Icelandic Jamboree Packing Guide
The following packing guide is a tentative list designed specifically for the Icelandic National Jamboree 2024. We will share the official packing guide when it becomes available from Iceland. Your Group however, will likely come up with your own packing list, but we want to get you thinking about some of the special gear that will make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. This takes into account local weather, climate, and programming requirements.
Things to consider: ✔ Airline maximums are typically 23 kg for checked baggage (60-75 l), and 8 kg for carry-on (25-35 l) ✔ BYO sleeping tent ✔ Bring strong shoes. Break them in prior to departure ✔ Sun gear & Rain gear Camping Equipment: ❑ Tent (share packing with tent-mate) ❑ Sleeping bag, pillow, and pad or lightweight cot ❑ Personal eating kit (dishes/utensils/cup/mesh bag) ❑ Headlamp (you’ll probably never use it!) ❑ Camp Chair (light weight) ❑ Day Pack (use as your carry-on) Clothes: Weather in Iceland is temperate. Summer days can range from 10-25°C, with night time temperatures ranging from 0-10°C. It can also be quite windy and rainy at times, it’s important to be prepared for a broad variety of weather conditions. Try to avoid cotton which holds moisture, does not retain heat when wet. Sunrise is around 3:30am, sunset near 11:30pm. ❑ Laundry wash bag/clothesline/bio-soap ❑ T-shirts (4-5), long pants (3-4) ❑ Socks / underwear / etc. (5-6 sets) ❑ Warm Base Layer (could double as sleep wear) ❑Long Sleeve Shirt ❑ Two Sweaters (one microfleece/wool) ❑ Scout Uniform shirt ❑ Contingent Gear |
❑ Lightweight Rain Jacket & Rain Pants
❑ Footwear for Hiking, Water activities, & Campsite ❑ Wide-brimmed hat / Sunglasses ❑ Sun-shirt / Sunscreen ❑ Bathing suit (trunks could double as shorts) ❑ Collapsible Water Bottles, Hydration Bladder ❑ Towels/Hand towel/Wash cloth ❑ Toiletries Kit (Eco-friendly products please) · Shampoo, toothbrush/paste, deodorant, comb, lip balm, hand sanitizer, anti-chafing supplies, foot powder, sanitary supplies, personal first aid ❑ Insect repellent ❑ Phone, Camera, Charging Cords, power packs ❑ Medical gear/devices/prescriptions · pills in original labelled bottled with an adequate supply for the length of your trip, PLUS a week’s extra Things to leave at home: Drones, Firearms, Fireworks, Alcohol, Illegal Drugs Pets/Animals Anything you don’t want to lose Packing tips: Packing cubes, zippered bags, compression bags really help with keeping your gear organised and compact. Carry-on · Travel documents etc. to be on your person · Medical gear/devices/prescriptions · Toiletries kit · One full change of clothes · Flashlight, electronics, batteries · Souvenirs/Gifts/Traders Checked baggage · Sharps (pocket knife, clippers etc.) · All the rest… PRACTICE CAMPING WITH YOUR EQUIPMENT BEFORE YOUR TRIP. GET USED TO MOVING AROUND WITH YOUR PACK, LIVING FROM IT, & WASHING BY HAND. |
Check out this Packing for a Jamboree Video by Kent Latimer.
Gear Tips
Links at the bottom of this page on where we purchased some of our gear.
Get the best gear that you can afford; if you can’t afford the top of the line that’s okay. Get what fits in your budget. You can always upgrade your gear as you go. Something to take into consideration is that better quality gear will last longer and can be worth the investment.
As we will be flying we have some limitations to what we can carry - we don’t have the luxury of filling a trailer with all our creature comforts. You also need to be able to carry your own bags for a few kilometers.
You will be able to take 2 bags: a checked bag which has a weight limit of 23 kg (50 lbs), and, a carryon bag which, depending on the airline, has a weight limit of 8 kg (17 lbs) or 10 kg (22 lbs). Dimensions of the bags are also important, typically the checked bag is a maximum volume of around 60-75 litres and the carry-on around 30-35 litres.
You will want to try to minimize the bulkiest items, such as sleeping bag, sleeping mats, pillows, towels, tents. If sharing a tent you can part them out and people will have to put a portion of the tent in their bag. As a group you may also decide to put tents in a separate duffle bag and pay for the extra bag (usually around $50 per flight), depending on tent sizes you can fit 4+ tents in a bag.
PRO TIP: sign up to receive emails from websites so you know when they have deals on shipping or sales. Most websites offer free shipping around the December holidays.
BACK PACKS / HIKING BAGS
You will need 2 bags - one for the majority of your gear and one that will be your carry-on and day pack.
You want a hiking bag that is big enough to fit your gear but not too big that it makes carrying it difficult. Try not to carry more than 20% of your body weight on your back. You want a bag with hip and chest straps that are adjustable. A rain cover can also come in very handy. The larger hiking bag should be between 55 to 75L and the small day pack around 25L. Some of our favorite places to get hiking bags are Mountain Warehouse, Canadian Tire, Cabela’s/Bass Pro, MEC.
The left hiking bag is 60L Woods brand purchased from Canadian Tire 10ish years ago. The bag on the right is from Mountain Warehouse purchased in 2019, and aside from a couple minor burns from embers still going strong.
