PERSONAL EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

Follow this list when packing.  On most of our tours, we'll be paddling totally self-contained, which means we carry our food and water in the kayaks.  Please keep in mind that your gear (with exception of sleeping bag and pad) has to fit in the waterproof bags handed out at the group meeting, so we recommend following our list below.  Casual, comfortable camping clothes are perfect.

Duffel bags make good traveling luggage.  Use a small one for your clothes and essential items and take as carry-on luggage.  Suitcases, duffels and travel clothing may be left at the hotel.   Please note that airlines are imposing stiffer restrictions on the number and size of carry-on luggage.

A roomy two-person dome tent, warm rectangular sleeping bag with clean sheet and thermarest-style inflatable pad are provided for your convenience as well as a comfortable camp chair.  We recommend you bring your own snorkeling gear, or you can rent it from us as well as wetsuit - ask us for details.

CLOTHING

___ 1 pair light cotton/synthetic blend pants (no jeans)              

___ Swim suit (& sports bras)

___ 2 pair shorts (quick-dry nylon)                                       

___ 2-3 t-shirts

___ 1 pair long underwear top & bottom (polypropylene)    

___ 1 fleece jacket or wool sweater

___ 1-2 long sleeve lightweight cotton or SPF synthetic      

___ 1 rain jacket/windbreaker

        shirts for sun protection                                                 

___  Sun hat with broad brim

___ 1 pr lightweight water shoes (aquasocks, keens)                

___ Warm (fleece or wool) hat

___ 1 pair sandals with ankle straps for camp                        

___ 2 Bandanas (multipurpose)

___ 1 pair running/walking shoes and 2 pairs socks for camp

___ Underwear

___  rash guard top & leotards or similar for snorkeling

For Dec-Feb trips, add another warm fleece/wool long-sleeve top and rain or wind pants to the list above as nights can be 45 degrees F, and omit some t-shirts.

TOILET KIT  (all gels in 3 oz trial sizes go in one quart ziplock bag if you put in a carry-on bag)

___ Personal medicines/prescriptions                                       

___ Sunscreen SPF 15-45

___ Toiletry kit w/toothbrush & paste, etc                            

___ Lip balm SPF 15-30

___ Biodegradable soap & regular shampoo                         

___ Dry skin lotion

___ Small camp towel & wash cloth                                     

___ Pre-moistened towelettes

___ Contact lens solutions   freshening up - feels great!

___ Insect repellent if prone to insect bites (rarely needed)  

___ Extra eyeglasses/contacts

MISCELLANEOUS GEAR

___ 1-2 Water bottles (1 quart capacity each)                        

___ Camera/film/batteries

___ Binoculars (in plastic ziplock bag)                                 

___ Headlamp/batteries/bulb

___ Sunglasses with retaining strap                                      

___ Reading material

___ Gloves  (quick dry; to prevent blisters/sunburn)            

___ Mask, snorkel & fins

___ 2-4 Zip-lock baggies & 2 garbage bags                         

___ Personal snacks, protein bars or meat

___ Fanny pack w/water bottle holders (optional)                 

       jerky if desired (we do provide trail mix)

___ Wetsuit (even if weather hot, ocean is cold Dec-April) 

___ ID & valuables

___ Pillowcase (handy to stuff with clothes to make a pillow)

Note:  There will be no opportunity for fresh water showers once we leave the hotel.  However, bathing with salt water, regular shampoo & towel does the job well and will not leave your skin feeling sticky.