Stepping into a coastal environment, you’ll quickly realize you’re not just following a path—you’re stepping into a living, shifting landscape. The weather can morph in moments. One second, it’s clear skies and bright sun; the next, a sudden gust off the water brings mist and drizzle. Layering is essential. Whether you are hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or surfing, as a camping trip, several pitfalls can make that experience uncomfortable or dangerous.
Being on the coast is about being warm. Forget about dry. On most coasts
north of about 43̊, the summer rain is intermittent, but it is persistent when
it comes. Remaining dry is difficult. You may be warm while doing your
activity, but back in camp, it is easy to get cold when wet.
Dealing with rain
Tip 1a: Bring lightweight rain gear and moisture-wicking clothing. These let
you respond to nature’s mood swings with ease. Don’t plan on staying dry in
your rain gear unless you have shelter. If you are hiking, the rain gear will
not keep you dry-the rain still gets in. I wear light rain gear while hiking
and a light paddling jacket while kayaking, just to keep the wind from adding
that extra chill to the wetness. I have had good success with a second light rain
layer (I have a very light waterproof anorak) that I wear under the over layer,
but I still can’t remain completely dry while hiking or kayaking.
Tip 1b: plan on NOT being dry, but being WARM. It is essential to plan on
layers for warmth, but those layers need to be warm even when wet. Bring dry
clothes that remain dry because you do not wear them outside your tent. Put wet
clothes from the day before while hiking or kayaking back on for your new day’s
activity. When you are active (enough), then you are warm. When you get to
camp, change to dry clothes and manage your time and exposure to rain and wet
to stay dry, and warm.
Tip 2: Staying dry in camp is not only about clothing. Make sure your tent
is waterproof before you leave. Learn how to set up tarps that shed water in
all types of situations-with trees, without trees, with wind, etc. Consider a
tarp and a tent as another layer that keeps you dry.
Tip 3: Bring plenty of fuel and a good stove. When it is cold, a good amount
of warm fluids and food can help stay warm, and lighten the mood. The tendency
with hiking is to take only what is necessary, but consider an extra day or two
worth of fuel as necessary. The weight of fuel is less of a consideration when
kayaking and canoeing, so packing extra fuel is not usually a question. Don’t
forget the invaluable extra hot drinks-tea bags, coffee, hot chocolate!
Dealing with sand
The terrain itself can surprise you, too. Unlike the firmer footing of
inland trails, coastal paths are ruled by sand, slippery rocks and sea shelf,
and shifting shore grasses. Every step may sink a bit, slow your pace, and
require more effort. Consider trekking poles for balance and wear shoes or
boots that shed sand easily. There’s a graceful rhythm to navigating these
beaches, a gentle dance of foot placement and patience. But the sand presents
another challenge to coastal trips-what it gets into.
Tip 4: Take extra time to get the sand off of yourself every day, especially
before you start any activity. Sand on your feet while hiking can cause
dramatic and painful blisters. Make sure you are meticulous about getting the
sand off your feet. When you are hiking, of course, your feet are your mode of
transportation. Protect your feet! Also get the sand out of other areas. Sand
that gets into your clothes from can also cause chafing and blisters in other
areas as they rub together. Wet sand sticks to everything, so if it is rainy or
foggy, pay extra attention.
Tip 5: Sand can clog the fuel in stoves. Also be meticulous about keeping
your stove out of the sand. Find something to set it up on above any sand
level. Make it difficult to walk close to the stove so that sand does not
accidentally get kicked into it-this is also a good protection from getting the
stove knocked over while cooking. Before you put the stove away for the night
or to continue your travels, give it a good wipe down and make sure any bags or
containers that the stove goes into also is sand free.
And then there’s the relentless humidity that accompanies the salt-kissed
breezes. Do not expect anything to dry. The humidity in the air can make it almost
impossible to dry clothes and foot wear. The high humidity often perpetuates
the difficulties already mentioned. Embrace it as a reminder that you’re
traveling along an intersection of land and sea—an environment teeming with
life, movement, and unpredictable beauty.
It may not be easy, but coastal camping and travel rewards those who embrace the surprises. Suddenly, a break in the clouds reveals a dazzling ocean view. A scattering of shells or a dramatic bluff catches your eye. With careful preparation and a spirit of adventure, you’ll find that these challenging conditions only enhance the magic of walking on the edge of the world. To go with experts that can teach you more tips and tricks, visit Coastal Bliss Adventures.
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