Packing List - Newfoundland Puffins, Palegics and Whales

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The Tongass temperate rainforest covers prince of Wales the a myriad of surrounging islands creating a cool, wet climate.

The Conditions in Newfoundland

The Environment

From Newfoundland Labrador Tourism Bureau: When it comes to the weather in Newfoundland and Labrador, you'll never be stuck for conversation; folks here love to talk about it. And as unpredictable as the weather is, the clean, fresh sea air is a welcome constant. 

You will be walking on uneven pavement and stairs, uneven trails with roots and stones, grassy areas, and encountering some elevation changes.

On the water - expect to get wet in the Zodiak. There may be spray on the boat.

The Weather and Temperature

Daytime temperatures: 71° - 87°F Evening Temperatures: 50° - 61°

The island of Newfoundland has an average summer temperature of 16°C (61°F),Thanks to the temperate marine climate, you won't have to contend with extremes; however, expect weather changes, including rain showers, humidity in some areas, fog, direct sun, and overcast - sometimes all in the same day.

Two Places to check the weather: The Weather Underground and Time and Date

Pack light – but Smart. The key, as always, is layering

Note: From Kristen, your leader, The key to being comfortable in Newfoundland is “Serious layering, wind protection, and waterproofing! Even in summer, conditions can swing from calm, sunny to cold fog and spray/rain quickly.

From Roberta: The right footwear is paramount. Assume the ground will be damp to soggy and may have some puddling.

►Hikers - Gore-Tex or water-resistant,

• From Kristen: My go-tos are Gore-Tex hiking shoes/trailrunners. You may want to

• From Roberta: I always bring a pair of Gore-Tex or waterproof ankle-high Merrell hiking boots. Low boots are fine too, I like the extra support

► Socks

✓ 4-6 pairs. One to wear, one freshly washed and drying in the lodge, one in your backpack, and 2 just in case.
Kristen likes Mariono wool, Roberta likes synthetic ( they dry faster) or a blend. NO COTTON.

• From Kristen: Quick-drying quality merino wool socks are ideal; my preferred brand is Darn Tough.

Top Layers

► Base layer: 3-4

• From Kristen:

  ✓ Breathable but warm. Merino wool or synthetic long-sleeve shirts (a few)
  Quick-drying is the key. Merino wool or synthetic long-sleeve shirts (a few), base-layer hiking shirts from REI, or even a thermal base layer for colder days or days on the water, where that warmth will keep you more comfortable.
  ✓ Lightweight t-shirts for milder moments and layering

• From Roberta: My go-to is long-sleeve, insect-resistant, UV-protective button-down shirts with sleeves that can be rolled up. Openair Casterby by Orvis has UV-protection, but needs to be treated with insect repellent. Other brands make these shirts.

► Mid Layer(s)

✓ Lightweight insulated mid-layer jacket (synthetic or down)
Puffy! A puffy jacket cannot be your go-to outer layer in most cases because of rain and dampness; however, it is wonderful as a mid-layer.
✓ Add a Second fleece if you run cold

• From Kristen: I like a sun hoodie, as extra protection against cold and wind.

• From Roberta: I run cold, so I bring my puffy everywhere - and I also bring a fleece.

►Shell

✓ Quality rain jacket, with Gore-Tex or similar waterproofing. VERY IMPORTANT

• From Kristen:
  My go-to is a Gore-Tex Helly Hansen raincoat, mid-thigh-length, with fleece lining on the inside.
  Also, look at Marmot and Patagonia for good rain gear.

• From Roberta
  I have a jacket and pants from OR (Outdoor Research, “Helium”). Together, the pants and jacket are thin enough to fold up into a pouch and light enough to live permanently in my backpack. They go where I go and have saved me from rain, heavy fog, and cold when I needed another layer.

• Bottom Layers

► Base Layer Pants:

✓ One or two base layers pants, tights, or leggings for cool mornings. Use them under hiking pants

• From Kristen: Thermals like fleece-lined leggings or cargo pants are good for cooler days. If you run cold, having thermal pants and hiking pants on top may be a more comfortable experience.

• From Roberta: I always bring a pair of tights for under my hiking pants. They come off easily in a restroom when the day gets hot, and scrunch up small and light in the backpack.

