Packing list for Autumn Bear Expedition

Please make sure that you and your travel companions read through this guide carefully.

Note that this is not an all-inclusive tour. It is more like an adventure that we do together, where we all contribute and participate. For example, you need to bring your own equipment and also some of your own food.

What will the weather be like?

Temperatures will most likely drop below zero at night. But even if there may be some snow falling on the ground, a permanent snow cover is not expected. October means the Autumn leaf colour paints the landscapes in earthy shades, and days are perfect for hiking.

The temperatures can vary quite a bit, and although we are hoping for temperatures between 0 to 15˚C, you can expect drops down to -10˚C at night.

How to dress for Autumn in Härjedalen

Be prepared for a wet and cold adventure as weather conditions in Härjedalen can change quickly with sudden rain showers or snowfall, heavy winds, thick mist or for the lucky few, just a dry breeze and sunshine. Rainwear and boots will be absolutely essential. Even without rain or snow, the moist undergrowth in combination with your own perspiration (sweat) makes it difficult to stay dry. And if your clothes and boots become wet they may not dry up until after the expedition. We will do our best and share our advice on how to stay dry and warm throughout the trip. Our general advice is to dress in several layers as recommended in the packing list below.

Make sure you bring adequate clothing and equipment. If you are missing items, try to borrow from a friend or rent from a store.

Feet

Socks: Thin liner sock + thick hiking sock. Wool or synthetic. Plus an extra set of socks.
Boots: High quality hiking boots with a high shaft are strongly recommended. Note that boots with lining will get damp and are difficult to dry during the trip. Boots should be big enough to fit two layers of socks and be well used to avoid blisters and rubbings. Some people prefer rubber boots, but be careful and only choose this option if you have good experiences from this.
Gaiters: If you have low hiking boots you either need to use gaiters or pants that can be snapped/fastened tightly around the boot's shank to prevent water from entering the boots.

Clothing

Base layer: One pair of full length trousers and a sweater with long arms to have closest to your body. We recommend merino wool since it keeps you warm even when it is moist, but polyester is also an option. Do not use cotton underwear.
Pants: Outdoor/hiking model. It should be able to withstand wear and tear and be large enough to fit your base layer underneath. Do not use denim jeans.
Middle layer sweater: An insulating layer to keep your upper body warm. Wool or fleece. May not be necessary if your base layer sweater is of a thicker kind.
Jacket: Softshell or windproof cotton jacket. (not necessary but comfortable during windy days)
Rainwear: Waterproof pants and hooded jacket. These are usually packed in clear weather and only used in rain. But you may also choose to wear your rainwear even if it is not raining, instead of jacket and pants, to save weight.
Thermal jacket/thick sweater: For cold evenings. Preferably light weight and hooded/high neck.
Night sweater and pants: Warm sweater with long arms and long underwear in wool or polyester for use in the tent/sleeping bag. We recommend one set of base layer for the day time and one set for night time. So that you can change into clean ones when you go to bed.

Extra underwear: At least one set of dry/clean underwear.

HEAD & HANDS

Headwear: Cap or hat to wear while hiking.
Warm hat: For below zero temperatures at nights.
Gloves + a thin pair of liner gloves: One pair of warm and waterproof gloves plus a thin pair of liner gloves.
Buff or balaclava: preferably merino wool

Camping equipment

We will provide headlamp, rain poncho, seat pad, binoculars, gas kitchen and gas.

You can rent lightweight tent, warm sleeping bag, inflatable sleeping mat and a 100-liter backpack from us if you inform us in beforehand.

You need to bring the following:

Tent: Single or double lightweight tent depending on if you prefer to share or not. Sharing makes your backpack lighter. Or rent from us.
Sleeping bag: Comfort temp minimum -5 Celsius degrees. A colder sleeping bag can be complemented with a fleece inlet to raise the comfort temperature.
Sleeping mat: Inflatable is preferred but a classical insulation mat will do.
Backpack: Minimum 50 liters with a padded hip belt and steady frame system that can handle at least 20 kg.
Cutlery: Plate, cup and spoon.
Thermos: 1 liter
Toilet paper
Head torch: Small light LED lamp with extra batteries, or borrow from us.
Water bottle: Plastic or steel, 0,5 liter is enough since we can refill from streams regularly.
Hygiene products: Toothbrush, toothpaste, small light weight towel, tampons/pads.
Bed linen: For the night at the guesthouse
Swimwear: If you don’t want to be naked in the sauna
Drybag: 20 liters. It is a good idea to pack your sleeping bag and a set of clothing and underwear in a drybag if it’s a very rainy day. Plastic bags work ok too.

FOOD

Breakfasts: Bring breakfast for yourself for each day in the tent, for example granola and yoghurt, dried fruit, boiled eggs, coffee, tea or similar. You will be able to boil water on our portable gas kitchens.
Snacks: Bring your own favourite snacks, such as; bars, nuts and chocolate.

Optional equipment

Personal first aid kit & medication: Note that you must inform the guide if you use any medications and if you have any medical problems so that they know in case of emergency.
Camera equipment: Bring a tele-lens if you have since we expect to see wildlife from a distance between 300 meters to 1500 meters. Bring extra batteries.
Phone: You may want to bring your mobile phone and a power bank.
Hiking poles: To make you more stable, recommended.
Binoculars: We will bring binoculars for everyone and also a couple of spotting scopes, but if you have your own you might want to bring them. We recommend at least 7-times magnification. We will view wildlife from a long distance, even up to 1500 meters.
Miscellaneous: Compass, map, a book, sewing kit etc.

How to pack

Pack all of your equipment in a backpack of 50-80 liters. Keep in mind that you will also need to carry your share of the group’s common equipment such as kitchen equipment and food for common meals. This additional weight will be about 3-5 kg. We will divide this equipment between us on the first evening. Expect to carry a total of 18-25kg depending on how much personal equipment you bring.

Pack clothing and electrical equipment in plastic bags or dry bags. You may also be able to attach some equipment onto the outside of your backpack, such as a tent or tent poles.

Keep in mind that less weight means you will have a more enjoyable hike so try to keep the weight to a minimum. A few grams here and there quickly adds up to a few kilos. Use a kitchen scale and weigh your equipment to become aware of what adds weight for you. You will soon see how to reduce weight by choosing a smaller tent, a lightweight hat, etc. But remember that function is key!

Practical information

Avoid bringing noisy, rustling packaging (e.g., crisp bags); repack items in quiet plastic boxes.
Refrain from using strong perfumes, detergents, or any overpowering scents.
Pro tip, pack your sleeping bag in a plastic bag or in a drybag to keep it dry and clean.

Good luck packing! Let us know if you have any questions at all.