Packing List

Svalbard Wilderness Adventure

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 be experiencing 24 hours of daylight during this trip.

We provide:

  • Tent

  • Groundsheets (14 mm cellular plastic)

  • Sleeping bag

  • 1 litre thermos bottle

  • Personal glacier equipment

  • Steady double kayaks

  • Dry suits and life vests for kayaking

  • 1 dry bag for use in kayak

  • Maps and compass

What to Bring:

Clothing

  • Base layers (a selection (synthetic, wool or silk, not cotton)  - you might want to wear more than one on a cold day. Also bring an extra set to sleep in)

  • Thermal leggings/long johns to wear under trousers and sleep in

  • Hiking socks (not cotton)

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

  • Warm insulated jacket (down or synthetic/PrimaLoft)

  • Lightweight fleece or mid-layer

  • Breathable, waterproof and windproof shell jacket

  • Breathable soft shell waterproof and windproof trousers 

  • Gloves or mittens (2 pairs, ideally, in case one gets wet - normal ski gloves will do - warm mittens are best if you are prone to getting cold)

  • 1 pair of lighter finger gloves

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

  • Cap to keep sun / rain off your face

  • Waterproof hiking boots, preferably with a stiff sole

  • Light shoes to use around the camp

  • Swimwear (for the polar plunge!)

Other

  • Soft overnight duffel bag or backpack for transport of your belongings from the boat to camp (approx. 200 meters in uneven terrain). No suitcases with wheels.

  • Backpack for day trips (30 - 40 litres)

  • Dry bags for inside your day pack to keep your kit organised and dry (eg. 2.5L for packing smaller personal items, 10L+ for clothes)

  • 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) 

  • Quick dry towel

  • Camera

  • Headtorch

Optional

  • 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)

  • Waterproof backpack cover

  • Snacks (we provide these too though!)

  • Insect repellent (not generally an issue)

  • Binoculars (useful to see wildlife)

  • 1 pair of gaiters for glacier hikes (optional)