Packing List

Having made this trip a few more times than I care to remember I think I have the basic necessities down. But new folks might be curious about what I normally bring; it might help them remember some items not immediately obvious, or perhaps leave something behind that’s not really needed.

So – here goes (for a ten-day tour): (Remember, this is what *I* bring usually. It does not mean you have to bring everything I list, or can’t bring something that I don’t list)

Clothes
Generally I find that I don’t sweat much in spite of the activity. We’re not working in mud or pushing our way thru forests, so your clothing can last for a couple of days. We usually get a daily shower and most folks seem to retain a certain amount of civilization (some would argue that point about me).
· Pants, loose fitting – 4 pairs, cargo style pants a plus (lots of pockets)
· Shirts, long sleeve – 4
· Shirts, short sleeve – 4
· Socks, thick and warm – 10 (alternative – sock liners with just a couple pairs of heavy socks, but blisters may be a concern)
· Underwear – per your choice; we can do quick loads of laundry at Peter’s
· Gloves, 1 pr – two if you’re gonna lose them, can be bought locally
· Hat, w/ mosquito net (you can buy this in Greenland if you wish)
· Fleece jacket
· Windbreaker/Rain jacket (remember layers)
· Rain pants if you really want to be dry (I don’t use them, but some do) (rain gear should be light and cheap throw away type items like the vinyl quickies; good for ten days)
· Hiking boots – broken in and comfortable, steel toe if can…
· Bathrobe/pajamas/ etc for common areas
· Thermal underwear (if you plan on a lot of camping – optional, I seldom use)

Sundries & Misc.
· 100% DEET – small bottle
· Shaving stuff (I don’t shave until Herb and Howie force me)
· Wipes/Field TP
· Soap/shampoo (the hotel won’t supply any – but you can buy locally)
· Medicines, band-aids, Excedrin/Motrin/Tylenol (no USA medicines in GL)
· Prescription medicines – make sure you have fresh refills
· Sunglasses
· Batteries (“AA”, “AAA”)
· Tools (pliers, knife, etc – all in one)
· Tape for packing
· Plastic shrink wrap on a roll for rock wrapping (bubble pack available locally for a fee)
· Tape (adhesive for gauze, for rock tagging)
· Sharpie for writing
· Reading material (off hours assuming there will be some) or other down-time activity things

Equipment
· Backpack
· Hammer
· Chisels (2)
· UV tent (BBQ grill cover)
· Tent and accessories
· Sleeping bag (synthetic, not down)
· Water bottle/camel pack

UV Prospecting
· UV Light with spare bulb
· Battery packs
· Battery charger w/ 220v adaptor
· Fluorescent marker tape
· UV/Safety glasses

Food
The hotel has cooking facilities and we can buy food locally. Snacks (USA style) are good to bring as the stores don’t seem to carry much of that….
· Dry mix Gatorade
· Peanut butter
· Energy bars/Crackers packs
· Packaged tuna
· Ramen noodle soup
· MREs (Heater Meals – self heating, just add water)
· Oatmeal (packets, instant)

High Tech Gear
· Flashlight/Headlamp – LED headlamps are great
· GPS
· GMRS Walkie Talkie (I use a combined unit – GPS/GMRS, Garmin Rino)
· Laser (J)
· UV LED flashlight for LW
· Camera – small and light good
· Alarm clock if you need one – but really not needed. You will learn to hate me as I pound on doors.

Things I see no purpose in bringing, but I have seen people bring (but that’s just me)
· Laptop (take a break – relax, let your hair down!) You can use Peter’s ‘puter to send/receive email.
· Cell phone - (You don’t want a cell phone. First, odds are poor it will work either in town or (especially) in the hills, even if a spiffy ‘tri-band’ model with international roaming. Second, if it did work, it might ring. And that wouldn’t be good. Finally, you will be looking for things to dump from pockets rather than add. But you can always bring it and see for yourself)
· Knee pads (useless)
· Stools to sit on while searching rocks (roflmao)
· Walking sticks (IMHO dangerous)
· Stove – fuel available in Narsaq (but more a hassle than anything else IMHO)

This is a start. Perhaps other folks can chime in and add/subtract from the list’ then I’ll put it on the blog for future reference. Remember – you’re only in Greenland for 10 days and you have a lot to bring just to support your prospecting activities. Towards the end we’re all running out of clean clothes and getting quite raunchy – but we’ve got kilos of rocks! Try to reserve a clean set of clothes for the return trip – the people on the plane will appreciate it.