RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

In the north, it can get cold—sometimes bitterly cold. To make sure that low temperatures don’t get in the way of enjoying a dog sled tour, you’ll find below a list of equipment that has proven itself.

For our dog sled tours, we provide the following special gear:

• Winter parka and pants
• Overshoes (mittens)
• Insulated winter boots (sizes 39–48)

The layering principle has proven to be very effective. Please note, however, that the different layers should be large enough, since tight clothing loses much of its insulating effect. The reason: air pockets must be able to form between the fibers in order to store the body’s heat. This applies to all layers of clothing, including shoes.

Please also make sure not to bring unnecessary personal luggage. Since the dogs also have to pull equipment, food, and you, your luggage should not weigh more than 10 kg. We recommend a daypack or sports bag for your personal tour items. Any luggage you don’t need on the tour can be left in your room.

First clothing layer: As a base layer, we recommend long wool underwear and wool socks (in very cold temperatures, possibly also a second pair of thick socks). Especially with socks, try them on at home and, if necessary, buy the next layers in a larger size. Thin merino wool liner socks have proven to be effective as a first layer, while the next sock layers should be considerably thicker.

Second clothing layer: In cold temperatures, we recommend wearing a wool or fleece sweater and pants over your underwear. For an additional insulating layer, there are now many lightweight jackets on the market filled with down, synthetic fibers, or MerinoLoft. They offer great warmth with low weight and pack size.

Gloves: We recommend wearing fleece gloves inside the provided overshoes (mittens). Especially with gloves, it’s worthwhile to bring at least one spare pair. When working with the dogs, gloves can quickly become damp, and wet gloves soon lead to cold fingers.

Photo equipment: Please also keep your photo gear to a minimum. A DSLR, lens(es), and tripod can quickly add up to several kilos. The dogs will thank you for every kilo they don’t have to pull.

Packing List

• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Wool underwear (several sets, depending on travel time)
• At least two pairs of thick wool socks
• Fleece or wool sweater
• Fleece or sweatpants (for hut and tent)
• Lightweight insulated jacket
• Finger gloves (wool or fleece, 2 pairs), possibly work gloves
• Neck warmer / scarf / buff / ski mask (should be able to pull up over the nose)
• Hat that can be worn under the hood (pompoms or similar are impractical)
• Thermos flask
• Toiletries
• Liner for winter sleeping bag (silk, cotton, or fleece)
• Light shoes (for hut and tent)
• Medication, if needed
• For eyeglass wearers: we recommend contact lenses, as glasses can fog up and freeze
• Small photo equipment
• From February: sunglasses
• From March: sunscreen
• Personal trail snacks (nuts, dried fruit, muesli bars, energy bars)