Svalbard personal equipment packing list
I. OUTER WEAR
Waterproof rain gear. You will need a high quality set of
rain jacket and pants. These should be a waterproof
breathable fabric like GoreTex. Buy the best you can afford
(e.g., Marmot, North Face, etc), as you will be living in these
day in and day out, and there is no way to get replacement
equipment if anything fails. Some of us really like the rain
paints with built-in suspenders or bibs. We recommend uninsulated rain shells, as you can then add or remove inner
insulation layers depending on your level of activity (e.g.,
you’re likely to get hot and steamy hiking in the rain, but will
cool off quickly after you’ve sat still in the boat for two
hours).
No such
thing as
bad
weather;
only bad
clothing!
High rubber boots. You will need comfortable,
WATERPROOF rubber boots. We wear these for hiking,
crossing streams, and while working in the boat. They need
to be at least 18” high or your feet will get flooded crossing
deep streams and that’s no fun. They need to be comfortable,
we wear them nearly every day all day. Here’s the type we mean:
Al likes his Muck boots, see http://www.muckbootcompany.com/
Emily is wondering if her
boots are high enough!
Warm hats. You will want several different, compact hats ranging
from a simple baseball cap to a warm full-head covering balaclava. You
may also want a waterproof hat with a wide brim. Since you’ll be
wearing different hats frequently, make sure each one is
foldable/stuffable (i.e., no sombreros).
Hiking boots. You must have comfortable (broken in) sturdy hiking boots. Waterproof hiking boot
(e.g. Gore-tex lined) highly recommended. Be sure you can hike 5-10 miles in your boots without
getting blisters. If you need to buy boots, do it now and start wearing them regularly. We have
some pictures of some severely blistered feet we can
show you if you doubt the importance of breaking your
boots in! Bring many pairs (4-6) of your favorite
synthetic socks that match your boots. Also, bring an
extra pair of insoles for your boots (so one set can dry
out!)
When boots aren’t broken in,
duct tape has to replace your skin…
Gloves. Fingers get cold quickly and can become useless. Like your hats, you will want several
pairs of gloves. We’ve found thin liner gloves very handy when working in mild temperatures and
thicker mittens and perhaps water proof overgloves for cold rainy days. We also really like
synthetic “gripper gloves” (often sold in hardware stores) to wear when hauling sediments traps out
of the water. Even better than hardware store gloves are those used for ice fishing that are textured
or neoprene gloves. You can get these from sporting goods places.
II. Inner Wear
Wicking, synthetic underclothes. You will want at least two complete sets of synthetic
underclothes (3 may be better). These form the base of your layered clothing system and make the
difference between being warm and happy or cold, clammy, and miserable.
Insulating layers. Depending on how cold you get, bring along appropriate synthetic insulating
layers. You’ll have to judge for yourself, but remember temperatures are likely to be between 35
and 45 deg F and windy. I bring a thin synthetic “sweater” and a thicker pile jacket. On my legs, I
typically wear synthetic trousers over thin polypro long underwear. I can put on my rain suit when
these layers aren’t warm enough. A thick, soft fuzzy pull on cap with ear flaps rounds out my
fashionable cold-weather attire.
III. Lounge Wear
Throughout Norway, the custom is to leave outdoor shoes at the front door. Bring a pair of indoor
shoes or slippers, as well as a pair of light walking shoes for around town (and airplane travel).
You’ll want comfy clothes for the evenings (sweatpants, t-shirts) and your favorite sleeping outfit
for the dormitory sleeping areas. The dorm rooms have curtains, but since the Sun is up 24/7, you
may want to bring along an eye mask (sorta like the Lone Ranger wears but without the eye holes).
IV. Other Equipment
Backpack. You’ll need a good quality, large daypack, with at least 2,000 cubic inches volume
(3,000 cu in. would be better). You’ll always be carrying extra
clothing, raingear, bottles of water, lunch and snack, as well as
community gear. A frameless or soft internal frame pack works better
than an external frame pack (although we’ll have an external frame
“cargo carrier” pack for hauling big things like the outboard engine).
Sunglasses. In case it gets sunny, you’ll want eye protection. Besides,
you may need to look cool.
Prescription glasses and contact lenses. If you rely on these, bring
along an extra pair and/or extra contacts (plus any cleaning supplies
you use). You will not be able to get replacements if they get broken or
lost!
Hiking/trekking poles. Hiking poles are nice for those with old or
damaged knees - also helpful for glacier travel.
Camera Gear. It’s up to you, but boy ‘o boy do Al and Steve like their digital cameras! Digital
cameras work great because you can document field work and annotate your photos as you go. Get
at least two sets of rechargeable batteries and bring your charger (we’ll have power adapters).
Bring a film camera if you want, but you’ll need to bring your own film.
GPS Unit. Not required (we’ll have several), but if you have a small one, it can be useful for
documenting locations of your personal pictures and individual field work.
Knife/pocket tool. A Swiss Army knife or some variant of a Leatherman tool is very useful.
You’ll be using this for everything from skinning polar bears to cutting ropes, but most often you’ll
use it to cut cheese and spread caviar. For air travel, be sure to pack your knives in your checked
luggage, not with your carry-on bags!
Personal First Aid. For when you cut yourself with your knife/pocket tool. Should include
athletic tape, moleskin, an elastic wrapping bandage (Ace type bandage), spare boot laces, needle
and thread, and other repair items).
Handlens. Optional, but every geologist should always have one around their neck.
Compass. Optional. Almost useless so close to the North Pole, but you should never leave home
without one.
Laptop computer. Strongly recommended if you got one! Your own laptop will be very useful for
preparing reports and presentations, downloading digital cameras, and playing Tetris. A USB
memory stick is also very helpful for transferring files. Bring your battery charger; we’ll have the
necessary power adapters. Bring your computer in a well-padded travel case.
IV. Other things.
Medications. If you take prescription drugs, be sure to bring ALL you need AND a copy of your
doctor’s signed prescription (for customs inspections). Your favorite over the counter medicines
nay not be available in Longyearbyen, so bring any necessary aspirin, vitamins, etc along (keep
them in their original containers!).
Thermos.
It sure is nice to share some warm coffee or tea with your comrades during the day. If you bring a
thermos, you’ll be well-liked. And the more people who bring thermoses, the less they will have to
share.
Power Adapters. Norway and Svalbard use 220 volt 50 Hz
electrical power with differently shaped plugs. Many of our
computer and camera battery chargers will work fine on this power,
but you just need to use a plug adapter like the one to the right.
We’ll have several of these, but you should have one or two of your
own. We’ll also have a few power converters for our things that
require 110v power. If you have your own electrical appliances
(shavers, curling irons), you’ll want to bring your own small power
adapter. These are widely available at travel stores and Radio
Shack.
Cash. You can get cash at ATMs at the airports and in Longyearbyen. Major credit cards work at
most stores and restaurants. Norway uses the Norwegian Kroner (nok or kr.), which currently
exchanges at 6.2 nok per US $.
Calling home. You can buy international calling cards everywhere in Norway for calling back to
the States. Public telephones are available in Longyearbyen at at Kapp Linne. There will be a
phone number people can use to contact you in an emergency, we’ll get these to you later.