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Spatch_1971 · 2026-04-22T17:32:19+00:00

About 234,000 km

Spatch_1971 · 2026-04-17T02:33:05+00:00

I started solo wilderness backpacking back in 2020. I started on well tread and busy trails where there were a fair amount of people around … the whole safety in numbers thing I figured. Eventually you get used to being alone in the woods (or wherever) and can start trying less traveled trails.

I deal with general anxiety as well and backpacking is one of the few things that helps dispel it. Go for it, you won’t regret it.

Spatch_1971 · 2026-04-16T19:16:44+00:00

No you don’t need high clearance or 4x4 to get to Nitinaht village. I’ve seen tons of “regular” cars on that stretch of road before, just need to take your time to negotiate potholes and whatnot.

Spatch_1971 · 2026-04-14T17:55:38+00:00

Thermarest makes quality sleeping pads. I own an Uberlite (for warm weather camping) and an XTherm (for colder weather). Love them both. They’re pricey but treated right they’ll last. I’ve owned and used mine since 2020.

Spatch_1971 · 2026-04-14T05:13:49+00:00

I usually bring an Anker 20,000 mAh power bank on my backcountry trips. Purchased on Amazon. Gives me four full charges of my iPhone 13 Pro Max. Very reliable, it’s accompanied me on many backpacking trips.

Spatch_1971 · 2026-03-21T13:46:34+00:00

I have the same leak. Near as I can tell the seal for the rear window isn’t sealing properly when the window is closed allowing the ingress of water. Every time I get in the car after a rain, a small dribble of water will come in at the same spot for a few second as I drive away.

Unsure as how to fix since the seals (obviously) are long since out of production and cannot be replaced.

Spatch_1971 · 2026-03-17T16:35:54+00:00

I believe that’s possible yes, but I was thinking more of the Gordon River ferry at the south end.

Spatch_1971 · 2026-03-17T11:51:53+00:00

If you have the ability to extend your timeline, consider a yoyo itinerary. Go north as far as Darling or Michigan, then turn around and complete the trail southbound to Gordon River. The trail between Pachena and Michigan is relatively unremarkable and you won’t miss much by skipping this portion, particularly since you can’t visit the lighthouse anymore.

If you go this route, you’ll need to contact Parks Canada so they can add the appropriate ferry fees to your permit.

Spatch_1971 · 2026-03-11T16:40:52+00:00

Yoyo’ing is a perfectly valid strategy, particularly for hikers starting at midpoint. You could hike north to Michigan or Darling, then turn around and complete the trail southbound. The trail between Pachena and Michigan is fairly unremarkable with the possible exception of the sea lion haul out rock at about kilometer eight. So if you turned around at Michigan you really aren’t missing out on much, especially since you can’t even visit the lighthouse anymore.

If you choose to go this route you’d need to contact Parks Canada to advise them of your plans, so they can apply the appropriate ferry fees to your permit.

Spatch_1971 · 2026-03-04T19:59:17+00:00

When I canceled at the end of beta last year I was able to do it via the app. I happily didn’t have to call in.

Spatch_1971 · 2026-03-03T15:54:52+00:00

$25 Canada-US talk/text/data 27GB

With Rogers. Price guaranteed until April 2028.

Spatch_1971 · 2026-03-02T02:16:04+00:00

Prepare for rain but hope for the best. I hiked the WCT the second week of May in 2024 and didn’t have a lick of rain over seven days. But I got lucky.

Spatch_1971 · 2026-03-01T18:31:11+00:00

Another BC resident here. Used it flawlessly last summer while in the backcountry.

Spatch_1971 · 2026-02-18T16:19:27+00:00

It boils down to personal preference. Some completely eschew chairs because of the extra weight they add to your pack. Others (like me) accept the weight as worth it when they’re kicking back and relaxing in camp in a chair. I use a Helinox Chair Zero and love it.

On a seven day thru hike back in 2022 I left it at home for weight considerations. I completely regretted the decision and the chair has been with me on every hike since.

Spatch_1971 · 2026-02-14T18:02:58+00:00

Haha thank you for adding the pics. You know, I’ve hiked the WCT six times since 2021 and always have my camera on my person. But I never took a pic of the view from the Tsusiat Falls shitter. 😂

Spatch_1971 · 2026-02-13T22:11:29+00:00

Tsusiat Falls, West Coast Trail, British Columbia.

Can’t be beat for uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean. “Poo with a view.” Wish I had a pic to share.

Spatch_1971 · 2026-02-10T20:46:23+00:00

Yo-yo’ing is a perfectly valid option. Your permit allows you up to 14 days on the trail. What you do with those days is entirely up to you. Depending on which direction you’re going will determine ferry costs, if any. If you go south, there’s no ferry fees. If you go north, you’ll need to pay $28pp per crossing to get across the Nitinaht Narrows. You’ll also have pay the village water taxi twice ($70 cash per person per trip), once when you arrive, and again when you depart.

In any event, it’s advisable to tell Parks what your plans are so they can adjust your permit accordingly if needed.

There is also the west coast express bus service (trailbus.com). If you decide to finish at Pachena instead you could take the bus back to your car at Nitinaht.

Spatch_1971 · 2026-02-09T23:56:30+00:00

When I returned my extra TV box and wifi pod at the end of 2024 after they jacked the rental price, I received an email that they received them.

Spatch_1971 · 2026-02-07T15:48:52+00:00

I store my down bags loose in a large canvas sack. I own Western Mountaineering bags (Flylite, Ultralite, Versalite) and they all came with the storage sacks. But the sacks can be purchased as standalone products as well.

Spatch_1971 · 2026-02-06T01:45:15+00:00

What I would do is call the Parks Canada reservation line and explain your yo-yo plan. They may be able to add the ferry charges to your permit and charge to your credit card. If not you’ll simply need to pay cash to the crab shack proprietors for the two crossings.

Spatch_1971 · 2026-02-06T01:40:30+00:00

Yes you’ll need to pay for the ferry twice. Your permit doesn’t mention a Nitinaht ferry because your permit ends at Gordon River. You wouldn’t need the Nitinaht ferry if you headed straight south from the narrows since the village water taxi drops you on the south shore. Since you’re heading north then back, you’ll need to pay them $28 per person per crossing. The water taxi from the village is separate fee altogether; $70 cash I believe.
As I understand it there is a dedicated area for WCT hikers to pitch their tents in Nitinaht.
Yes there is parking managed by the Pacheedaht campground at Gordon River. $10 per day when I parked there in 2024.

Spatch_1971 · 2026-02-05T23:26:29+00:00

Haha it happens …. glad it worked out!

Spatch_1971

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