For your safety and comfort we ask that you have the following equipment and clothing. Crossing Latitudes, Inc. does not rent or sell personal gear. You must supply all personal gear. Please read the equipment list carefully.
We will be able to store your "extra" luggage between the reindeer trek and kayaking section. This means that you will receive your luggage after the reindeer trek. You can then repack for the kayaking section. After our paddle section our luggage will meet up with us again and you can have clean clothes for our final dinner.
We encourage our participants to use what they already own or can borrow. We will gladly check all gear prior to leaving for the mountains to make sure it is suitable. Your rain jacket and pants, hiking boots and pack should be of good quality. If you are purchasing new items before traveling to Scandinavia, we suggest you look through mail order brochures (Patagonia, REI, L.L.Bean, etc.) for pricing and varieties available.
Crossing Latitudes, Inc. will provide all group gear such as maps, first aid kits, tents, cups, bowls and eating utensils, reindeer, repair kit and all sea kayaking related equipment such as kayaks, pfd's, spray skirts, paddles etc.
REQUIRED ITEMS
The following is a list of items you need to bring to ensure that you stay warm, dry and comfortable while reindeer trekking and sea kayaking. If you have questions regarding your equipment please give us a ring: 1-800-572-8747
FOOTWEAR
Wool socks: 3-4 pairs of heavy wool. Socks should be at least 75% wool.
Liner socks: 1-2 pairs. These are light weight polypropylene or silk socks to slip under the wool socks. Liner socks help prevent blisters.
Hiking boots: Choose a medium to heavy weight, above ankle high hiking boot. The upper supporting section of the boot should come above your ankle bones. There are many leather and nylon boots on the market nowadays. You need a pair that will give you strong ankle support while carrying a pack for several hours in uneven terrain. A higher boot helps you stay dry in wet areas. If you are buying new boots - please wear them before our trek. Blisters can make walking unpleasant. Recommended brands: Salomon, Merrell, Vasque and Asolo.
Gaiters: Gaiters are great as they protect your shoes and socks from snow, mud and water. Gaiters also prevent dirt from working its way into the socks and creating blisters. They should start just below the knee and fit snugly over your boot.
Camp shoes: 1 pair. This pair can be your trail shoes, a pair of sneakers or running shoes. Some folks prefer sandals, such as Tevas or Alps.
Wet Shoes: 1 pair. These can be a knee high rubber boot that fits comfortably with 1-2 pairs of socks, or a pair of thick soled dive booties. Sandals or an old pair of sneakers worn with neoprene socks also work. Your feet will get wet and the water can be chilly so proper footwear is important. NOTE: Most of our staff wear knee high rubber boots (also known as Wellies) on Expeditions. They are the best footwear for keeping your feet warm and dry.
Sandals: (Optional) 1 pair. Tevas, Chacos and Alps are recommended. These can also be used as wet shoes if used in combination with neoprene socks.
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CLOTHING Lower Body
Long Underwear bottoms: 1-2 pairs. These should be mid or expedition weight polypropylene or wool. Cotton and cotton blends are not acceptable because they do not provide warmth if wet. Some folks like to have one polypro pair and one silk pair.
Pants: 1 pair. This pair of pants needs to be durable. There are many nice quick drying travel pants made of nylon on the market nowadays. The pant legs can often be zipped off, so your pants become shorts (Patagonia, Ex-Officio, R.E.I. , L.L. Bean).
Shorts: 1 pair. We recommend one pair of roomy, lightweight nylon shorts.
Rain Pants: 1 pair. Light, strong breathable and 100% waterproof rain pants work well for trekking and kayaking. Recommended brands: Patagonia, Kokatat, REI.
Underwear: A few pair of either ordinary cotton or nylon briefs, boxer shorts or a pair of wind briefs of Thermax or polyester are suitable.
