Packing List

What to bring (and what not to bring) on your SALTS trip.

Essentials

Bring the following items, clearly labelled in a soft-sided bag:
  • 1 sleeping bag (pillow optional)
  • 2 or 3 pairs of pants or jeans
  • 2-4 pairs of shorts (late spring, summer, early fall trips)
  • shirts or tops, long and short-sleeves
    • 10-day trips: 4-5
    • 4 or 5-day trips: 2-3
  • bottom base layer (long underwear)
  • 2 or 3 warm sweaters or sweatshirts
  • 1 pair of socks and underwear for each day
  • sleepwear
  • 1 swimsuit (essential for summer trips, optional for spring/fall)
  • 1 toque or hat
  • gloves (for cool weather)
  • 1 warm jacket
  • rain gear (jacket and pants)
  • 1 pair sturdy dry shoes/runners for on deck and shore excursions where there's uneven terrain (NOT slides or flip-flops)
  • 1 pair of shoes that can get wet (water shoes, waterproof sport sandals, old runners)
  • 1 pair of rubber boots (or deck boots)
  • water bottle
  • towel
  • bio-degradable (aka "camping") soap
  • toothbrush and toothpaste
  • sunscreen (ocean friendly)
  • wristwatch
  • flashlight or headlamp (and spare batteries)
  • plastic bag for wet gear (important)
  • 1 pen, 1 pencil and eraser
  • writing paper and binder with a copy of your ship specific Sailor's Handbook
  • Your SALTS Log Book if you've sailed before
MEDICATIONS must be in the original packaging with the dosage and administration instructions. Due to the risk of spillage or loss, please bring double the necessary quantity of your prescription medications in two separate zip closure storage bags labelled with your full name, one to keep and one to turn over to our Primary First Aid Officer or, for group trips, to the designated leader.

 Optional

  • swimsuit (optional for spring/fall, essential for summer)
  • cash to buy SALTS merch
  • camera
  • sunglasses (strongly recommended)
  • sketch pad/journal
  • small day pack for shore excursions
  • musical instrument (check with the SALTS office before bringing a large instrument, i.e. guitar).
  • reading material (not electronic)

Special Notes

  • CELL PHONES may only be used prior to boarding and after disembarking. While on board it must be powered off or, in airplane mode to use as a camera if you don't have a dedicated camera. For group trips, please confirm with your trip organizer for 
  • It will be much cooler on the water than you think! Everyone will stand watch at night, so don't skimp on the warm clothes. Layering is key.
  • Your gear has to be stowed on your bunk so keep it to a minimum and don't bring hard sided luggage.

What Not to Bring (Also see the Prohibited Items policy)

  • Electronic devices, computers, tablets, iPods, mp3 players, video games, e-readers or headphones. See note about cell phones above.
  • Any type of smoking or vaping implements, including tobacco, cannabis and electronic cigarettes. Smoking of any substance is strictly prohibited, both on the ship and on shore for the duration of the trip. Infractions of this policy may result in immediate expulsion from the program.
  • Alcohol, recreational cannabis, illicit drugs and any mind-altering substances.
  • Chewing gum 
  • Valuable jewelry

Lost and Found 

Any unclaimed or unmarked items left behind will be held at the SALTS office until the end of the season (approximately October 30) and will then be donated to a worthy cause.  Please label clothing and footwear.