clothing, and safety gear.

You're heading into the wildest part of the Island and help could be hours away.

If you have any issues with your vehicle. The best thing to do, depending on where you are, is to try to fix it yourself, or wait for someone to come by and help, or send for help. If you can walk out to one of the main roads, bring bear spray, your valuables, a flashlight, and food. Watch out for wildlife, make noise, and track your location.

I have put together a list of the basics you'll need. Remember to bring anything you may need to make your trip the best.

Camping Gear:

• Tent + footprint

• Sleeping bag (rated for coastal cold nights -15) & pillows

• Sleeping pad

• Tarp, shade tent, awning, or extra rainfly

• Camp chairs

• Headlamp + extra batteries

• Camp stove + fuel- Lighter + waterproof matches

• Cookware + utensils

• Biodegradable soap + sponge

• Cooler + ice packs- Water jug (minimum 4–6L/day per person)

• Water filtration system or purification tabs

• Bear-proof food storage (barrel or rope for hanging)

• Paddleboard, kayak, or any kind of floater

Clothing:

• Waterproof jacket + waterproof pants

• Warm mid-layer (fleece or puff)- Quick-dry shirts

• Hiking pants- Extra socks (wool recommended)

• Hat + toque

• Gloves

• Swimsuit

• Sturdy hiking boots

• Sandals or camp shoes

• Extra warm sleep clothes

Safety & Essentials:

• First aid kit

• Whistle

• Emergency blanket

• Multi-tool

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray

• Reusable water bottle

• Personal meds

• Itinerary left with someone at home

• Flashlight

• Backup power bank

• Fan for hot days

Gear:

• Bear spray

• Food storage bag/barrel

• Knowledge on bear & cougar safety

• Keep camps clean & scent-free

Vehicle & Rescue Gear:

• Spare tire + jack

• Portable air compressor - if you have one.

• Tire plug kit

• Extra gas can

• Tow strap

• Booster cables

• Traction boards

• Shovel

• Basic tool kit

• Work gloves

• Printed maps

• Extra fluids -oil, windshield fluid, and any others your vehicle may need

• Navigation- GPS device- Satellite communicator- Offline maps downloaded- Paper maps

Do’s & Don’ts Logging Roads

DO:

• Headlights on

• Yield to logging trucks - they have to go right away. Keep right as much as possible around corners.

• Drive slow

• Windows cracked

• Use VHF if available

DON'T:- Don’t stop on corners or areas without a pullout & don’t ignore signage

Rec Sites — Do’s & Don’ts DO:

• Bring cash

• Pack out everything

• Respect quiet hours

DON'T:

• Don’t leave scraps - mice

• Don’t block access

  Beaches Do’s & Don’ts DO:

• Check tides -Vancouver Island Tide & Weather

• Camp above the high tide line or in the forest

• Remove any ocean debris or garbage. I always carry an extra bag with me to collect and do my part

DON'T:

• Don’t disturb driftwood structures

• Do not touch any jellyfish, shellfish, or other sea creatures

Wild Camping:

Do’s & Don’ts DO:

• Leave no trace

• Camp 60m from the water

DON'T: Don’t wash dishes in the lake or the ocean