Upper Body
You will need 3 insulating layers that fit comfortably over each other. These can be of a variety of weights and insulation values to mix and match as conditions vary. Synthetics are lighter in damp climates although wool also performs well.
Long Underwear Tops: 1-2 pairs. A polypropylene top and/or a silk top work well . These are good inner layers and comfortable while hiking and paddling. One turtleneck style is nice.
Sweater: A capilene or synchilla pullover and/or a wool sweater (at least 75% wool) provide great warmth when combined with a Long Underwear top.
Fleece Jacket or sweater: This will be your warmest layer. We recommend a fleece jacket, a windproof lined jacket, or a heavier wool sweater that can fit comfortably over the other tops.
Rain Jacket: 1. Your rain parka must be 100% waterproof, breathable and roomy enough to fit over your upper body layers. Patagonia, Kokatat, REI, L.L.Bean and many other companies carry high-tech, good quality rain gear. A poncho is not recommended as they offer poor shelter in exposed windy conditions.
Underwear: We recommend the sports bras made out of Polyester/Lycra spandex. They are warm, comfortable and wick moisture away from your body.
HEAD & HANDS
Wool, Pile or Polypropylene gloves or Wool/Pile mittens: 1 pair.
Wool or Pile cap: A ski cap or balaclava are fine.
Sunhat: A baseball cap or sunhat for protection against glare and reflected sunlight from snow and glaciers is recommended.
Neck Warmer or Scarf: Optional. This is nice if you get cold easily.
Poagies/Paddling gloves: 1 pair. Poagies are a specialized mitt designed to go over a paddle shaft for kayaking. A rowing glove or neoprene dive glove will also work well.
MISCELLANEOUS REQUIRED ITEMS
Sunscreen and Lip balm: A small tube/bottle of Sun protection, spf 15 or higher.
Toilet Articles: For your personal needs.
Plastic Water Bottle: A bike bottle or a wide mouth liter bottle work well.
Sunglasses: 1 pair. The drugstore counter varieties are not appropriate for protecting your eyes in the high country. Glasses should transmit no more than 10% visible light and be at least 95% UV protected. Chums or some other brand of eye glass retainer is recommended.
Extra glasses or contact lenses: If you wear glasses or contact lenses we highly recommend that you bring along a spare set.
Passport: Bring a photocopy of the identification page and 2 extra passport photos.
Knife: A small pocket knife can come in handy at times.
SLEEPING GEAR
Sleeping Bag: We recommend a sleeping bag with synthetic fill (Fiberfill, Dacron, PolarGuard, Hollofil, Quallofil). A bag with synthetic fill will maintain loft when wet, a Goose Down bag will not. We recommend at least 3 pounds of fill weight. A sleeping bag with cotton lining is not acceptable, they will lose all insulating value when wet.
Sleeping pad with stuff sack: Choose either an extra long closed cell foam pad of 3/8 inch thickness or a full-length Therm-a-Rest air mattress.
Compression stuff sack: 1. For protecting and compacting your sleeping bag.
BACKPACK
Each participant must have a backpack that can comfortably hold all your personal gear and sleeping gear. The volume should be approximately 3500 - 4000 cubic inches (52-66 litres). Good padded shoulder straps and a padded hip belt will make your hiking more fun. Reliable backpack brands include Dana Design, Osprey, Lowe, Jan Sport and Kelty.
Packs usually weigh between 25-35 pounds depending on your appetite for extra clothing, books and camera gear.
BAGS FOR KAYAKING SECTION
Many small to medium sized bags are easier to pack in the kayak than one or two large bags. An assortment of colors and styles usually makes it easier to organize. The largest bag you pack in the kayak is usually your compressed sleeping bag. Your clothing and other dry bags should be markedly smaller.
For packing your personal gear you can either use dry bags or small nylon zip bag/duffel bags. Dry bags are specialized water gear. Seal Line, NRS, REI and many other companies carry these bags. We often use a top loading zippered nylon bags with a double strap handle lined with a trash compactor bag to make these bags waterproof. The nylon bags lined with trash compactor bags are a more economic alternative to dry bags.
