[Karin Hartner]

Hi Jill

I saw the Camper 2 at MEC the other day–it looks good! Re the mesh–we really don’t camp on sand that much but if you do–just keep the fly on….

Karin

[Admin S. Jensen]

Hi Sandra,

I agree with all the previous comments and like Karen, prefer a 2-piece wetsuit. It’s more versatile because you can wear it with long or short pants depending on the conditions.

Another reason is that I find it more comfortable, because I have along torso and feel compressed in a farmer Jane suit. But the most important reason for me is that the 2-piece suit is easier and more comfortable to deal with when going to the bathroom out in the bush. Especially on a colder or rainy day stripping out of a farmer Jane suit can be very awkward and cold.

Inge

 

 

[Admin S. Jensen]

Harold beat me too it–I was going to suggest the Wanderer 2 as well. Great affordable kayaking tent.

[Former Member]

Hi Jill:

For two people, one of the best kayaking tents, in my opinion, is the Wanderer 2 from MEC.  Two doors, huge vestibules.  Spacious and versatile.

For one person, the Wanderer 2 is a bit much, so a smaller tent such as the MEC Camper 2 would be better.  Smaller footprint and vestibules (and packed size!), but still comfy for one person.

For camping in cooler weather (like the outer coast), a non-mesh inner tent is warmer.  The all-mesh inner tents allow more air movement and are great for warmer temps, like the Okanagan, or down in the States.  But as you mentioned, wind-blown sand can be an issue.

Other brands with a similar configuration would do as well.  You don’t have to spend a lot of money, but buy from a reputable Outdoor store, and stay away(!!!) from Cdn Tire, Walmart etc.

 

H

[Clark Perry-Bater]

Check out the MEC Camper 2 tent -$199. http://www.mec.ca/shop/?q=camper%202%20tent I have the Camper 4. It’s a good basic 4-person tent, not too much mesh. I think the Camper 2 is pretty light to haul around.

[Former Member]

Could anyone recommend a good, budget conscious 1 – 2 man tent for kayak camping?  I’ve been seeing ones with quite a bit of mesh that I hear let in a lot of sand on windy nights.  Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Jill Thompson

[Karin Hartner]

Hi Sandra

I agree with Barry. Dry suits are very expensive, especially the Kokatats now that the Canadian dollar is weak against the US.

Start with the wet suit unless you’re planning to become a high performance paddler from the get-go and anticipate spending a great deal of time submerged practicing your skills.

While I do have a dry suit, I actually mostly wear a two-piece neoprene suit (rather that a  farmer Jane). At very reasonable prices MEC sells pants in various lengths from shorts to capri-lenght to long, and vests to wear on top. I just find that more comfortable. I wear a goretex paddling jacket with layers under as rain gear or for warmth unless I’m winter paddling.

Karin

[Former Member]

Hi Sandra

A farmer Jane will be more versatile.  If conditions are good maybe you just paddle with the Jane  and if its worse you can add a neoprene jacket… or don’t even bother with a jacket.  If your paddling is limited to good weather you could get by with just the Jane and whatever upper body wear you think you need.  I know I would think the sleeves of a wet suit jacket would be a little restrictive to wear all day. But it would be extra warmth for rescue practice or rolling practice when you will definitely get wet.

As for a dry suit they are the ultimate protection and expensive.  A dry suit provides protection to keep you dry and that’s all.  You add whatever insulation layers you need underneath from a tee shirt in good weather to fleece upper and lower in March in Ucluelet.  It also takes a while to achieve a lever of comfort with the gaskets to loosen a little and you to accept the restriction.

If you start with a Jane they are always useful because there are conditions where it is everything you need, summer paddling for instance.  If you expand your seasons or paddling destinations add a dry suit then.

Good luck

Barry

[Former Member]

Hi, Luke.  You’re added to the list; a few so far, and hopefully more to come!  I’ll get a sense of what dates work for the most people, and also check with the Lodge about available dates.  Noted that before the 18th works best for you.  Stay tuned!

Jonathan

[Former Member]

Sounds great, count me in!

[Former Member]

And just because we planned to spread the word far and wide, we duplicated this posting under General Discussion here: http://www.skabc.org/forums/topic/fantastic-last-minute-paddling-adventure-in-the-southern-gulf-islands/#post-10793 .  Totally intentional!

Please come!

[Former Member]

If you get a sense of deja vous, here is the mirror posting under Short Notice Paddles: http://www.skabc.org/forums/topic/paddling-and-overnight-on-galiano-island-april-16-17/

Some one, come all!

[Former Member]

And we’d love to have you.

Please send an email to Chantal and/or Randy, emails above in the posting, and we’ll help to organize everyone. Please let us know if you need a boat or anything else, whether you can drive (type of car) or would like to carpool with someone else, if there are any foods you cannot eat,  and where you live.

Thanks.

[Former Member]

Join us for this adventure, you don’t want to miss out!!!  Discover what makes BC an amazing place to paddle.  Join a group of enthusiastic kayakers of various skills and abilities – we’re heading to Galiano Island next weekend (April 16/17) and are sure to have a great time!!!

Galiano is the second largest island in the Southern Gulf Islands; it’s an attractive getaway location where we’ll enjoy spectacular views.  Sandy beaches, access to islets, islands and the rich wildlife.  With some luck we’ll see some eagles, double-crested cormorants and their unique nests, seals, sea lions, otters, etc. – if I’m/we’re particularly lucky we might see a whale (fingers crossed).

The trip wouldn’t be complete without a feast on Saturday night and again on Sunday morning.  Randy will delight our palates with an array of delicious food; a wonderful salmon dinner on Saturday night; Paddlers are kindly asked to contribute side dishes.  The feast continues on Sunday morning with pigs-in-blankets, French toasts, grapefruit, espresso and other goodies.

As we make our way to the Island, we’d like to have a huddle on the ferry to discuss our plans for the weekend.  We want to make sure that everyone gets as much out of the weekend as possible.  Some of us are keen to practice exits, rescues and rolls; it’ll be a great opportunity to practice and learn for those who are not familiar with these.  we want to reach a consensus prior to setting up camp to maximize our time on the water.

Apparently the group campsite is a nice flat, covered surface on a gently hill, close to the water with a great view.  There is a sink for washing up, toilets and a fire pit.  Saturday night might be chilly so bring warm clothes and let’s hang out by a nice doze fire.

We will leave the Tsawwassen ferry terminal at 8:35am on Saturday, April 16th and we will leave Sturdies Bay at 5:05pm on Sunday, April 17th .  The cost for this trip consists of splitting the expense of the ferry and $10 per person for the campsite, depending on carpool arrangements.  Overall the cost should be approximately $75 to 95 per person, excluding the cost of gas which will be at the discretion of the drivers.  For more information please don’t hesitate to contact Chantal at chantalethier@msn.com or Randy at chat@me.com.

See you then 🙂

[Former Member]

I would love to come 🙂

[Author]

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