Polar Cruise - The Realm of the Polar Bear
The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. Please restrict your baggage to one main bag (your KE Trek bag) and a small daypack. Dress on board is informal. Beware of tight clothing that leaves no room for trapped air, which is an excellent insulator. Wool, silk and some of the new synthetic fibers, like polar fleece, retain heat better than cotton.
You must bring the following items:
Causal shoes / Trainers / Sneakers or similar for onboard
Rubber boots (Wellington boots)*
Walking shoes*
Socks (Warm, high wool or similar socks worn over a thin pair of silk, polypropylene socks should provide enough warmth and insulation for your feet. Bring several pairs of socks, since you will inevitably get your feet wet)
Waterproof & Windproof jacket
Trekking trousers / pants
Waterproof pants/trousers
Long johns (thermal underwear)
Underwear
Baselayer shirts / fleece
Casual shirt and/or T-shirts
Fleece jacket or warm jumper/sweater
Sunhat
Warm hat
Scarf and/or neck gaiter
Sunglasses
Gloves or mittens (Thin polypropylene gloves under warm outer gloves is a good combination)
Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
Water bottles 1 Litre (1 Quart) x1
Washbag and toiletries
Antibacterial handwash
Small towel
Selection of dry bags (to keep rucksack contents dry)
Small padlock (to lock trek bag)
Small daypack
Warm jacket (down)
Basic First Aid Kit including: Antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, and plasters (band-aids). Glucose tablets and multi-vitamin tablets are also a good idea
The following items are optional:
Warm Ski pants
Shorts
Spare gloves
Wet wipes
Travel clothes
Camera (in a dry bag), film/memory cards, batteries
Binoculars
Penknife (remember to pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
Repair kit – (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)
Seasickness remedy
* Notes
Rubber boots / Wellington boots:
Complimentary waterproof boots are supplied for the following sizes:
Men’s USA size 8-14 / UK size 7 to 13 ½ / Europe 41 to 48 ½ Women’s USA size 3 to 9 / UK size 1 to 6 ½ / Europe 33 to 40If you have different feet sizes to these you should bring your own rubber boots. These should be rubber, waterproof boots that are just below your knee with a strong, ridged non-skid sole.
Kayak Excursion (pre-booking essential)
If you choose the optional Kayak Excursion please ensure you have enough layers with you to keep you warm. You will need thermal underwear and vest (note that cotton is not acceptable), polypropylene/ pile (polar fleece) trousers and non bulky jacket, a fleece or tight knit wool cap (X2), a neck tube or balaclava, mid weight fleece gloves. You should also take dry bags for personal gear/camera. You will be supplied with: Kokatat Supernova Paddling suits, paddles, floatation vest, spray skirt, neoprene pogies (paddling mittens) and neoprene booties. You will be required to have with you thermal layers suitable for temperatures ranging between -5ºC (23ºF to +7ºC (45ºF)
