Although several friends have suggested radical psychiatric treatment, I’m considering signing on for a dog sled and skiing trip to the North Pole next April. The modes of travel and the activities at and around the pole seem to me to be of a less intrusive nature than the South Pole expeditions I’ve written about recently.
As with any adventure trip, a successful experience depends to a great degree on careful preparation. In this case, anyone not experienced in handling dogsleds has to take a five day preparatory course in Northern Minnesota.
And going with an experienced tour company is essential on a trip of this nature, as there are potential hazards that have to be anticipated and that someone has to know how to handle successfully.
Just as important is the list of clothing and equipment I’ll have to bring along. When I received this information from the tour company I’m considering, I was bowled over at the thought of packing all this gear—especially as I pride myself on traveling light. But I realize it’s all necessary for comfort and safety, and being equipped with the right gear is essential for the success of any undertaking.
So here for what I hope will be your interest—and perhaps use if you ever consider a similar expedition—is my packing list. How I’ll carry it all remains to be seen.
- Waterproof trousers that will fit comfortably over thermal long underwear and rubber boots.
- Other insulated trousers with cuffs wide enough to fit over insulated boots.
- Knee-high rubber boots with tread soles. Wide enough for 2-3 pairs of socks and long underwear to fit inside. No zipper.
- 3/4-length down jacket with hood.
- 2-3 pairs of insulated gloves and glove liners.
- Long, thermal underwear (not silk).
- Warm, close-fitting, ear-hugging hats (at least two).
- Soft, warm wool muffler.
- Socks: thin wool (first layers), knee-high thermal (second layers), thick knit (third layers).
- Comfortable shoes (tennis, moccasin, etc.) for indoors.
- Insulated boots for outdoors.
- 2-3 turtleneck jerseys in various weights.
- 2-3 warm sweaters in various weights.
- Thermal or fleece vest.
- Lightweight sweatshirts for indoors.
- Sweat pants or jeans for indoors.
- Flannel shirts.
- Lightweight sleeper.
- Sleeping bag (rated to at least -35̊ Celsius)
- Two ground pads
- Bivouac sack
- Waterproof backpack or fanny pack.
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Two cameras -- a digital camera with a zoom lens for stills, and a digital video camera so we can upload key moments to YouTube.
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Lots of memory cards for the cameras
- Binoculars.
- Sunglasses.
- Anti-fog goggles
- Face mask
- Personal grooming amenities, including tissue, a large bar of soap, sponge or luffa, laundry soap packets, pinch-type clothes hangers and other preferences.
- Sun block.
- Lip balm.
- Thermos bottle
- Eating utensils and bowl
- Personal medications.
- Second pair of prescription eyeglasses.
- Notebook and pens.
- Sealable plastic bags in various sizes.
- # 4 carabineer & 5 meters of 6 mm rope
If this alone doesn’t stop me, the rest of the trip will be a breeze.
Paula "Mush You Huskies" Gifford