Packing Information for Winter, November-April                         

Dressing for the cold

To stay warm in cold weather it is best to to dress in layers.  If you become too warm while doing activities you can always peel off a layer or two. Keep in mind that clothes that are tight are not good for warmth; you need a little space between layers to trap warm air. We have cold, dry conditions in winter. Waterproof clothing is rarely needed; it is better to choose breathable fabrics that allow sweat to evaporate.

The first layer should be wool or synthetic thermal long underwear and socks.  Cotton is not a good inner layer. The long underwear should be followed by comfortable, breathable trousers and tops, a fleece or wool jumper, and lastly an outer windproof layer, snowsuit or snow pants and anorak, parka or jacket. Mittens will keep your hands warm better than gloves.  A hat and scarf or a balaclava type hat will protect your face. 

When you come inside again, it is important to make sure your clothes and boots have a chance to dry completely before you go out again. Clothes that are damp will not keep you warm. 

It is advisable to avoid using water-based face creams and cosmetics because they can make your face more susceptible to frostbite.

From late February to the end of April, the sun and snow are extremly bright and you will need sunglasses and sunscreen. During the bright, sunny months of March and April it can be quite warm to be active outdoors and it is good to have thinner layers to strip down to.

When indoors, long underwear covered by long trousers, a long sleeve shirt, a light sweater and indoor shoes/slippers are all you’ll need.  

What to bring

Your bags will be transported to the camp by sled so it not a requirement to pack your things in a backpack; any sturdy bag or suitcase will do. A small daypack can be useful to have with you when you are doing activities around the camp.

Please bring with you:

  • One thick and one thin wool or fleece jumper

  • A wool or synthetic thermal face mask, neck tube or balaclava to protect your face

  • A warm scarf and hat

  • At least two sets of long underwear and thick warm socks (wool or synthetic thermal)

  • Comfortable indoor shoes or thick slippers to wear inside the cabins

  • Comfortable trousers and long sleeve shirt to layer on top of the long underwear.  

  • You may like to bring thin wool gloves to wear underneath mittens so you can keep your hands warmer when you need to take the mittens off to do something requiring finger dexterity

  • From mid-February to April sunglasses and sunscreen are essential

  • Personal toiletries, medications etc.

Other information

Towels, bed linen and bedding are provided.

There is no electricity or running water at the wilderness camp.  There are two clean and odourless but basic outhouse pit toilets. We provide hand disinfectant and it is possible to wash your hands with soap and water in the cabin or sauna.

The sauna will be warmed in the evening.  This is the best place for washing and personal hygiene.  We provide shampoo and soap in the sauna.

There are lanterns and candles for light in the cabins.  We also provide torches, but with the brightness of the snow, some people find they are not necessary for walking outside at night.

The cabins are warmed by a wood-fired stove so you will be quite comfortable and warm in the cabins and you can take off your outdoor clothes.  The air in the cabins is warm and dry so any damp clothing can be easily dried.

Please note that camera and telephone batteries do not last as long in the cold.  It is a good idea to bring extra batteries and keep them in an inside pocket close to the warmth of your body while you are outdoors.

There is mobile phone coverage at the wilderness camp.