PREPARING FOR ARCTIC TRAVEL - ARCTIC HAVEN

May 25, 2018 | Arctic Haven

PREPARING FOR ARCTIC TRAVEL - ARCTIC HAVEN

Here we provide you with some insight and ideas to consider while preparing and packing for your experience at Arctic Haven Wilderness Lodge.

Summer is just around the corner and in a couple of months you will be boarding a plane to Yellowknife and venturing into the Barrenlands of the Arctic! It’s truly incredible how many different landscapes and ecosystems we have on this Earth. The tundra is one so foreign to the majority of us, it can be a bit difficult to wrap your head around how to prepare yourself.

Here we hope to be able to provide you with some insight and ideas to consider while preparing and packing for your experience at Arctic Haven Wilderness Lodge.

First, when it comes to certain daily activities - such as paddling - we provide each guest with high quality protective equipment such as personal flotation devices, dry suits and paddles. We recommend bringing a day pack that has a waterproof cover and a waterproof bag or protection for your camera. You may also wish to bring some optional gear depending on your interest level in certain activities. Each day - depending on expected weather conditions and interests of guests - we will present a couple of experiences that we wish to offer you. You can choose the experience that resonates most with you. Activities may include hiking, photography safaris, boating, kayaking and fishing. As a result of your interest in the activities, you may wish to bring along more personal gear such as extra camera batteries, extra memory cards, binoculars, fishing waders and boots, fishing rod or flies/lures, and a waterproof camera or GoPro camera (with float). We welcome you to share with us your expectations and interests for your time at Arctic Haven. We are committed to exceeding your expectations making your experience as unforgettable as possible!

Next, let’s discuss the clothing you should pack. When considering the layering system that works for you, it’s important to consider a few things:
The good news is, “there is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing!” (Alfred Wainwright)

• the temperature ranges from -2°C (28°F) to +20°C (68°F) during the summer
• the weather can vary including wind and rain. Snow usually does not return until October.
• there is little to no shelter out on the tundra

We all have unique experiences when it comes to cold weather. Some of us are furnaces, while others are chilly pretty much all of the time. The key is knowing yourself and how you react to the cold. Do you find enduring cold weather a challenge? When looking at merino base layers and insulating down or synthetic mid-layers, choose a heavier fabric or higher loft or fill power. In contrast, if you are a person who gets warm or hot quickly while moving, consider lighter, wicking fabrics. Ultimately, having three or more layers is the key, because you can take off layers gradually as you get warmer, regulating your temperature.

It is imperative that you bring with you waterproof outer layers, as rain doesn’t discourage us from getting outside! Some of the larger boats that we use to cross Ennadai Lake are covered, but even when boating, we will spend time on the land hiking to beautiful panoramic lookouts or to get closer to the migrating caribou. Along with waterproof outer layers, we recommend comfortable rubber boots. All of our staff wear and love the neoprene/rubber Muck Boots - www.muckbootcompany.com. You should also bring hiking boots/shoes as you may find them less cumbersome for longer hikes where we are not expecting to encounter much water.

Other important items you should bring include:
*Important: Please refer to the pre-expedition documents you have received for a more detailed packing list or see the gear list on Arctic Haven’s adventure page.

• sunscreen
• lip sunscreen
• sunglasses
• hat
• waterproof jacket
• waterproof pants
• comfortable/casual clothes for meals and relaxing around the lodge
• base layers (we recommend merino wool)
• mid layers (fleece or wool)
• insulating layers (down/synthetic down jacket or vest)
• waterproof gloves (or mitts)
• toque (warm hat)
• neckwarmer/Buff
• bathing suit (for the sauna!)
• hiking pants
• warm socks and socks for hiking
• Muck boots
• hiking boots
• comfortable shoes for around the lodge
• personal items and toiletries

Finally, a personal favourite while traveling to wild and far-flung places, is a journal. It can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish - just a place to jot down thoughts, feelings and observations, to record plant and animal names and to describe our incredible surroundings.

Any questions? Don’t hesitate to ask. We’re an email (Mail@WeberArctic.com) or call (+1-819-923-0932) away.