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Packing for Expedition
What to Bring on the Journey
Staying warm, dry, and comfortable will make a huge difference to how much you enjoy your expedition. Paying extra attention to your head, hands, and feet will help you stay cozy and ready for anything the day brings. The downloadable packing checklist below covers what you’ll need, but if you’re unsure about anything or have questions, the SOI team is always happy to help—just reach out!
Passport
All participants must be in possession of a valid passport. You will be asked to send a legible photocopy of your passport to the SOI office as part of your registration form. Once you join us on the program, the SOI Team will hold your passport until you are ready to travel back home after the expedition.
Currency and Spending Money
Your expedition fee covers all costs of travel, accommodations, meals, programming, and general expedition expenses while onboard. You may want to bring some spending money for souvenirs from the communities that we visit. Consider bringing the Canadian (CAD), Danish (DKK), and/or American (USD) currency. Cash or VISA/Mastercard is most convenient for purchases.
Baggage
The baggage allowance is 1 piece of checked baggage per person with a maximum weight of 50lbs (22.5kg). The maximum size of the outside dimensions (L+W+H) cannot exceed 158cm (62in). Carry-on baggage can be a maximum weight of 11lbs (5kg). We suggest that you use your daypack (small backpack) as carry-on. Ensure that your baggage is clearly labelled with your name, phone number, and home address before travelling from home.
Rubber Boots
Rubber boots are the most ideal footwear for embarking and disembarking Zodiacs during wet shore landings. We encourage you to bring your own to ensure you have the correct size, but it is not a requirement. Rubber boots in a variety of sizes are available onboard the Ocean Nova.
Laundry
There is no opportunity to do laundry while aboard the Ocean Nova. We encourage participants to bring enough clothing for the duration of the expedition. Please refer to the packing list to ensure that you have packed enough clothing.
Bring a Piece of You
Life on expedition is busy, but there’s also time to share, unwind, and connect. We encourage you to bring along a small hobby or passion—something that fits in your luggage—like a sketchbook, knitting, beading, journal, card game, or camera. You’re also welcome to bring a USB drive with a project, presentation, photos, videos, or creative work you’d like to share or talk about with the group.
Packing Checklist
The packing checklist is very important to review. Being on board the ship is an incredible experience, but if you are not prepared with the appropriate gear, you’re very likely to be cold and uncomfortable. We want your time on the ship and on the land to be as enjoyable as possible!
Packing appropriate layers and outerwear is critically important. If you are missing certain items, consider borrowing them from family or friends before you decide to buy something. Refer to our notes on layers in the section below.
A Few Notes About Layers
Remember you can always take it off but you cannot always put it on. Layered clothing is the appropriate way to dress for your days on the ship. Weather is constantly changing, and windy conditions on the water can make it feel much cooler. Temperatures may vary between 0 ° C and 25 ° C.
Layer 1
The first part of a good layering system is your underwear/base layer, a basic insulation that pulls the moisture away from your skin. Look for light to medium-weight thermal tops and bottoms made of synthetic fabrics or wool, but not cotton. Wool and wool blends are recommended. Polyester is also suitable.
Layer 2
This insulating layer provides additional warmth. Look for goose down, which is lightweight and a great insulator. Wool is also great and has the added advantage of remaining efficient when wet. Fleece is probably the most commonly used synthetic and easy to find in any outdoor store.
Layer 3
The outer layer protects you from wind and rain. Look for a good waterproof rain jacket with a hood, and rain pants that are breathable. These will help keep you dry when it rains but also protect you from splashes while we are out on the water in the Zodiacs.
