Staying Warm
You should expect & plan for heavy rain every day. A few tips:
- bring fire-starter (commercial barbeque cubes are light and work well)
- a synthetic-filled sleeping bag is preferable to down-filled for this hike (just in case you get it wet)
- cotton is poor, wool better, synthetics best and lightest.
- cotton is quick to get sweat soaked and slow to dry. Bring clothing made of quick-drying, wicking synthetic fabric.
- most hikers bring socks of wool, thick acrylic, or wool-acrylic blends. We recommend wearing those over a thin wicking sock liner. Be aware that your socks will probably be the last clothing to dry.
Many thin layers are lighter & warmer than 1 thick garment
If you get chilled, wear ALL of your dry clothes then climb into your sleeping bag. Cuddle-up with a friend. Do anything you can to warm up if there's any chance of hypothermia.
Light fleece garments are warm, even when wet, & they dry quickly.
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Firewood
A bonfire is one of the great treats of coastal hiking.
On the Nootka, in the rain, you may find yourself searching for dry firewood. Look under large drift logs and near the base of large trees. You will certainly use your saw if you bring one.
If it looks like it might rain overnight, stash some dry firewood for the next morning.
Collect kindling when it’s dry. Bag & carry it for the next campsite.
One trip to SE Alaska we were unable to start a fire in the rain for 4 days! That could have been dangerous if we had had anyone with hypothermia.
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Keeping Dry
Bring tarp(s) & plenty of tie-up ropes. Protect yourself from the elements while cooking dinner. Tarp-tying is a much underrated art & science, particularly in high wind.
Bring a backpack cover. You'll be glad you did. Check that it fits your pack when fully loaded for the Nootka. Many XL (extra large) covers are too small for extra large backpacks.
Waterproof EVERYTHING inside your pack. We’ve had hikers fall into rivers & others swamped by ocean waves. Stuff sacs should be waterproof. (Consider the clear SeaLine stuff sack normally used for kayaking. These are slightly heavier than other waterproof bags, but it’s nice to be able to see where things are at a glance.
Consider making yourself a sit pad (of light closed cell foam). Wipe it with a bandana & you’ll have a dry, clean spot to sit — rather than a wet bum.
Waterproof stuff sacks are heavier than plastic bags, but they don’t rip and are much more reliable for a long hike. We recommend a proper waterproof stuff sack for your food, sleeping bag, & clothing, & see-through plastic bags for everything else. Bring extra bags & ziplocs.)
Double-bag vulnerable valuables such as cameras.
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