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Gear Lists
Gear List for Guests
We recommend that you download our Batstar personal gear list and print it off when acquiring gear for your trip with us. It is a PDF file.
Batstar Gear List PDF (350kb)
 Click here to download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free.
Gear Supplied by Batstar on all our Multi-day Trips
Since 1999 Batstar's been known for supplying excellent, top-of-the-line gear for our guests and staff. We meticulously take care of gear and all gear is cleaned/repaired/replaced after every trip. We want ouf guides to think about the needs of our guests, not the repair needs of our gear.
Our fleet is primarily comprised of Seaward Passat G3 double kayaks and Seaward Tyee single kayaks. The Passats are incredibly fast and stable, especially when loaded with gear. The Seawards are manufactured 90 minutes from our house and they are an excellent company to work with. Seawards are extremely well made and very comfortable. Of course you also get a properly fitted Lotus Designs/Patagonia Canadian Coast Guard approved PFD (personal flotation device) with a whistle. All kayaks are equipped with rescue gear. Guides are typically in single kayaks and will gladly exchange positions with guests who start in doubles when timing and conditions are right.
Dress for the Environment
When you sea kayak on the west coast you can expect a mixture of sun, rain and wind, sometimes all in the same day. The key to enjoying yourself is to clothe yourself in layers of synthetic fabrics that wick away perspiration and repel water. I've found that Patagonia Capilene® underwear works great, even when soaking wet. I enjoy the feel of cotton and bring it in my dry bag for wear only in camp and at night. Wool is an acceptable substitute for fleece but it doesn't dry as fast as synthetics.
Rain Gear
I use a Patagonia sea kayak paddling jacket on the water if it is rainy or windy. On land I keep an Arc'Teryx light-weight rain jacket in a dry bag. You can use your Gore-Tex® or H2No® jacket on the water and in camp. Gore-Tex® or H2No® rain pants work well but non-breathable pants (or PVC bibs) are OK too. A good rain hat has a wide brim on it so that the rain doesn't run down the back of your neck. If it is breathable, it serves as a good sun hat.
Why Rubber Boots?
Rubber boots serve two purposes:
1). If it is raining - they keep your feet dry and warm. If your feet are continually wet, clammy and cold, you will not have as much fun.
2). When exploring the intertidal zone, they keep your feet protected from sharp rocks, shells and barnacles.
For footware, we suggest some old running shoes or approach shoes for walking/exploring, sandals for the beach and rubber boots for the rain. When sea kayaking, we recommend that your heels are protected by footware or thick socks so that you don't get blisters from rubbing on the fiberglass hull.
Dry Bag System
You get two dry bags for below deck storage. Put a complete change of clothes in each bag. You also get a zip bag for the cockpit of the sea kayak. Use it as your easy access day bag for layers of clothes (wind pants, sunscreen, fleece, pogies, etc.).
What about a neoprene wet suit?
We do not recommend bringing a wet suit. While the water temperature of ocean is a serious consideration, we do not sea kayak in sea states that would require a wet suit. In the extremely unlikely event of a capsize, our professional guides will help get you back in your kayak. We would then go to the closest beach and get you warm and dry.
About this List
The basic concept is to use synthetic technical clothing. It really works. Cotton, once wet, is hard to dry in a marine environment. I tend to use Patagonia, Arc'Teryx, The North Face and Sugoi gear. Many fine companies make gear that works. Use what you like and what fits.
If you have a specific sea kayak clothing or gear question, e-mail: blake(@)batstar.com. See you on the water, Blake.
Batstar Gear List (for 5+ days of guided sea kayaking)
Weather Gear
- rainproof / breathable jacket
- rainproof / breathable or waterproof pants
- fleece jacket (200 or 300 weight)
- fleece side zip pants (or tights)
(200 or 300 weight)
- lightweight working gloves (loading/moving)
- fleece gloves / rain gloves
- waterproof hat with brim
- fleece or wool skullcap or toque
- sun glasses
- water shoe/sandal
- rubber boots (yes, that's right! They keep feet warm and dry while paddling and are great for intertidal wandering)
- light hiking boots (approach shoes) or runners for scrambling on rocks
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Personal Gear
- Long-sleeve T or zip neck (1 or 2)
- synthetic long underwear tops & bottoms (lightweight & expedition weight)
- sports bras
- synthetic vest
- cotton long sleeve shirt to sleep in
- sweats (or fleece) to sleep in
hiking socks, 3 pair (wool or synthetic)
- fast drying pants (non-jean/cotton)
- fast drying hiking/paddling shorts (1-2 pair)
- bathing suit
- towel - medium size + face towel
- sunscreen, including lip protection
- personal toiletry kit
- prescriptions (take twice as much and give half to the guides)
- bandana
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Camping
- knife (Swiss Army, Leatherman etc)
- flashlight / headlamp
- 1-litre wide mouth water bottle with carrying case - easier to lash to deck
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Optional
- camera
- binoculars
- paper &-pen in a Ziplock
- book
- floating eyeglass strap
- extra pair of glasses/contacts
- beer, wine, liqueur, etc
- lighter
- small amount of cash for purchasing extra treats on the ferry. (note: we provide all meals and snacks so this would be on top of what we serve).
- on some of our trips there is an opportunity to purchase crafts from Vancouver Island artisans. Please ask us if you are looking to collect.
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Gear Available for rent from Batstar
Pelican 1400/1500 waterproof case for cameras, binoculars, etc. case - $20
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all prices are in Canadian funds, 6% g.s.t. will be added
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Fishing License
If you would like to fish, you need to get a license. The fee schedule varies whether you are from British Columbia, Canada or a visitor to Canada. Licenses can be purchased anywhere in British Columbia. Be sure to get a salmon stamp. Please let us know if you plan to fish before we go on the trip so that we can help you coordinate getting your license.
Batstar does not harvest shellfish or crabs in Pacific Rim National Park or on any of our trips.
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