What to Pack for a Week-Long Hike in Greenland
Packing for a hike in Greenland is all about balance—carrying what you need without overburdening yourself. Here’s a practical checklist with some personal tips to help you make the right choices.
Safety First: Always Inform Someone of Your Route
Before you even think about what to pack, remember to inform the local tourist office about your planned route. This step isn’t just bureaucratic; it’s a critical safety measure. The locals know the terrain better than anyone and will be your best bet if something goes awry.
Sleeping Bag: Comfort vs. Weight
Your sleeping bag will be your best friend on cold Greenland nights, so choose wisely. If you’re trying to keep your pack light, down-filled bags are the way to go—they’re incredibly warm and compress well. However, down loses its insulating power if it gets wet, so you need to be extra cautious with it. On the other hand, hollow fiber bags are bulkier but will keep you warm even if they get damp. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s rated to at least -5°C for summer trips, and that it fits you snugly to conserve body heat. A well-chosen sleeping bag can make your nights in Greenland not just bearable, but comfortable, giving you the rest you need for long days of hiking.
Backpack: Your Lifeline on the Trail
The backpack you choose will either be your best ally or your worst enemy on the trail. Look for an anatomical rucksack (frameless) that fits your back perfectly and is comfortable for long hauls. Brands like Lowe, Osprey, and Arc’teryx are popular for a reason—they’re durable and well-designed. We can’t stress enough the importance of trying it out fully loaded before you buy. Trust us, a few hours in a store with a weighted pack can save you days of discomfort on the trail.
Tent: Your Shelter Against the Elements
Greenland’s weather can be unpredictable, so your tent needs to be both robust and stable. Tunnel tents are particularly good at standing up to strong winds, especially if pitched with the narrow end facing the wind. Our advice? Pitch your tent on a flat surface near a water source, which will save you time and effort when preparing meals or cleaning up. You don’t need something that’s Everest-tested, but do invest in a quality tent that can withstand Greenland’s changing conditions.
GPS and Maps: Navigation Essentials
While the idea of trekking off the beaten path is thrilling, it’s also essential to know where you’re going. A GPS device is indispensable, but so is knowing how to use it. Greenland isn’t the place to learn on the fly—practice with your GPS before your trip. Bring extra batteries, and if you’re really serious about safety, consider a SPOT GPS transmitter. This device can send out your location to friends or family in real-time and could be a lifesaver in an emergency. Pair your GPS with a detailed hiking map of the area, which you can get from local tourist offices or Visit Greenland’s website. These maps include everything from terrain details to safety tips, making them an essential part of your kit.
How hard is Stand Up Paddle boarding?
Even when the activities are attractive, the question “Am I able to physically do this?” may still turn reluctantly in your head.
Be reassured, Stand Up Paddle Boarding is a very inclusive activity. No matter your size, your weight or your balance, every member of the family can do it! No experience is needed before booking your tour. For beginners, 10 minutes of guided balance exercises are usually enough to make you stand on the board. The best way to realize this is by going out of your comfort zone to give it a try, while remembering that your guides will make your experience unforgettable.
SUP activities in Greenland
Greenland and its operators can accommodate a large range of possible activities in different locations. Guided Sightseeing while Stand Up Paddling around the cities for a few hours is a classic offering. However, the possibility to customise a trip is endless: evening or midnight sun tours in the summer, whale watching or doing yoga while on paddleboards, and even watching the northern lights dancing while sitting on your board can be arranged in many different towns in Greenland including Nuuk, Sisimiut and Ilulissat.
Cooking Equipment: Fuel for the Journey
When you’re out in the wilderness, food becomes more than just fuel—it’s a morale booster. We recommend the Trangia storm-proof stove system for its reliability and ease of use. It’s not just for seasoned hikers; beginners will find it user-friendly too. The standard set comes with everything you need—two saucepans, lids, and a frying pan. If you’re fishing along the way, that frying pan might come in handy for a fresh trout dinner. Remember to pack a plastic cup for your morning cocoa or soup and a lightweight bowl if you’re sharing meals. If you’re not in the mood to wait 10-12 minutes for your water to boil, consider upgrading to a gas burner that fits the Trangia system. You’ll shave several minutes off your cooking time, which can make all the difference when you’re hungry and tired after a long day.
Miscellaneous Essentials
Don’t overlook the small stuff—they often end up being the most important. A well-stocked first aid kit is a must, including blister treatment, sunscreen, and any personal medications. Emergency gear like a whistle, knife, and an emergency blanket could prove crucial. We’ve also found a small notebook and pencil to be surprisingly valuable; jotting down notes or sketching a scene is a great way to capture memories that photos might miss. A bit of steel wire and pliers can be lifesavers for on-the-go repairs, and a nylon rope is essential if you need a lifeline while wading through rivers. And don’t forget mosquito repellent—a peaceful evening can quickly turn sour without it.
Personal Stories: Experiencing the Majesty of South Greenland
Now that you’re packed and ready, let’s talk about what you’ll actually experience on the trail in one of the best hiking regions of our Country – South Greenland.
The Grandeur of Greenland’s Landscape
Standing at Narsarsuaq airport, the first word that comes to mind is ‘grandeur.’ The landscape is nothing short of breathtaking, with massive blue icebergs floating in the fjord and vibrant wildflowers dotting the green hills. As we gaze across the fjord to the site of Erik the Red’s farm, Brattahlid, we finally understood why he named this land Greenland. It’s a place that fills you with awe from the moment you arrive.
The Freedom of the Trail
Hiking in South Greenland is an experience like no other. There are no marked trails, no signs, and barely any other hikers. It’s just you, your group, and the wild. This kind of freedom is rare and incredibly liberating. Our group—comprising friends, colleagues, and fellow adventurers—found that we could truly disconnect from the world here. We even left our watches at home, allowing the endless daylight to dictate our rhythm. We slept when we were tired and woke when we felt rested, completely in tune with our surroundings.
Living Off the Land
One of the highlights of our trip was fishing in the Lakseelv (Salmon River), which, despite its name, was teeming with trout. In just ten minutes, we had enough fish for a hearty dinner. We also foraged for edible plants along the way, adding a fresh, local touch to our meals. Cooking over a camping stove in such a pristine environment, with the midnight sun still glowing on the horizon, made every meal feel like a feast.
How to Get There
Getting to South Greenland is part of the adventure. Air Greenland and Air Iceland offer seasonal flights to Narsarsuaq, the gateway to this southern paradise. Alternatively, you can take a ferry with Arctic Umiaq Line, which operates between Qaqortoq and Sisimiut. Local boat services, like Blue Ice Explorer, are also available to shuttle you between various destinations within the region.
Final Reflections
Hiking in Greenland isn’t just a trip; it’s an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left. The landscapes, the freedom, the simplicity of living off the land—all these elements combine to create a journey that’s both challenging and deeply rewarding. With the right preparation and mindset, your hike in Greenland will be an adventure you’ll never forget.