► Base Shell Pants

✓ Quick-dry base layer hiking pants - 2-4 pair. These are sometimes sold as “Safari” pants.

• From Roberta: Look for quick dry - that imperative, look for pockets with zippers. I love the pants with the zip-off legs to turn into shorts for those cold-to-hot days.
  REI is a great resource with many brands and “fits” to choose from.

✓ Thin rain pants, properly waterproof. 1 pair

• From Roberta: I said it above, but this is so important I’m repeating myself: I have a jacket and pants from OR (Outdoor Research, “Helium”). Together, the pants and jacket are thin enough to fold up into a pouch and light enough to live permanently in my backpack. They go where I go and have saved me from rain, heavy fog, and cold when I needed another layer.

► Daypack:

✓ Your Daypack should be large enough (20 - 30L) to hold essentials for the day, but not overly large. You are not camping out. And it should be light enough to carry, throw in
the vehicle, and not bulky.

► Other Essentials and Good Ideas

You will want many of the items on the list below with you during the day.

• Motion Sickness tablets or other
  If you feel like you may get seasick

• Small first aid kit
  Pick one up at a CVS. Should include: a few Band-Aids, first-aid cream or Neosporin, and I always throw in a pair of tweezers.

• All your Meds!
  Anything you need or may want, including Tylenol or Advil

• Gloves,
  lightweight gloves, waterproof is nice. You may want to throw a couple of handwarmers in for a cool morning; you may never need them, but if you do, it is worth it.

• Hat(s)
  The best hat is waterproof, has a brim all the way around, and can be secured.

  Baseball caps tend to blow off on the water. Layer your baseball hat with a waterproof hat you can secure, or a knit cap on top for warmth and security. Knit caps will not keep you dry in the rain - and it will rain.

• Buff:
  This is used for warmth, or against the sun, as a hat, as a face mask, or against bugs. Roberta: I NEVER travel without a buff

• Sunglasses:
  I like to have my sunglasses on a chain

• Sunscreen:
  When you are on the water, even if overcast and cool, your face and hands can be sunburned.

• Bug Spray/lotion:
  There is a good chance of mosquitoes; ticks are uncommon but sometimes found.

• Binoculars:
  again, waterproof! If they are not, they will frequently fog up in the rain and ocean mist while on boats.

• Rain fly for daypack:
  aka a backpack rain cover, this is a waterproof layer for your daypack on wetter days

• Reusable water bottle: NO single-use bottles on the tour.   

• Snacks.
  Healthy snacks will be available, but if you have a favorite, bring it.   

• Tissue or paper towels:
  For everything. There are no restrooms once we are outside of the towns.

• Hand Sanitizer

• Extra socks:
  Some folks like an extra pair of socks to change into if theirs get wet

• Dry bags:
  We do not encourage single-use plastic, but you DO want something to carry out used toilet paper if need be, wet socks, or trash. If you bring a plastic ziplock, wash it out at night.

• Hangers,
  foldable plastic with clips. I find these invaluable for travel everywhere. I pack light and rinse at night. These hangers ensure that i can hang my socks, undies, a shirt, or pants even if the lodge does not supply hangers. These have removable clips

• Laundry Sheets:
  Make them biodegradable. Sheets are light and don’t spill onto my clothes! Seventh Generation is an idea    

• Personal Lighting Devices:
  When you travel, you should always carry a personal lighting device. I carry two. A small LED flashlight and a headlamp. And of course you have your mobile phone, but that uses its battery. I like to save the charge for communication purposes.

  ✓ Headlamp
  There are lots of different styles. I’ve used mine on my head and in my hand. It is always in my backpack. I like a headlamp with an emergency flasher. Warning! Try it on if possible, make sure it can be tightened and secured for wear. I had one drop on the bridge of my nose - it was a memorable experience! head to REI for a wide choice and expert advice.

  ✓ Flashlight, Small and Powerful

https://www.destinationwildlife.com/destination/north-america/prince-of-wales-island-advice

► Other:

Nice Shirt - this itinerary and destination do not require “dressy” clothes.
I like to bring a nice shirt in case I want a change for dinner. Ladies, sometimes all you need is a wash-up and a fun pair of earrings to make all the difference.

Slippers or Flip-flops: The lodges can be cool - Keep your feet warm.