Plenty of cities and other destinations live by the popular motto, “if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes–it’ll change!” While quick weather changes are necessarily the norm in British Columbia, conditions can change drastically from morning to afternoon to evening to nighttime in the region, especially in the summer months.
While summer high temperatures climb into the 70s (Fahrenheit) during the summer months, mornings and evenings, as well as nights, can still get chilly. Add in windchill or a rainstorm, and you might find yourself shivering if you’ve only packed summer clothes.
To prepare for changing temperatures throughout the day, the best thing to do is dress in layers. Keep reading to learn more.
How to Pick the Perfect Layers
With the temperature and conditions changing throughout the day, you’ll likely need different clothing every few hours in order to stay comfortable. But when your experienced guide is taking you far from our island in search of the perfect spot to cast your line or you’re digging into a beach picnic, the last thing you’ll want to do is ask to take a trip back to the Lodge to change clothes.
Instead, it’s best to dress in layers that you can remove or add throughout the day. A t-shirt and a hoodie might be okay for the afternoon. But if temperatures drop, you sweat, or rain moves through, you’ll be left cold and wet and unable to fully enjoy that day’s excursion.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to choosing the right layers for a day on the water:
Start with a cool wicking layer. Your favorite cotton t-shirt might be comfortable. But add a little moisture, and you’ll be left shivering for the rest of the day. There’s a popular saying among hikers; “cotton kills.” That’s because cotton absorbs water but dries slowly, leaving you wet and chilled. Instead, opt for a wicking material for your base layer. If you tend to stay warm easily or the day is going to be warm, a short-sleeve wicking t-shirt is a good choice. Otherwise, a long-sleeve shirt might make a better base layer. In the afternoon, when temperatures reach the daily high, you can wear this layer on its own to stay comfy.
Next, add some insulation. On top of your wicking base layer, you’ll want to add a layer to keep you warm during chilly mornings and after the sun begins to go down. Again, skip the cotton, and instead opt for a material that will keep you warm while also withstanding any moisture that gets past your raingear (more on that layer in a moment!).
When it comes to choosing your mid-layer, three materials, in particular, are a good choice. Down jackets add warmth without adding weight, making them great for battling king salmon on a line while staying warm. Fleece jackets are also lightweight, though often not as warm as down. It also dries quickly when wet and is easy to wash when you get home. Merino wool is an eco-friendly, warm choice that can actually help regulate your body temperature throughout the day. But if there’s rain in the forecast and it gets wet, it’ll take a long time for your sweater to dry.
Finish with rain gear and a few accessories. If you have a rain jacket that you love to wear, you can certainly bring it along with you to Sointula Lodge. But if not, don’t fret, as we’ll have one waiting for you when you arrive. This layer not only keeps you dry on the water but also adds insulation against the wind on a blustery day or when getting to and from the best fishing spots out on the open water.
You can follow these same guidelines when choosing layers for your bottom half. Finish off your layering with a warm hat, gloves, and perhaps a buff or scarf if the temperatures are going to be low early in the morning. These items are also great for putting on for an evening stroll once you’re back on dry land.
Planning Your Next Visit to Sointula Lodge
A little planning and some smart packing can make your next visit to British Columbia, and to Sointula Lodge, even more enjoyable. Whether you’ll be casting a line on a luxury fishing excursion or taking to the water in search of some of the region’s exotic wildlife, having the right layers on hand will help you stay warm and comfortable on chilly mornings, cool when the sun comes out, and dry if a rainstorm happens to pass by.
Don’t have your 2021 trip to Sointula Lodge booked yet? You still have time! With COVID-19 restrictions being lifted and vaccines rolling out quickly, many more people will be enjoying getaways this summer. To ensure that you get your first choice of dates before they sell out, book your next visit to Sointula Lodge today!
