Outdoor adventures are always more enjoyable if you have the proper clothing and equipment. The following list is basic guideline that will enhance your Killarney experience. We have all of these items available for sale in our store. The importance of good raingear cannot be stressed enough. Choose a rain jacket that is constructed of waterproof fabric. Gore-tex works well, and foul weather gear made for sailing is durable and comfortable. Bring synthetics, polypropylene, or wool clothing to wear under your rain gear. Cotton doesn't dry quickly so we don't recommend it for your trip. Synthetic materials are a better investment. You may not need to bring your rain gear out of your pack; however, you'll be warm and dry in a downpour if it occurs. Quick-dry nylon pants and shorts are perfect for our environment. A popular choice among guides and customers are the quick-dry pants that zip off and double as shorts. Synthetic shirts in long and short sleeves keep you dry and also insulate your body. Paddling activities always mean wet feet; for daytime paddling sport sandals are a popular choice, as are neoprene booties. For land or camp wear, bring a pair of stiff soled light hiking boots or shoes. Use our equipment list as a guide and please contact us if you have questions.
Clothing
* Water shoes: neoprene booties, sport sandals or running shoes
* Land shoes: hiking boots, approach shoes or running shoes
* Rain jacket (must be waterproof and decent quality, rain pants are great too)
* Wide brimmed hat to protect from sun and rain
* Quick-dry (nylon) shorts (1 pair)
* Quick dry (nylon) pants (1 pair)
* Warm pants (fleece, polypro or wool pants - 1 pair)
* Wool or synthetic socks (2-3 pairs)
* Fleece jacket or wool sweater (1)
* Synthetic or synthetic/cotton blend t-shirts (2)
* Synthetic or synthetic/cotton blend long-sleeved shirt (1)
* Swimsuit/bandana
Equipment
* Sunglasses with strap
* Camera and film
* Sunscreen (min SPF 15)/bug repellant
* Towel (compact size)/Toiletries and any medications
* Pocket knife
* Flashlight/headlamp
* Binoculars and field guides
* Book/cards/journal & pencil
* Plastic Water bottle
* Day pack for rain gear, camera, lunch, sunscreen
Extra Clothing for Spring/Fall
* Warm toque and mitts
* Long underwear (synthetic)
* Extra socks
* Extra fleece or wool sweater
* Bug jacket for early spring trips
Brand names and definitions to get you started
Gore-tex: a waterproof and breathable fabric used for an outer layer. In the past Gore-tex was expensive but you can now pick up a decent Gore-tex jacket for around $100.00; practically every outdoor clothing manufacturer makes one. Many companies even have their own version of Gore-tex. Here are a few to investigate: Sierra Designs, MEC, Contour, Marmot, Helly Hansen, Columbia and Patagonia.
Fleece: a polyester fabric that is lightweight and packable. It even insulates when it is wet. Many manufacturers make fleece clothing.
Polypro: a synthetic fabric of varying weights that moves moisture away from your body. Common brands include Lifa, Capilene, Dri-Clime, MEC, or simply long underwear that is polypro based.
Quick-dry: a nylon fabric that dries quickly when wet. Swimsuits are usually constructed of quick dry nylon. Several manufacturers make excellent products.
Footwear: sport sandals are wonderful for paddling; however, they are not recommended when portaging, or for camp wear. Teva makes a great sandal. Approach shoes are perfect camp wear, they have lug soles like hiking boots but are comfortable like a running shoe.