Waterproof Dry bag: 2-3. Bring small (10 liters) or medium (20 liters) size dry bags for personal items. It is much easier to pack a number of small to medium sized bags into the kayak than it is to pack a couple of large bags.
Day pack: 1. A day pack for miscellaneous gear and to be used on walks is recommended.
Boat bag: This is a large light weight nylon duffel bag that all your smaller bags, sleeping bag and ensolite pad can be hauled up and down the beach in. While paddling it is compressed and stuffed away empty.
WET SUITS & DRY SUITS
We do not require wetsuits or drysuits though we always dress well for exposure to cold water. It is true that drysuits and neoprene wetsuits prolong the time one can stay alert immersed in cold water. Wearing one would be wise for the aggressive paddler who is venturing far from any shore or paddling in very rough or challenging conditions. We believe the best protection is good judgment and to be off the water in questionable conditions. We balance our selection of paddling attire for water and surface conditions. If you usually wear a drysuit or wetsuit while paddling and would like to bring it along then we encourage you to do so. A Farmer John "shortie" or a breathable Gore-tex drysuit are popular options. If you are looking to purchase a dry suit we can highly recommend dry suits by Kokatat.
OPTIONAL ITEMS
Wind Shirt: A light hooded nylon wind shell large enough to fit over your upper body layers is nice in the mountains. This wind shirt can also be used in the city as an extra layer.
Wind pants: A pair of light weight wind proof pants are nice to wear over your long johns while hiking. Breathable rain pants could double up as wind pants.
Mitten shells: 1 pair. A Nylon waterproof or windproof mitten shell to cover your mittens are nice if your hands get cold easily.
Watch: Heaven forbid we forget the time of day.
Camera & Film: A must for sharing all your memories with friends and family.
Binoculars: We highly recommend binoculars for viewing birds and animals.
Insect Repellent: 1 small bottle will be plenty.
Mosquito headnet: 1. For those who are easily annoyed by pesky insects.
Stuff sacks: 2-3 small stuff-sacks are nice for organizing personal clothes and toiletries.
Cotton Bandannas: 1-2. Useful for all sorts of things.
Trekking poles / Walking staff: These provide extra stability on uneven terrain. The poles are made out of lightweight aluminum tubing and are often adjustable. Recommended brand names Cascade Design and REI.
Paddle Jacket: This is a specialized waterproof paddling jacket with a neoprene or rubber gasket collar, we recommend one with a hood such as the Patagonia Skanorak. A rain jacket with adjustable tight fitting cuffs makes a suitable paddle jacket. Kokatat and Patagonia are some excellent brand names. Our guides like to size their paddling jackets over their personal floatation device (PFD) so they can easily change while on the water.
Crazy Creek Chair: These camping chairs are nice for the kayaking section.
Book: Bring a good paperback. We do bring a small "library" of kayaking and Scandinavia natural history books along on the kayaking section.
Camp Towel: A small to medium size. Chamois dries faster than terry cloth.
Trash compactor bags: 4-6. Heavy duty plastic trash bags to line your bags. They ensure waterproofing.
Flashlight: 1. A head lamp or a small but powerful flashlight + extra batteries and bulb. Especially nice in late summer when it actually does get dark at night.
CASUAL TRAVEL WEAR
Though Laundromats are scarce in Scandinavia, we encourage you to limit your luggage to two items, your backpack and a duffel bag on wheels or suitcase. A small day pack is nice to have instead of a purse while traveling and sightseeing.
We will be able to store "extra" luggage at the hotel. This means you can have some clean clothes when we return for showers and our final dinner.
Please give us a ring if you have questions about what to bring; 1-800-572-8747 (US) or
070-670 11 53 (in Sweden).
Expect the best weather but be prepared for the worst!
