West Coast Trail Packing List in 2026

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Packing for the West Coast Trail is not like packing for a normal hike, and it is definitely not like packing for a weekend backpacking trip.

When you sign up for the West Coast Trail, you are committing to 75 km of mud, ladders, beach walking, rain, and very long days, often while carrying EVERYTHING you need on your back. So, what you bring matters. A lot.

Before hiking the West Coast Trail, we read countless packing lists. Some were overly intense, others left out things that ended up essential for us. After completing the trail ourselves (click here or here), we’ve put together the packing list that we wish we had right from the start.

This guide will cover

  • What’s essential
  • What was nice to have
  • What we would skip next time
  • And how to pack smart without overloading your pack

If you are still deciding whether the trail is right for you, this pairs perfectly with our blog on what we wish we knew before hiking the West Coast Trail! Believe it or not, this was my first backpacking trip ever, and I absolutely loved it.

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Who this packing list is for:

This packing list is based on our North to South hike of the West Coast Trail, the classic route most people aim to complete. We spent 5 nights and 6 days on trail, hiking in June, carrying packs that weighed roughly 50–60 pounds at the start.

If you’re hiking independently (not guided), carrying all your own gear, and want real advice based on experience from us, not just a generic checklist.. this packing guide is for you.

What We Overpacked and What We’d Do Differently Next Time

One of our biggest packing mistakes was bringing too many clothes. While dry layers are important, we packed more clothing than we realistically needed, which added unnecessary weight to already heavy packs.

If we were to hike the West Coast Trail again, we would simplify our clothing system and focus more on better food options instead. We wish we had packed simple fresh items like oatmeal for breakfasts, small vegetables for the first day or two, and pitas or tortillas. Even small fresh food additions would have made a big difference, especially early in the hike.

Small Things That Made a Huge Difference

Some of the smallest items we packed ended up being the most important.

Blister tape was an absolute must. Between wet conditions, sand, ladders, and long beach sections, our feet took a constant beating. Having blister tape ready at the first sign of friction can genuinely save your hike.

Gaiters also made a noticeable difference. They kept sand, mud, and debris out of our boots, especially during beach walking and muddy forest sections. For a June hike, gaiters were completely worth it.

Backpack and Carry System

Backpack: We would recommend anything from 65L – 75L, you do not want to do anything less than this. You will need to use every litre of this bag. Do not cheap out on a backpack, this is your most important item and having an uncomfortable pack will make your trip absolutely miserable.

Osprey Fairpoint 70L Travel Bag

Raincover (Essential)

The West Coast Trail is typically always rainy. However, we lucked out and didn’t get any rain, so did not use our cover. We went in June.

Hiking Poles

A lot of the blogs we have read did not recommend bringing hiking poles, however, we thought this was the most important thing other than the bag. The hiking poles help a lot, especially doing all the beach walking. Our hiking poles broke during this hike, so it is important to spend a little more money on the nicer ones. See the link below. These are almost bulletproof.

Hiking Poles

Clothing

We overpacked for our trip and ended up wearing the same thing over the 5 days. Of course changing undergarments and socks, but yes, we did stink.

Base Layer

  • Something moisture wicking
  • Avoid cotton completely

Insulation Layer

  • Lightweight fleece or insulated jacket
  • Warm enough for evenings at camp (it got pretty cold at night).

Waterproof Shell

  • Waterproof Jacket
  • Waterproof Pants

Hiking Pants

Depending on when you go, it might be hot and shorts will be a must.

Socks

Footwear

We brought the Hiking Boots, although if we did the West Coast Trail again, we would just bring hiking shoes that cover the ankles. We have the Arcteryx Norvan Hiking Shoes

Camp Kitchen

JetBoil (or any other stove) – Jetboils are much quicker at heating up

Utensils

Pots/Pans/Bowls

Sleeping and Shelter

Sleeping Bag

Inflatable Pillow

Ultra lightweight tent

Accessories

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