24 February 2011 What to pack?

In 2005, I went on my first backpacking trip and thought I knew what to bring with me out into the field. Despite my friend’s warnings, I brought too much and the wrong stuff. Fortunately, I learned quickly to listen and learn from my backpacking friend and the sage wisdom of other backpackers I met.

Having said that, it was still hard to give up some of my ideas of what was important to bring. Packing the proper gear is as much about bringing a different mindset and set of behaviors as it is different gear. What I learned back then is not only important for comfort and enjoyment of your time when travelling to polar regions, but could save your life.

For JSEP, your cold weather gear gets issued by CH2M Hill’s Polar Field Services in Kangerlussuaq. It is important to submit your size information BEFORE you go, to ensure that they have equipment that fits you. Comfort comes down to personal preference (like gloves or mittens), so you will have a chance to try on your issued gear and switch out anything that doesn’t work for you.

Gear for the ice sheet (Summit & NEEM field stations)

NOTE: While at Summit & NEEM we will not be taking showers.

CPS provided for Summit (get in Kangerlussauq) • windproof hat (bring your own if you have one you like) • neck gaiter • face mask or balaclava • mittens or gloves • glove liners • Arctic parka • insulated wind bib pants • fleece jacket • fleece pants • 1 pair insulated boots (Sorels) • ski goggles • duffel bag • sleeping kit (sleeping bag, pad and liner)

As you can see, you will be issued fleece pants for a layer under your insulated bibs. This might be enough or you may want your own layer of long johns for under that. I am also packing hand and toe warmers this year for NEEM. Let me know if you have questions!

Gear for Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

While summer temperatures can actually get very warm, you should expect rain and clouds at any time during the summer. Plan on being prepared for both warm and cooler days during our time in Kangerlussuaq. On any given day in Kangerlussuaq last year, some students were wearing tee shirts and shorts and some were wearing jeans and fleeces. Plan for your own comfort levels.

NOTE: You will have limited access to laundry facilities and it is recommended you bring enough clothes for 8 days. This list has been designed for staying in Greenland for 8 days.

Clothing and Footwear

For hotel/around town – think casual and comfy clothes. For outside and Summit Station – think warm and layers.

• 1-2 casual outfits (for travel and town) • 2-3 T-shirts • 2-3 long-sleeved shirts (flannel, or long-sleeved T’s for inside or for layering) • 1 pr. sweatpants or similar comfy pants • 1 pairs of pants (cargo pants, jeans, Carhartt) • 1 pr short? • underwear (you do the math) • socks –  1-2 cotton pair (inside use)  2-3 pairs wool or hiking type (outside) • 1-2 pairs fleece (outside in boots) • 1 pr. long underwear (top and bottom, polypropylene) • 1 pr. comfy walking or sports shoes (for inside and travel) • comfortable sleep wear • 1 hat with brim (baseball cap) • 1 warm sweater or fleece jacket • 1 pr. fleece pants • outer shell – parka and pants (mid-weight & wind proof) • rain gear – pants, jacket, and hat • 1 warm hat (wool or fleece)

Toiletries

• shampoo • soap • toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss • razors/shaving supplies • deodorant • chap stick with sunscreen • lotion • sunscreen (SPF 15 or more-24hrs light!) • medicines (prescriptions, allergies, aspirin, asthma, motion sickness, altitude sickness) w/ copies of prescriptions • bug repellent (Lots of mosquitoes!)

Miscellaneous

• day pack/small backpack • travel documents (ID, etc) • watch (don’t count on checking your cell phone) • wallet and cash (Danish Kroner) • journal or notebook • pens or pencils • important phone numbers • phone card or cell phone • 1 –2 pr. polarized/UV sunglasses (prescription if applicable) • prescription eye wear (and a spare) w/ copy of prescription

Documentation Gear

• digital camera • laptop computer • digital audio recorder • Other________________________________

Optional Items

• reading materials • paper, notebook • personal camera and film • sleeping mask for blocking out 24 hour sun

Fun acronyms

Let the alphabet soup fun begin! With anything project these days, you’ll run into acronyms (an abbreviation for a project or object that uses the first letters in the object or project name). Remember JSEP?

Here’s a new one for you: PPE = Personal Protection Equipment

In this case, PPE refers to your cold weather gear.