THE PRIDE OF THE INUIT - East Greenland

It was in these Arctic waters that kayaking was invented. This kayaking and trekking adventure will be challenging, an expeditionary spirit and flexible attitude are required.

The Pride of the Inuit

Paddling and hiking expedition in East Greenland

What to Bring  ~  Clothing & Equipment List

Because of the nature of this expedition style trip you can appreciate that the clothing & equipment list  are very detailed and requires they are closely followed. You will receive a very informative and extensive list of things to bring, how to pack and further information. Please find below a selection of some of the most important required items:

Luggage

It is crucial you go as light as possible! Excess baggage can be a burden to you and to the support personnel. Another reason for going light and with low volume is that we have only very limited space in our folding kayaks. Remember: we have to bring everything along in our kayaks, including food, camping equipment, fuel, etc. When you arrive in Tassilaq, you can store the few items (including your duffel bag and extra clothes) that you are not using on the paddling trip at the Red House until the end of the paddling trip. You will repack your gear into dry bags in Tassilaq and send on the transport boat that brings our gear to the ocean camp while we hike. We will provide one large dry bag and 3 medium dry bags per person. This should be sufficient for your personal gear. We recommend that you bring your own small dry bag for your camera equipment.

• Duffel bag. We ask that you bring one medium sized duffel bag about 14”x30” or 15”x36” with a lock or the type of zipper clasps which allow you to use a small padlock or combination lock. Make sure your duffel is sturdy and preferably water resistant (not waterproof see below, “8 Sturdy Large Plastic Bags”). The duffel bag can be stored in Tassilaq while we are paddling.
• Medium Sized Daypack. It should have a capacity of 1500 to 2000 cubic inches, and can double as your carry-on bag. Remember that you’ll have to carry it yourself during long day hikes. Your daypack or camera bag should not weigh more than 11 pounds or 5 kilograms.
• One Small Dry Bag. For your camera equipment, wallet, and other small valuable personal gear. This bag can be stored either between your legs while you paddle (in case you want to take “on the water” pictures) or behind your seat.
• 2 Medium sized Compression Bags. For your clothes (one) and sleeping bag (one).This keeps the volume down. You should either purchase bags with waterproof liners or line them yourself with a plastic bag.
• 8 Sturdy Large Plastic Bags (the “Hefty” trash bag type). These are used to wrap your clothes, sleeping bag, etc. inside the dry bags.
• 10 Plastic bags of various sizes for keeping things sorted out in your duffel or suitcase and dry bags. Ziplock bags work well.

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Clothing List

We recommend layering with synthetic fabrics. Such clothing stays dry and warm in the northern climate of the high arctic. While paddling you need a medium heavy polypropylene layer underneath the provided survival suit. Please keep in mind that you have weight restrictions on the Iceland flights! When you are on shore, in camp, or hiking, you will need long pile pants, a light pile shirt, a pile jacket, and a light GoreTex rain jacket & pants to put on in case of rain. We will provide paddling poagies to protect your hands from wind and salt water spray. We will be providing the top of the line Mustang Survival Suits Coverall (MS2075) for all paddlers and guides. They have tugtight closures at the thighs, Velcro closures at the wrist and ankles, and an insulated hood.
 
Shirts
Today’s new synthetics and cotton/synthetic blends are a real boon for travelers because they are featherweight, durable, wrinkle resistant and they dry quickly.

• Long sleeved  ~  synthetic shirts. Minimum two.
• Short sleeved  ~  synthetic t-shirts. Minimum two.

Trousers

• Fleece sweatpants. These will keep you dry and warm on land.

Underwear

• Regular underwear. Synthetics are easier to wash and dry
• Lightweight long underwear. Polyester type fabric top & bottom for camp
• Medium weight long underwear. Polyester type fabric top & bottom for paddling

Head Wear

• Sun hat with wide brim, to wear under the survival suit hood and for hiking (baseball cap is a good choice).
• Wool or pile cap, for cold days in camp and hiking.
• Bandana. It will keep your neck from getting sunburned and can double as an extra hand towel.
• Head mosquito net. Just in case we get into a bad area and have no other options for camping.

