Packing list for autumn trips to Greenland

The right equipment can be what makes the difference in getting the most out of your stay in Greenland. This is our suggested equipment list, which you can use if you have no personal experience of the area or the type of trip you have chosen. If there is anything you are unsure about, you are always welcome to contact us at Greenland Travel.

Autumn can be both cold and warm, so a good recommendation is to bring the same clothes you would wear to keep warm on an ordinary winter’s day in Denmark.

About clothing in Greenland in general

Clothing in Greenland is practical and informal. You therefore do not need to pack your “smart clothes” in your suitcase for a trip to Greenland. The range of outdoor clothing is large today,

so you can find clothes that are practical, stylish and comfortable all at once.

When you pack for an autumn trip to Greenland, think practical and insulating. This applies to both outdoor and indoor clothing. When you go to a restaurant or similar in Greenland, it is likewise normal to be practically dressed.

Cold is something you must always be prepared for when you are in Greenland in autumn. But with the right clothing and a few precautions, the cold is easy to live with and adds an extra dimension to the experience. Because of the dry air, sub-zero temperatures often do not feel as harsh as they would in Denmark. Minus 10-15 degrees can feel almost pleasant in Greenland!

Most people who travel to Greenland in autumn spend most of the day outdoors to get as many experiences as possible. This means you need to bring clothes that let you dress warmly from head to toe, from the innermost to the outermost layer. If, for example, you are going on a trip to the Ice Sheet in Kangerlussuaq, you still need to dress warmly, even though much of the trip takes place by bus/car.

Daypack

It is always a good idea to bring a small daypack on a trip in Greenland. A daypack is a smaller rucksack of 20-30L. It can be used for everything from boat trips and shorter hikes to simply carrying with you as you get around. If you are going to hike on your trip, we recommend a rucksack of approx. 30L with a hip belt and chest strap. If you will mainly be walking in the towns, you do not need a hip belt and chest strap.

Suitcase or rucksack?

On the vast majority of our trips you will not have to carry your luggage far yourself. You will have to handle your suitcase at airports and hotels, but otherwise it is transported from place to place. You can therefore choose to pack in either a suitcase or a rucksack. If you are staying in smaller settlements, you should be prepared for your luggage to be transported on a lorry, a tractor or similar, so you should expect it to get a few “knocks” and some dust.

Clothing

The layering principle really comes into its own in Greenland. Put simply, the layering principle means dressing in several layers. The innermost layer helps keep you warm, but also wicks moisture away from the body. The middle layer insulates against the cold. The outer layer protects against rain, wind and damp.

It is of course not necessary to invest in a lot of equipment to go on holiday in Greenland in autumn, but it is a matter of digging out all your warm clothes, ideally your ski gear, your lined winter trousers or an old down jacket that went out of fashion long ago but is still warm.

Below is a suggested packing list that can give you an idea of what is good to bring on an autumn trip to Greenland.

Underwear: We are not talking about bras and knickers here, but about long johns and a long, close-fitting top. We recommend wool, as it keeps you warm even when damp.
Fleece trousers or heavy jogging bottoms: As a mid layer between the long johns and the outer layer. If you have a pair of down-lined winter trousers, you can make do with the long johns and the lined outer trousers.
Jumpers or heavy shirts: As a mid layer
Overtrousers: Windproof, possibly lined, ideally water-repellent. They should be big enough to leave plenty of room for the trousers you wear underneath, so that they do not feel tight.
Thin socks: Wool or a moisture-wicking material. We recommend wool – and do bring several pairs. If you sweat and your feet get damp, it pays to change into dry socks.
Thick wool socks: Several pairs, and by all means choose the thickest you can get.
Boots: Sturdy quality, with plenty of room for socks and for moving your toes. A pair of hiking boots with plenty of room for a thick sock is ideal. The sole should preferably be rubber, as soles made of plastic and composite materials become very slippery in low sub-zero temperatures.
Warm sweater: Ideally with a high neck and a zip. Heavy fleece or wool is recommended.
Large windproof jacket: Ideally with a hood. Ideally made of a water-repellent material, but it must be able to “breathe”.
Hat: Wool or fleece (the most comfortable), ideally a balaclava that can cover your neck, forehead, chin and cheeks.
Thick wool gloves: Innermost
Large lined mittens: Ideally leather, to wear over the thinner inner gloves/wool gloves. By wearing two layers on your hands, you can regulate the temperature. Mittens are better than fingered gloves in cold conditions.
Sunglasses: Are nice to have with you! Especially if snow has fallen and the sun is shining, or if you are going to visit the Ice Sheet.
Lip balm: Always keep one in your jacket pocket; the air is very dry.
Daypack: It is always nice to be able to bring extra clothes and various bits and pieces with you on excursions. If you do not already have one, we recommend buying one with a hip belt and chest strap. Approx. 30 litres.
Miscellaneous: Camera

Binoculars

Head torch (LED torches do not use much battery)

Extra film and extra batteries for your camera

Personal medication (+ 10 extra days)*

Clothing can be both stylish and practical

If you have questions about clothing and need to buy something new, we recommend contacting Friluftsland, who can give you advice and guidance. Friluftsland has a large range of stylish and practical clothing that can be worn all year round, both every day and when travelling. Quality clothing that both lasts and works. Friluftsland has shops in large parts of the country and a good webshop at www.friluftsland.dk

Discount with Greenland Travel

When you travel with Greenland Travel, you get a 10% discount on clothing and equipment at Friluftsland (does not apply to items already reduced). When we send you your travel documents, you will also receive a discount voucher that you can use both in a physical shop and in their webshop.

*)

In Greenland we import many necessities, including medication. As the weather rules in Greenland, we sometimes find that guests are delayed and therefore do not have enough medication with them. To avoid putting extra pressure on our already stretched health service, please pack 10 days’ extra medication to be on the safe side. Delays typically last 1-2 days, but it is better to be safe than sorry.