Although this trip takes place in the summer, Svalbard will still be cold. Average temperatures in the day time are about 5 degrees, but be prepared for potential lows of -5 at night. Svalbard will also be experiencing 24 hours of daylight during this trip too. 

Remember that there is limited space for equipment in a kayak. In addition to your personal equipment, there needs to be space for some shared equipment and provisions too .

We provide:

• Tent 

• Sleeping mat (14 mm foam) 

• Sleeping bag

• Sleeping bag liner

• Steady twin kayaks 

• Dry suit for kayaking

• Maps and compass

What to Bring:

Clothing

• Base layer thermal tops (a selection) (synthetic, wool or silk)  

• We do not recommend wearing anything of cotton, as this cools you down when wet. Make sure you have enough layers and changes of clothes to keep you warm and dry.

• Long johns (thermal) (synthetic, wool or silk)

• Thick wool socks  

• Thin wool socks 

• Extra set of thermal base layers to use as nightwear

• Buff, scarf or balaclava (you might want two - one for your neck, one as a headband)

• Thin fleece or mid-layer to wear under the dry suit 

• Thicker sweater in wool or fleece 

• Warm/insulated jacket to wear in camp

• Breathable, waterproof and windproof shell jacket with hood

• Breathable soft shell waterproof and windproof trousers 

• Wind proof mittens 

• Warm thin mittens to be used underneath windproof mittens 

• Gloves (preferably wool) 

• Warm hat/beanie (One extra to sleep in)

• Hiking boots  

• Swimwear

• Cap to keep sun / rain off your face

Other

• Quick dry towel

• At least two dry bags to pack your clothes and sleeping bag (10-20L) 

• Toiletries

• Any prescription medication 

• Other medication (paracetamol/ibuprofen)

• Compeed or moleskin for blisters, just in case!

• Personal items (e.g. biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen (high factor)

• Water bottle (at least 1L) 

• Headtorch

• Thermos

• Camera/Phone and waterproof case

• Snacks

Optional

• Small, lightweight sleeping mat if you do not wish to use the one provided (must be compact enough to fit in your kayak alongside your other equipment)

• Earplugs and eye mask for sharing rooms / tents and to block the midnight sun

• Fully charged power banks (there is no electricity once you leave the hostel)

• Wet wipes 

• Binoculars –  (optional but useful if you like wildlife)

Please note that whilst kayaking we recommend wearing a set of wool (particularly merino wool) base layers, with a thin fleece or similar underneath your dry suit to prevent getting too hot and then chilled whilst on the water. Dry suits are not very breathable and can cause you to get very warm during exercise.