For your safety and comfort we ask that you have the following equipment and clothing. Please read the equipment list carefully.
We encourage our participants to use what they already own or can borrow. We will gladly check all gear prior to leaving on the expedition to make sure it is suitable. 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 and our Saami Pathfinders will provide some personal gear such as a winter suits (snow mobile suit), sleeping bags and reindeer hides to sleep on. You are welcome to bring your own sleeping bag if you have a good winter bag. We will also provide skis and ski poles. The skis we provide are the type of skis the Saami use to travel through the winter forest. The bindings are strap-on bindings and fit most all winter boots.
We will also provide all group gear such as maps, first aid kits, emergency gear, cups, bowls and eating utensils, repair kit, wax, tents, group shelters etc.
REQUIRED ITEMS FOR THE LAPONIA & SPRING MIGRATION EXPEDITIONS
The following is a list of items you need to bring to ensure that you stay warm, dry and comfortable during our ski trip. If you have questions in regards to your equipment please give us a ring: 1-800-572-8747
FOOTWEAR AND SKI EQUIPMENT
Wool socks: 2-3 pairs of heavy wool. Socks should be at least 75% wool.
Liner socks: 2-3 pairs. These are light weight polypropylene or silk socks to slip under the wool socks.
Camp/indoor shoes: 1 pair. This pair of shoes can be a pair of sneakers, running shoes or moccasins. These shoes will be for indoor use only. Make sure they are roomy enough to wear with your wool socks.
Winter boots: 1 pair. Choose a well insulated and water proof winter boot in which you can wear 2 pair of socks. The boots need to be roomy so you can wiggle your toes. Sorels Pack boots, Sorel Blizzard II, Columbia Bugabootoo and La Crosse winter boots are some recommended boots.
Gaiters: Gaiters are nice as they protect your boots and socks from snow. They should start just below the knee and fit snug over your boot.
CLOTHING Lower Body
Long Underwear bottoms: 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.
Fleece / pile pant: 1 pair. These are pants you might wear in the "kåta" (our communal living space) or if it is really cold some day.
Ski Pants: 1 pair. This pair of pants needs to protect you from snow and will also act as a windbreaker. There are many good pants on the market nowadays. We recommend that you consider a pair with a waterproof and breathable barrier, such as Gore-Tex , H2No or similar type of fabric. If you easily get cold, you may want to consider insulated pants.
Underwear: A few pair of 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 the conditions vary. Synthetics are lighter in damp climates although wool performs well also.
Long Underwear Tops: 2 pairs. These polypropylene tops are good inner layers and comfortable while skiing. One turtleneck style is nice. You might chose to wear one during the days and have one as your "pajamas".
Sweater: 1. 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 / Sweater or Jacket with down or synthetic filling: 1. This will probably be your warmest layer. We recommend a heavy fleece jacket, a windproof lined jacket or a jacket with down or synthetic filling that can fit comfortably over the other tops.
Ski Jacket: 1. Your ski jacket must be waterproof, breathable and roomy enough to fit over your upper body layers. It should also have a roomy hood for those brisk days on the mountain. Patagonia, The North Face, REI and many other companies carry high-tech, good quality ski jackets. We recommend that you consider a jacket with a waterproof and breathable barrier, such as Gore-Tex , H2No or a similar type of fabric.
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: 1 pair.
Lined mittens: These mittens should have some kind of waterproof barrier and a warm lining. These are the mittens that you will want to pull out when the weather gets bad.
Wool or Pile cap: A ski cap or balaclava is fine.
Neck Warmer or Scarf: 1
MISCELLANEOUS REQUIRED ITEMS
Sunscreen and Lip balm: A small tube/bottle of Sun protection, spf 20 or higher.
Toilet Articles: For your personal needs.
Plastic Water Bottle: A wide mouth liter bottle works well.
Thermos: A good quality non-breakable stainless steel thermos is needed.
Sunglasses: 1 pair. The drugstore counter varieties are not appropriate for protecting your eyes in snow and glacier 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.
Ski goggles: High quality goggles with at least 95% UV protection help protect your eyes from cold, wind and snow.
Passport: Bring a photocopy of the identification page and 2 extra passport photos.
Knife: A small pocket knife can come in handy at times.
BACKPACK
Each participant must have a daypack that can comfortably hold your extra layers, snacks, a thermos and your camera. The volume should be approximately: 2,500 cubic inches (40-45 liters). Good shoulder straps and a hip belt will make your skiing more fun. Reliable backpack brands include Dana Design, Osprey, Lowe, Jan Sport and Kelty.
OPTIONAL ITEMS FOR THE TRIP
Watch: Heaven forbid we forget the time of day.
Camera & Film: A must for sharing all your memories with friends and family.
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.
Book: Bring a good book to read.
CASUAL TRAVEL WEAR
Though Laundromats are scarce in Scandinavia, we encourage you to limit your luggage to two items, your backpack and a duffel. Large duffel bags on wheels are easy to roll between airports and hotels. A daypack is nice to have instead of a purse while traveling and sightseeing.
None of the dinners we eat require formal wear, so we recommend that you bring a pair of jeans or other casual pants and tops to wear before and after the trip as well as during dinners on the trip.
Please give us a ring if you have questions: 1-800-572-8747 (US) or 070-670 11 53 (in Sweden).
Be prepared for the worst weather but expect the Best!
See you in Sweden!
