Travel Blog

The decision has been made: You are heading to Greenland for the adventure of a lifetime. Your flight is booked, and you've mapped out your itinerary, but have you devised a packing strategy yet? That part can sometimes be more overwhelming than all of the rest—but with this five-step solution, you can nail the packing quickly and get on to the fun part.

1. Choose the Right Bag For Your Itinerary.

Knowing your plan and the types of activities you’ll be engaging in will help you tremendously when it comes to selecting your bag and figuring out what to put in it. Greenland is a largely unpopulated wilderness, and, chances are, you’re planning on plenty of adventure while you’re there. With that in mind, pack your things in bags that are durable and water-resistant. I recently had the opportunity to try out Eagle Creek’s Cargo Hauler 90L Duffel on a ski trip, and think it would be perfect for a destination like Greenland, especially if you intend to bring things like hiking gear, tents, and other necessities for adventure travel. The bag is lightweight and equipped with plenty of gear pockets, handles, and tie-down daisy chains, all of which make it easy to organize and transport everything you need.

2. Create a Packing List.

Now that you have the right bag, it’s time to fill it up. If you will be working with a guide for any part of your trip, be sure to consult with him or her for any gear requirements or suggestions. When I go on adventure trips, I tend to pack all my outdoor gear—like tents, sleeping bags, and trekking poles—into a duffel to be checked during the flight, and then I put my clothes and valuables into a carry-on bag. If you're packing something you can’t stand to lose, or would likely have trouble renting, plan to carry it on with you. Just be sure to comply with TSA rules for carry-on acceptable items.

3. Travel Light.

Bringing the right gear is important, but not bringing more than you need is just as important. For me, the name of the game is always budget, so keeping my checked luggage to one bag—and not having to pay for any more—is crucial. To do this, I create a checklist of everything I initially think I’ll need, and then I go through each item and think of a scenario in which I couldn’t be without that item. If I can’t think of anything, I remove the item from the list. If you’re concerned about fitting everything, use compression cubes to maximize space within your luggage. Not only will traveling lighter make you happier in the airport, but it will also make finding what you need a lot easier when you’re on the go.

4. Compartmentalize.

Once you have your packing list pared down to the essentials, it’s time to get it all into that bag. When packing for a trip I like to compartmentalize my gear. For a destination like Greenland, where warm clothing and adventure travel gear is a big part of the kit, it’s important to make sure that all your items are easily accessible throughout your adventure. I like to keep adventure-specific clothes, like rain gear and insulating layers, packed together in a small bag, like a packing cube or sac. If you plan to hike, pack a smaller day bag within your duffel, and organize your hiking gear within that bag’s various compartments. That way, it’ll be ready to go when you get to Greenland.

5. Double Check.

This is where you catch any packing mistakes you made and any items you forgot. After I’ve packed everything, I like to review my packing list and make sure all of the must-haves are accounted for. For Greenland, bringing layers for changing temperatures and weather conditions are important, so double check that you have all of those. And as with any international trip, you should make sure that you have your passport and travel documentation ready to go. Put all of those crucial pieces in an RFID-blocking travel organizer inside your carry-on bag, so you’re sure to remember them.

Planning an amazing adventure in Greenland? Before you fill your bag, follow these five packing tips to make sure you bring all the items that you need.

Now that your gear is all packed and organized, the next step is to board that plane and enjoy your adventure! Like always, if you have any essential tips to add, please do so in the comments section.