What to bring - Qaanaaq - Dogsledge in the far North
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For all of our trips we have made a detailed pack list based on prior experiences. The list should be regarded as a guide, it is not a list of what you must bring. As every person has individual requirements, we will only give you an idea of what you might need. However, within the list we have put down some things that you should bring - under "Necessary Equipment".
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Climate
The average day and night temperature in Qaanaaq and area in April and Mai is respectively -15 and -4 Celsius degrees. The nights can be fairly cold but as the sun gains power during the day, temperatures often rise above average. Due to the sun and dry air these temperatures feel warmer than they would further south in Europe. The average night time temperature can get as low as -20 degrees in April and -10 degrees in Mai. At this time of year the weather is generally dry and clear giving us good visibility.
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Necessary Equipment
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Luggage
You are allowed to bring 20 kg + 5 kg hand luggage on the flight. The measures of the hand luggage is 55 x 20 x 40 cm. We recommend that you pack as little as possible. It is most convenient to pack your belongings in a duffle bag or large backpack, since it is easier to handle on the sledges. Please only pack minimum 15 kg - waterproof - for sledging. To make it waterproof, make a lining of a large plastic bag in your bag. It will be possible to leave some of your belongings in Ilulissat and Qaanaaq. For hikes and on the sledges bring a day backpack of 40-45 litres. The size might seem big, but its not only better comfort, you will also need to have plenty of room for extra clothing, camera, water bottles, lunch and other personal items.
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Hiking boots
Solid hiking boots with a rough patterned hard sole and good ankle support is recommended, as the terrain can be very uneven and slippery with no tracks. Be sure your boots are proper worn into shape. It is a good idea to travel with your boots on or to carry them in the hand baggage in case of delayed arrival of your luggage.
For sledging in Qaanaaq you will need very warm boots (fx Sorell). We recommend that you rent boots in Qaanaag - please contact Topas.
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Other footwear
Light footwear for indoor use, e.g. sandals, to change into at the end of the day.
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Sun wear
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Recommended Equipment
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Sledge wear
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General
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For this tour in specific
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Specific note of this tour
Sledge clothing: We strongly recommend that you rent sledge clothes, as it is almost impossible to keep warm in anything else. The clothing consists of a parka, pants, boots and mittens made of seal or polar bear skin to a rental price of DKK 1650,- per person for the entire sledge trip. You can rent the seal skin clothes in Qaanaaq - please contact Topas.
Average day on sledges: We meet the dog sledge drivers outside town and get settled on the sledges. Before departure we agree where to take breaks during the day. The dogs will find their own pace, as to why the sledges do not necessarily follow the route accurately. We will spend approximately half an hour on our lunch break. The exact time that we spend on our stops is depending on the weather conditions. Please note, that you are not allowed to touch the dogs, without having got permission from the sledge drivers.
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Sleeping bag, sleeping mat and inner liner
Three season sleeping bag and thick sleeping mat is included in the price and will be handed out in Qaanaaq to all participants. You can bring a fleece inner liner to increase the comfort temperature.
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Where to bye equipment
patagonia.com
rei.com
mountainhardwear.com
thenorthface.com
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Health
Bring your own small first aid kit for personal use; if you are under medication be sure to bring enough. The tour leader has an emergency pack should it be required. Your private medical insurance or your national health card will cover professional treatment and the purchase of medicines, if valid in Greenland. For claims arising from delayed luggage or days lost due to illness you will need an additional travel insurance.
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Sledge drivers
The sledge drivers has the overall responsibility for taking a group on a dog sledge tour. Therefore, we hope that you will respect advices and help the drivers. Although the conduction of the tour relies on good preparation from our part, the main influence for its success depends on your enthusiasm and co-operation.
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