Greetings and thank you in advance for any thoughts about Greenland in August!
I have traveled via Hurtigriten to its terminus in Kirkenes and then spent time in far northern Finland, prior to COVID, and also have been to Iceland twice- in early August. My first trip to Iceland was after the RS My Way Spain tour where temperatures approached 100 F. I was woefully ill- prepared for Iceland, with a sweater and thin rain jacket. I was absolutely freezing in Reykjavik but was fortunate for warm and sunny weather the following two days.
I know it's all about layers and read the posts for Scotland. Ireland, etc. I don't think I have over packed, using the guides from the ship operator and the Visit Greenland site but know there are experts here!
Almost all my clothes are merino, neutral colors and the trip is 11 days including travel days:
Wearing Paka brand awesome parka and waterproof hiking boots on plane ( sigh!) along with light merino legging- pant hybrid, tee and light cashmere sweater
Packing
2 short sleeve tees
2 long sleeved tees
2 quick dry hiking pants
lined black leggings ( can wear evenings)
Smart Wool long underwear leggings
Long underwear top
4 pr undies
4 pr socks, 2 mid weight, 2 wool
3 varying warmth mid - layers, not poufy nor fleece
Less? ?
Waterproof anorak and pants- required for Zodiak landings
Merino beanie cap, buff and various gloves, Gore- tex mitts ( super thin)
2 pr light pj/sweatpants
2 long sleeve sleep tees
(If I am wearing the above clothes all day on repeat, sleeping in them? Seems unappealing)
Birkenstocks for second shoe /flip flops for bathroom and slippers
KN and N95s, I always mask everywhere
Tiny 3-1-1 style bag, really minimal makeup
First Aid Kit- It weighs 1 and 1/2 lbs! 5 COVID tests, OTC severe cold/flu blister back, oximeter and my usual blister packs or tiny bags for GI, motion sickness, etc.
Travel duffel that zips to pocket size for gifts, ditto for an Eddie Bauer backpack for shore hikes, little waist pack, waterproof phone case for same .
I have obsessed way too long and would appreciate any additions or subtractions! I am a small person and minimalist and wonder how everyone will meet the 40lb weight limit on the charter flight for all items combined?
Posted by
Houston, Texas
1021 posts
Karen: where exactly are you going and when?
Posted by
OP
West Coast
302 posts
Thank you - small ship Kangerlussuaq to Disko Bay with shore landings daily via Zodiaks, only easy walking.
I think the weather during my previous 3 summer trips far north was unusually sunny and pleasant! Currently looking at weather along the way and lows can be low 40sF. Wondering if I even need 2 short sleeved tees...
Posted by
Houston, Texas
1021 posts
I would suggest that 1 fleece instead of 3, 1 pair of sweat pants, max 2 pair of gloves (1 thin and 1 waterproof) and maybe instead your parka a lightweight packable down jacket like the Patagonia Better Sweater or the Eddie Bauer Micro-therm Down Jacket. Who is your tour operator? Looks like a fun trip.
Posted by
OP
West Coast
302 posts
Thank you so much for your time and suggestions! I used my Better Sweater in Australia's Melbourne winter and despite long underwear and etc was just freezing.
I am counting on the Paka jacket but if it's actually as warm, despite its light weight, as advertised/reviewed I am wondering with temps high 30s rain and (hopefully) low 60s sun if I need 3 mid layers. So thank you for that affirmation.
Will take another look at the gloves, too.
Thank you! I will post a trip report when back. I haven't seen any Greenland info in " Beyond Europe"!