These radios can be purchased at outlets like Radio Shack (CAN$200) or rented on Vancouver Island. Check with Air Nootka if you want to rent one.
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Should I bring a GPS?

No, you don’t need one on the Nootka. There’s almost no chance you could get lost.

The only use for a lightweight GPS (global positioning system) would be to pinpoint your location for rescue — assuming you have a marine radio.

new If you still want it, TrailPeak.com has posted GPS data.
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What “special” gear should I bring on the Nootka?

Included in our recommended gear checklist, these items are especially valuable on the Nootka:

• large pack (85 litres or larger) & extra-large pack cover.
• full-size First Aid kit (it’s a long way to medical attention)
  • our heavy duty First Aid kit is listed on our gear checklist
  • personal medication information for each hiker
  • personal health care insurance information for each hiker
• small binoculars or monocular (for whale watching, bird identification, etc.)
• VHS marine radio (for emergencies) & contact phone numbers
• quick-dry clothing
• biodegradable soap (e.g. Sea Suds)
• clothes line & clothes pegs
• light durable gloves (useful when scrambling rock & thick brush)
• tarp(s) & plenty of tie-downs for high wind
• water filter
• rope(s) 15 m (yards) long
• waterproof wrist watch for checking tide tables
• extra zip lock bags
• disinfectant alcohol gel

We strongly recommend disinfectant gel (sometimes called instant hand sanitizer) which you use to clean your hands before snack breaks & after toilet stops in the woods. Alcohol gel is essential hiking gear.

Double-bag everything you want to keep dry. Expect a very wet environment.
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What footwear is best for the Nootka?

Almost everyone brings 2 pairs of footwear:

• Dry footwear (e.g. boots)
• Wet footwear (e.g. sandals or aqua shoes)

You want the best possible traction for mud, rock, slippery boulders & logs. Be forewarned that it’s almost impossible to keep your boots dry.

Most hikers bring Teva-style sandals or light running shoes to wade creeks & walk wet shelf. These are also good around camp. You may need to switch footwear several times / day.

One of our hikers swears by his 5-10 canyoneering shoes — high quality river walking shoes. He wore these almost exclusively on the Nootka & the West Coast Trail. (They do get smelly. Take some baking soda to absorb odour.)

Statistics reveal that a high percentage of hikers injured on the West Coast Trail were wearing light footwear – runners or light hiking boots. It’s a bit of a stretch to blame those injuries directly on the footwear, though.

Wear what fits you best & what works for you.

Be sure your footwear is properly broken-in lest you blister in the middle of the Nootka with no way to escape. Test your boots on at least one long hike before you get to the Coast.
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Do I need rope(s)?

Most groups bring several strong ropes, 15 m. (yards) or longer:

• hanging food
• safety rope for climbing / descending
• emergencies

You will find some steep muddy sections which have been roped by previous hiking groups. Test old ropes before you use them. Cut down those ropes which you deem to be unsafe.

The newest-looking rope we encountered on the Trail in 2001 failed on one of our hikers. He was dumped into a tidal pool when the piton on one end pulled out. This could have resulted in a severe injury instead of just an embarrassing dunking.

Again, don’t trust any rope without testing it. If in doubt, set your own rope instead.)
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