Packing list for winter trips to Greenland
The right equipment is essential for getting the most out of a stay in the mountains. 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 Greenland Travel.
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.
The right equipment is essential for getting the most out of a stay in Greenland in winter, whether you are going on a multi-day dog sledding trip or a long weekend with plenty of relatively comfortable excursions.
When you pack for a winter 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 have to deal with when you are in Greenland in winter. 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 15-20 degrees can feel almost pleasant in Greenland!
Most people who travel to Greenland in winter spend most of the day outdoors to get as many experiences as possible. This means you need to be dressed 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, you still need to dress warmly, even though much of the trip takes place by bus/car.
Clothing
The layering principle really comes into its own in the cold. And let us make it clear straight away: an ordinary ski suit is usually not enough. 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 winter, 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 a winter trip to Greenland. It is practically impossible to pack too many warm clothes.
If you are going on a dog sledding trip, you can rent fur clothing and boots, to get the “authentic” feel, but also because dog sledding can be bitterly cold if you are sitting still on the sledge.
The packing list
- 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 (not cotton!). 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
For the sledge trip. Sturdy quality, with plenty of room for socks and for moving your toes. Ideally with a high shaft against the snow. Leather boots are not suitable. The most suitable boots for sledging are Canadian Sorel boots (available from several specialist shops), ideally the “Glacier” model, which is rated down to –60 degrees Celsius. As a rule, these boots can be rented if you are going on a sledge trip in Greenland.
For other use you can make do with sturdy hiking boots with plenty of room for a thick sock. The sole should preferably be rubber, as soles made of plastic and composite materials become very slippery in low sub-zero temperatures.
It can also be a good idea to bring anti-slip spiked soles that can be fitted to your shoes. They make it safer to walk across any ice.
- Warm sweater
Ideally with a high neck and a zip. Heavy fleece or wool is recommended.
- Large windproof jacket
Ideally an anorak type with a hood, possibly with a fur trim. Ideally made of a water-repellent material, but it must be able to “breathe”. A heavy down jacket is excellent for Greenlandic conditions.
- Hat
Wool or fleece (the most comfortable), ideally a balaclava that can cover your neck, forehead, chin and cheeks
- Thick wool gloves
Innermost (bring at least 2-3 pairs)
- Large lined mittens
Ideally leather (possibly bring 2 pairs for longer trips), 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 very important to bring! Make sure no metal touches your skin, as it can cause frostbite. If necessary, put tape on the frame where it touches your skin.
- Spare glasses, if needed
Glasses wearers must make sure no metal touches the skin, as it can cause frostbite.
- Sun cream
With a high protection factor.
- Lip balm
Always keep one in your jacket pocket; the air is very dry.
- 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)*
- Practical
Be aware that rustling fabric, which some outerwear is made of, rustles even more when it is cold, and it can be irritating to listen to for days on end. This is mostly relevant, however, if you are spending several days in the mountains.
- 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. 30L.
Renting sledge clothing for dog sledding trips
Even on a shorter dog sledding trip lasting an hour, it can get cold sitting on the sledge. In the vast majority of places it is possible to rent sealskin clothing and warm boots for the sledge trip. If you do not have extremely warm clothes of your own, we recommend that you rent sledge gear. Trying the “original” sledge gear is also an experience in itself.
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.