The Greenland Crossing

Equipment list for the Greenland Crossing

For your own wellbeing and safety we strongly suggest following the advice of our equipment list, this includes having good quality rain-gear, tops and bottoms! Also respect that cotton clothing is not appropriate for any strenuous outdoor activity – this includes jeans and t-shirts. Modern outdoor clothing is by far more comfortable and will greatly improve your experience. 


Boots and Clothing:

  • Ski boots with soft but robust sole. The boots shold be either of leather or soft plastic like the Scarpa T3 / T4 or the Garmont Excursion with 75 mm toe, (NNN-BC or SNS-XADV Raid).
  • Two long sleeve shirts (thermal underwear) – Preferably wool for the sake of odor! 
  • Long Johns (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic. 
  • Light wool sweater or fleece (2nd layer). 
  • Warm Jacket – Wool or fleece (3rd layer). 
  • Trousers (2nd layer) – Strong and light material that dries quickly. Wind resistant and water repelling or fleece trousers to wear under shell layer. 
  • Shell Jacket or an Anorak with hood – Waterproof and breathable material. Gore-Tex or alternative. 
  • Shell Trousers – Waterproof and breathable material. 
  • Liner Gloves – Wool or synthetic (polypropylene / polyester). 
  • Mittens – Wool or synthetic (two pairs if no liner gloves). 
  • Over Mittens of waterproof material (Gore-Tex or alternative). 
  • Socks – Wool or synthetic. Three pairs. 
  • Hat and a Balaclava – Wool or synthetic.
  • Neophrene mask or similar to wear in extreme cold.
  • A Buff or Had - head wear.
  • Gaiters  – Calf or knee high and wide enough for the boots. Yeti gaiters from Berghaus is a good option for leather boots.
  • Pocketknife.

Other gear: 

  • Sleeping Bag – Down or synthetic. Aim for light weight and warm bag. Goose down with high “fill power” or top of the line synthetic bags are recommended. You will need one rated with comfort level down to -30°C or colder according to EN13537 standard. 
  • Insulation mattress of min thickness of 10 mm and air mattress (Thermarest or alternative). 
  • Parka – Down or synthetic jacket/anorak. 
  • Backpack – Woman size: 50-60 liters. Man size 60-75 liters. 
  • Sunglasses – Big enough to cover the eyes and with sufficient UV-protection. 
  • Ski Goggles. 
  • Sun Protection. 
  • Camera equipment – Incl. spare batteries, memory card and/or films. 
  • Toothbrush, earplugs and other personal belongings ...
  • A light weight ice axe - can be rented at IMG. 
  • A pair of crampons - can be rented at IMG
  • Three locking carabiners and a harness - can be rented at IMG


Ski equipment:

  • Cross country skies / Nordic Touring (min width of 50 mm) with steel edges (Fisher E99 are a good example) and strong bindings f.ex. Rottefella 75 mm or Riva 3 bindings (NNN-BC or SNS-XADV Raid). 
  • Skins covering the whole ski length and 35 to 50 mm wide. 
  • Extra glue (adhesive) for skins. 
  • Ski poles of the strongest type with big enough basket.

Cross Country / Nordic Touring equipment can be found in most outdoor shops in Skandinavia and specialized stores elsewhere in Europe. Be carefull not to buy too short skies, 20 to 25 cm longer than the owner is a rule for a good fit. Shoes have to be the right size and fit properly. It is really important to test equipment before the expedition.