Foul Weather Gear

• Light rain jacket: GoreTex, with hood.
• Waterproof pants. Traditional nylon coated rain gear or good GoreTex.

Hand Wear

• Optional—paddling gloves—if you are prone to blisters while paddling.
• Medium / light gloves. Polypropylene with fingers. Remember: we will supply poagies for paddling!

Socks

• Hiking socks of synthetic or wool/synthetic blend (80%/20%)
• If you love fresh socks, consider using thin & lightweight polypro liners.

Footwear
Take care in your choice! Sturdy, properly fitting footwear can make your trip much more pleasurable.

Hiking Boots: your boots should be comfortable, water repellent, with good ankle support and good traction. The Greenland terrain is tough on your boots - no hiking paths!

Rubber Boots or Neoprene Boots (knee high):. This is a must and great care should be taken to make the right selection. They are needed inside the kayaks for paddling, to get in and out of the boats, walking on mud flats, rocky shores, ice floes and around camp.
You will find a extensive explanation about the right footwear in above mentioned extended information package!

Sleeping Gear

• Sleeping bag rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be down, not synthetic, because it compresses better. The key is to keep the sleeping bag dry by placing it in the compression bag (inside a plastic bag or with a liner), inside a dry bag. Take the time to keep your bag dry!
• 3/4 Length Expedition Thermarest sleeping mattress: larger pads take too much room when stowed beneath deck.

Travel Accessories

• 1 Water bottles, 1.5 quart capacity. Make sure it is leak proof, heavy duty plastic (preferably Nalgene brand). Lightweight plastic bottles, such as Evian type bottles and the kind used by bicyclists, aren’t recommended—they leak and break. It is very easy to get dehydrated while paddling in survival suits and it is crucial to keep hydrated.
• 1 Steel thermos, one quart capacity. This is a very important safety item! Every morning you will fill it with tea, coffee, soup or hot chocolate and bring it in the kayak in case you get cold.       
• Toiletry kit—soap, toothbrush, and so on. Please use environmentally friendly products.
• Toilet paper (optional). We do not recommend using toilet paper in the Arctic as it biodegrades too slowly.
• Insect repellent with about 35% DEET. Many people like Natrapel and other less efficient repellents, but we strongly encourage you to bring DEET just in case. Wipe DEET off your hands before touching plastic surfaces and try to treat clothing and netting, not skin. Mosquitoes may be a problem in a few locations on this trip.
• Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the strong glare from the water.
• Spare pair of prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses, or contact lenses.
• Sunscreen with at least SPF 20 rating. The sun on the Arctic water is much more intense than you are probably used to.
• Sunscreen lipstick of SPF 20 or higher. You need serious UV protection in the reflective marine environment.
• Small wash cloth.
• One midsize towel. This should be synthetic, fast drying (backpacker style).
• First Aid Kit. This should be kept in a water proof container or plastic bag.

 
You should also bring

• Your own supply of extra Ibuprofen, Extra Strength, in case you get tendonitis or sore shoulders.
• Your own supply of antibiotics, antihistamines, decongestants, Pepto Bismol, Immodium, sea sickness medications and other over-the-counter and prescription medications for minor illnesses you may have while on the trip (you should review this with your doctor; please see the Medical Matters section in the further information provided).
• ACE bandage or brace if you’re prone to sore wrists, knees or ankles.

Other Optional Items

• Repair kit with needle, thread, and safety pins.
• Swiss Army type pocket knife with can opener and scissors. Check this item it cannot be in your carry on for international flights!
• Reading and writing material.
• Powdered drink mixes. Gatorade and other electrolyte replenishing energy drinks are a nice change from plain water.
• Your favorite snack food (in limited quantities). We’ll have plenty of excellent food, but you might want to bring your favorite treat. It is impossible to serve fresh fruit and vegetables on this trip; vegetarians might want to bring protein supplements!