Our opening season is just a few months away, which means that you may be starting to think about what you’ll pack for your British Columbia fishing lodge adventure.
Lucky for you, all of the gear you’ll need for fishing or for your wilderness tour will be provided, saving you tons of space when packing. But there are a few things you’ll want to have along, like the right clothing, to make sure that you’re comfortable and warm during your visit. There are also a few extras, like rain gear or polarized sunglasses, that can help to enhance your visit.
Keep reading to learn about some of the gear that you should consider investing in for your next British Columbia fishing lodge adventure at Sointula Lodge.
Rain Gear
When you book a fishing excursion or Wildlife Tour with Sointula Lodge, we provide all of the fishing gear that you’ll need, as well as a few extras to help make your adventures on the water more enjoyable. This includes float coats and rubber pants. These can help protect your clothing from rain and from splashes while you’re reeling in a record halibut or leaning over the edge to watch an orca swim by.
But while these are great for keeping you dry, it’s a good idea to bring your own rain gear as well. A waterproof outer shell, in particular, can help to keep your clothes dry both while you’re on the water and while getting to and from the boat or exploring Malcolm Island on foot.
While many jackets claim to be “water-resistant,” consider investing in a high-quality waterproof jacket. You’ll want one that not only keeps you dry, but that will also hold up to heavy use. In addition to keeping you dry, these are also great for blocking wind on a cold day.
Don’t forget to size up your rain jacket to make sure that you can wear several warm layers underneath.
Waterproof Hiking Boots
Another waterproof item you’ll definitely want to have on hand during your next visit to Sointula Lodge is a pair of waterproof hiking boots. These will serve several important purposes during your trip.
First, they will help to keep your socks and your feet warm and dry while on the water. While temperatures often reach into the 70s (Fahrenheit) during the summer months, mornings may be chilly, and rain or splash from the water can lower the temperature and leave you chilled.
A great pair of hiking boots will also give you better grip and balance while on the boat. This is key when you’re trying to reel in a big fish! If you’ll be investing in new boots before your visit, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to break them in. The last thing you want to do is wind up with blisters on your first day!
Down Jackets
As we’ve mentioned, temperatures often vary widely during the day in British Columbia, particularly during the summer months. As a result, you may find yourself adding or removing layers throughout your day.
While you can use a variety of types of clothing to layer up for a day on the water, down jackets are a great choice. Worn beneath a waterproof outer shell, these can provide warmth without weighing you down and adding bulk. Many pack down into small pouches, allowing you to stash them in your bag when you aren’t wearing them. Plus, if you’re traveling by seaplane, these are a great lightweight option that won’t overload your bag!
Want to get the most bang for your buck? If you’ll also be investing in a waterproof jacket for your trip, look for two-in-one options. These may feature a down jacket as a base layer, with a waterproof shell that zips over the top. Besides saving you some money, these are also more convenient to wear, as they zip together to create one single jacket.
Better Base Layers
A cotton t-shirt and leggings may seem like a comfortable base layer for your time on the water. But if you want to stay warm and dry throughout the day, consider investing in some better base layers.
Merino wool and synthetic options help to wick away sweat and moisture that will otherwise leave you chilled. Many of these also adapt to your body temperature, keeping you warm when it’s cold or cool when temperatures rise.
Polarized Sunglasses
Want to get a great view of a passing whale or that fish on your line? You’ll definitely want to have a pair of polarized sunglasses with you!
Unlike regular sunglasses, these help to cut down on glare to give you a great view of what’s beneath the surface of the water. While most polarized sunglasses will get the job done, some brands, like Costa, have created specialized polarized sunglasses designed specifically for fishing and other water activities.
Worried about losing your sunglasses on the water? Consider purchasing a strap that keeps them secured around your neck when you’re not wearing them.
Packing the Right Gear for Your British Columbia Fishing Lodge Adventure
While most of the gear you need will be provided when you book a British Columbia fishing lodge adventure with Sointula Lodge, these extras can help to enhance your trip and keep you more comfortable on the water.
Looking to learn more about what to pack and what to leave at home when you stay with us? Check out our Ultimate Packing List to learn more!