What To Pack For A Scandinavian Paddling Vacation

What To Pack For A Scandinavian Paddling Vacation

Scandinavia is a special part of the world, and it sits high on just about every paddler’s bucket list. The unique vistas, the towering fjords, endless summer days, and seemingly endless waterfalls are just a few of the highlights of this mystical region. It’s all of this Northern territory’s unique qualities that make it worth visiting, but this also means you need a specific packing list when you take a paddling trip to Scandinavia.

When planning a trip to Scandinavia, you must pack for the cold water temperature, not the warm and sunny air. This means bringing paddling gloves, a quick-dry insulating layer, and neoprene socks or booties. Bring a reliable waterproof jacket for rain and wind protection. To help savor the beauty as you paddle, bring binoculars, a GoPro, a collapsible sun hat, and polarized and UV-protectant sunglasses.

If you are planning a trip to Norway, Denmark, Sweden, or Finland and plan on doing some paddling, then keep reading. These countries aren’t cheap, especially for clothes and paddling gear, which means you need have a thurough packing list. Below is a list of several items you should bring with you to ensure your Scandinavian paddling adventure is as fun, rewarding, and safe as possible.

10 Items To Pack When Taking A Scandinavian Paddling Trip

1. Gloves Or Pogies

Even on the warmest days of the year, the water in Scandinavia is rather frigid. This is especially true when paddling in the ocean and fjords. To avoid freezing hands when paddling on cold waters, you should pack gloves or pogies for your paddling trip to the north.

Paddling gloves not only provide warmth and protection from the cold water, but they also help protect against blisters and harsh winds. Bring gloves that provide insulation and grip. Two gloves should take up very little space in your luggage, so there’s no reason why you should leave them at home.

2. Quick Dry Insulating Layer

Even in the summer months, paddling in Scandinavia can be a chilly experience. When paddling in cold waters, it’s all about layering. The most important layer for warmth is an insulating layer.

A lightweight fleece usually does the trick. The goal is to pack an item made of quality materials for paddlers. Look for material that dries quickly, and is easy to wring out if it gets wet. Fleece usually works best, but other man made materials can work as well.

3. Waterproof Jacket

The closer you get to the poles, the less predictable the weather becomes. Wind and rain can appear out of nowhere. This is why a waterproof outer layer is essential when paddling in Scandinavia.

A waterproof jacket is something you should pack for most vacations, even if you don’t plan on paddling. But when you decide to paddle close to the Arctic Circle, a waterproof jacket is essential.

4. Neoprene Socks

When you’re packing for Scandinavia, don’t forget about your feet and toes. These extremities are often the first parts of your body to get cold when paddling in cold water. To help keep them warm and safe, pack a pair of insulating neoprene socks.

These socks will help keep your feet warm even if they get wet. A pair of neoprene socks takes up very little space in your luggage, but can save you from a world of discomfort, so don’t forget to bring at least one pair..

5. Binoculars

In addition to staying warm and safe on the water, you want to ensure you enjoy the epic, world-famous views that this region offers. When paddling among Norwegian Fjords, near wildlife in Coastal regions, or even in the canals of Copenhagen, some of the best views are far away. This is where binoculars come in handy.

Bring a set of binoculars that are compact and easy to handle. Not only will this make them easy to handle, but it will also make them an easy-to-pack item. Every traveling paddler should have a quality set of compact binoculars.

6. GoPro With Essential Accessories

In this modern age, there’s no reason to have an epic adventure without having it all on video. A GoPro or similar waterproof recording device is an asset on any paddling adventure. When you paddle in this picturesque region, you’ll want to record every moment.

For many people, paddling in Scandinavia, especially in places like the Norwegian fjords, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Pack your GoPro and all essential accessories to ensure you don’t miss a moment.

7. Polarized And UV-Protectant Sunglasses

Most people choose the summer months to visit Scandinavia, especially for water activities. This is a wise decision, as winter and spring have unpredictable and often dangerous weather. Summer in Scandinavia is known for its endless days and midnight sun. The further north you go, the longer the days.

With endless daylight, sunglasses are more important than ever. Ensure you bring UV-protectant and polarized sunglasses for paddling. You will need quality sunglasses to protect your eyes and see clearly in these sunny waters. Luckily, this is another item that takes up very little space in your luggage.

8. Sunscreen

The sun is deceptively strong in the North during the summer months. The temperatures stay cool, so you don’t always feel the strength of the sun, but it is there. With long days and constant sun exposure, it’s possible to suffer from sun-related illnesses when paddling in Scandinavia.

Pack your favorite waterproof sunscreen. You can always buy more if you run out, but quality sunscreen in Norway can be more than twice as much as it is in North America, so if you have space, pack enough for your trip.

9. Collapsible Sun Hat

A sun hat with a wide brim is a great way to reduce glare on the water and help protect your face and neck from sunburn. Bring your favorite paddling hat that folds up easily into a suitcase. A sun hat will make paddling in the midnight sun a lot easier and more comfortable.

10. Lightweight Water Bottle

Water in all Scandinavian countries is clean, tasty, and safe to drink. Bottled water is expensive, and single-use plastics come with a very high added tax. Bringing a lightweight water bottle from home will help you stay hydrated, help the environment, and can save you a lot of money on your holiday. It also won’t weigh down your luggage.