How to prepare for an expedition in Greenland

A conversation with Mariana Ledesma, destination specialist at Karavaniers.

This article was produced in collaboration with Karavaniers.

Hiking gear Travel essentials

What is Karavaniers’s approach to Greenland?

At Karavaniers, we primarily explore the fjords in eastern Greenland. This region is the least travelled, far from the capital and home to exceptionally well-preserved nature.
The East of Greenland is also more isolated and difficult to access—and that’s exactly why Karavaniers chose it!

@ Karavaniers – FRANÇOIS-XAVIER BLEAU

What’s the best way to explore Greenland?

Greenland is best explored on foot… and by kayak!
Karavaniers offers three unique options:

• A touring kayak trip. This fully self-supported expedition spans several days. We carry our gear in our kayaks as we journey from point to point for a true “nomadic experience.”
• A touring kayak and trekking trip—the perfect combination for exploring the region and discovering all its wonders. This trip is divided into two parts. One part is a self-supported kayaking expedition, then we swap our paddles for hiking boots to continue our “nomadic journey” on foot.
• An all-out trekking trip that contours the coastline, following the fjord and its varied relief.

@ Karavaniers – FRANÇOIS-XAVIER BLEAU

How to physically prepare for an expedition

Obviously, for this level of physical effort, it’s essential to be in good shape and have great endurance. The trips aren’t overly technical (you don’t need specific touring kayak training, for instance). That said, you do need to have enough experience to know how to get in and out of the kayak, etc.
Self-supported expeditions require full commitment from the travellers: strong group spirit is a must! An expedition wouldn’t be the same without everyone pitching in. Travellers help set up camp, prepare dinners, and more.
It’s also important to remember that Mother Nature often dictates the pace of an expedition, so you need to be patient… and well equipped!

What’s the temperature in Greenland?

It’s a common misconception that Greenland is extremely cold. In reality, it’s often bright and sunny, with minimal darkness, which helps moderate the sensation of being cold.

What preparation is needed?

You should, of course, base your training on the type of trip you’re planning.
For a touring kayak trip, we recommend training as often as possible to feel comfortable on the water and with handling the paddle.
For a trek, you can practise walking on a variety of surfaces: rocks, mud, inclines and so on.
The most important thing is to be used to camping.

When is the right time to visit Greenland?

In the summer! This season is very short in Greenland, which is why we tend to concentrate our expeditions in July and August.

@ Karavaniers – JF HAGENMULLER

How to get properly equipped for an expedition in Greenland

In short, you want to make sure you have everything you need to adapt to all conditions and stay comfortable throughout the expedition.

Start by considering the comfort of your feet. Choose high-quality hiking boots with good ankle support, freshly waterproofed, and if new, thoroughly “broken in” to prevent blisters. Be sure to also pack a pair of supportive walking sandals with grippy outsoles.

@ Karavaniers – FRANÇOIS-XAVIER BLEAU

Here’s what we recommend in addition to that:

To stay dry

• A waterproof-breathable jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or equivalent) to wear over other layers of clothing for protection against humidity, rain and wind
• Neoprene socks to keep your feet warm while crossing icy river fords
• A dry bag to keep your gear safe from water and humidity
• Water-resistant pouches or plastic bags in various sizes to keep your things dry at all times
• A waterproof rain cover to cover your backpack in case of rain
• Hiking socks (be sure to try them on before your trip to ensure they stay in place and effectively protect against humidity, cold… and blisters!)

To stay warm

• A light wool or synthetic tuque
• A wool jacket, with or without a zipper
• Warm and comfortable socks
• A warm, insulating fleece jacket (Polartec® 200 or equivalent)
• A moderately insulated down jacket

To stay shielded from the elements

• A cap or hat, preferably made from synthetic materials for quicker drying
• A Buff®-type scarf to protect your head and neck from the sun and wind
• Thin merino wool or synthetic t-shirts, to wear as a baselayer or on their own on warmer days

For the multi-layer system

• Comfortable, quick-drying underwear (avoid cotton)
• Long-sleeved t-shirts made from merino wool or thin synthetic fabric, to wear as a baselayer to wick moisture away from your body
• Thin leggings (merino wool or synthetic) to wear as a baselayer and at night in your sleeping bag
• Thin gloves (fleece or similar) to wear alone or as a first layer under waterproof overgloves
• Comfortable hiking pants made from lightweight, quick-drying synthetic fabric

Equipment

• A mosquito net
• A duffle bag (90 L-105 L) to store your belongings during your trip
• A comfortable backpack (30 L-60 L) to carry your personal effects
• A well-insulated sleeping bag (synthetic or down insulation), rated for -5 °C to -10 °C
• A sleeping bag liner (silk or fleece) to add a few extra degrees of warmth to your sleeping bag
• A compact sleeping mat (and a repair kit)
• A 1 L water bottle
• A 500 ml double-wall insulated stainless steel water bottle, so you can have a warm beverage at hand when you take breaks during the trek
• Sunglasses with good UVA/UVB protection (and a retainer!)
• A headlamp (more practical than a traditional flashlight as it keeps your hands free)
• Earplugs
• Telescopic hiking poles

Personal care and hygiene

• Mosquito repellent
• Toilet paper
• Lip balm with sun protection
• Sunscreen with SPF 45 or higher
• A washcloth and biodegradable soap
• A quick-drying chamois towel
• A small toiletry bag with the essentials: toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, biodegradable soap and shampoo, antiperspirant, razor and shaving cream, etc.
• A first aid kit packed with everything you need to tend to small wounds (scratches, cuts, blisters, etc.)

For kayak expeditions

@ Karavaniers – FRANÇOIS-XAVIER BLEAU

• Knee-high rubber rain boots
• Preformed thermal neoprene gloves to ensure a good grip on the paddle
• A 5 L deck bag (or dry bag) to store items you want to keep handy (camera, sunglasses, snacks, hat, etc.) within reach on the kayak
• 4-5 small dry bags (5 L-10 L) to store your gear in the kayak
• Carabiners to secure your water bottle, dry bags and other accessories to the deck or near your seat
• A square piece of sleeping mat to add comfort and insulation at the bottom of the kayak

Note that, at Karavaniers, we lend full drysuits for kayak expeditions, as well as tents and all the necessary nautical gear.