The weather is unpredictable and can change very quickly. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are essential. River crossings may be necessary and since there are no bridges, wading is the only alternative. Water levels may be high or low, depending on the time of year and local rainfall amounts. Water temperature may also vary from pleasantly cool to bone chilling cold.
Drinking water is plentiful and readily available.
On some sections of the trail, however, there may be several kilometres between water holes. Filtering or otherwise purifying water obtained from ponds or streams, is adviseable. Animals such as moose, caribou, black bear, and beaver inhabit these areas. Giardia is rare but not unknown in the backcountry. Then, of course, humans occasionally visit.