Investing in quality bags is important as they need to be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of airport baggage handling as well as outdoor trekking. For checked baggage, all of your belongings need to fit INSIDE the pack (nothing strapped to the outside) so that they won’t get lost. While outside pockets are handy when you’re on the trail, they can pose a real security risk while travelling: make sure that any pockets can be kept closed with zip ties or small locks. Also the straps and buckles can easily catch and get damaged on baggage handling machinery, so getting a Backpack Bag is a must. Don’t rely on the airports providing plastic disposable backpack bags (which tear easily and are not environmentally friendly).
PACKING
You will also want to make sure your clothes are in water proof bags inside your pack. The easiest way to do this is pack each day’s worth of clothes in a zippered freezer bag. After I decide what clothes I’m bringing I pack similar clothes in zippered bags, all socks in one, shirts in one, etc. either way works. You can also use cheap dollar store mesh laundry bags to organise your personal items. To reduce the amount of clothes you need to bring, pack enough for 3-4 days and do laundry by hand when needed. Remember though, you will have to line dry any clothes you wash and laundry soap has to be biodegradable.
You can also use compression bags to help pack items in your bag, compression bags are usually waterproof. Here are a couple different kinds of compression bags. The grey one can fit a 2” twin size memory foam mattress topper plus a queen size sheet (or a week's worth of clothes). The yellow bag fits a large microfiber towel and swim shoes perfect for a paddling adventure. The clear ones are from Mountain Warehouse and are like giant zippered bags.
Get the best gear that you can afford; if you can’t afford the top of the line that’s okay. Get what fits in your budget. You can always upgrade your gear as you go. Something to take into consideration is that better quality gear will last longer and can be worth the investment.
As we will be flying we have some limitations to what we can carry - we don’t have the luxury of filling a trailer with all our creature comforts. You also need to be able to carry your own bags for a few kilometers.
You will be able to take 2 bags: a checked bag which has a weight limit of 23 kg (50 lbs), and, a carryon bag which, depending on the airline, has a weight limit of 8 kg (17 lbs) or 10 kg (22 lbs). Dimensions of the bags are also important, typically the checked bag is a maximum volume of around 60-75 litres and the carry-on around 30-35 litres.
You will want to try to minimize the bulkiest items, such as sleeping bag, sleeping mats, pillows, towels, tents. If sharing a tent you can part them out and people will have to put a portion of the tent in their bag. As a group you may also decide to put tents in a separate duffle bag and pay for the extra bag (usually around $50 per flight), depending on tent sizes you can fit 4+ tents in a bag.
PRO TIP: sign up to receive emails from websites so you know when they have deals on shipping or sales. Most websites offer free shipping around the December holidays.
BACK PACKS / HIKING BAGS
You will need 2 bags - one for the majority of your gear and one that will be your carry-on and day pack.
You want a hiking bag that is big enough to fit your gear but not too big that it makes carrying it difficult. Try not to carry more than 20% of your body weight on your back. You want a bag with hip and chest straps that are adjustable. A rain cover can also come in very handy. The larger hiking bag should be between 55 to 75L and the small day pack around 25L. Some of our favorite places to get hiking bags are Mountain Warehouse, Canadian Tire, Cabela’s/Bass Pro, MEC.
The left hiking bag is 60L Woods brand purchased from Canadian Tire 10ish years ago. The bag on the right is from Mountain Warehouse purchased in 2019, and aside from a couple minor burns from embers still going strong.
Investing in quality bags is important as they need to be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of airport baggage handling as well as outdoor trekking. For checked baggage, all of your belongings need to fit INSIDE the pack (nothing strapped to the outside) so that they won’t get lost. While outside pockets are handy when you’re on the trail, they can pose a real security risk while travelling: make sure that any pockets can be kept closed with zip ties or small locks. Also the straps and buckles can easily catch and get damaged on baggage handling machinery, so getting a Backpack Bag is a must. Don’t rely on the airports providing plastic disposable backpack bags (which tear easily and are not environmentally friendly).
PACKING
You will also want to make sure your clothes are in water proof bags inside your pack. The easiest way to do this is pack each day’s worth of clothes in a zippered freezer bag. After I decide what clothes I’m bringing I pack similar clothes in zippered bags, all socks in one, shirts in one, etc. either way works. You can also use cheap dollar store mesh laundry bags to organise your personal items. To reduce the amount of clothes you need to bring, pack enough for 3-4 days and do laundry by hand when needed. Remember though, you will have to line dry any clothes you wash and laundry soap has to be biodegradable.
You can also use compression bags to help pack items in your bag, compression bags are usually waterproof. Here are a couple different kinds of compression bags. The grey one can fit a 2” twin size memory foam mattress topper plus a queen size sheet (or a week's worth of clothes). The yellow bag fits a large microfiber towel and swim shoes perfect for a paddling adventure. The clear ones are from Mountain Warehouse and are like giant zippered bags.
SLEEPING MAT
You want to be as comfortable as possible when sleeping on the ground for 2 weeks. A pool air mattress is not recommended as they have no insulation and will draw the cold air from the ground, plus they pop/leak very easily. There are inflatable sleeping mats that have an R (insulation) value and are made of a more durable material. There are also foam mats but they are bulkier to pack. Take your budget, how much use you will get out of it, and quality/customer reviews all into consideration when looking for a sleeping mat.
Here are some examples of different sleeping mats and how much space they take up. The one in the black bag is inflatable and has an R value. The top mat in this picture is a foam roll, the Eureka mat also inflates some but is more bulky.
You want to be as comfortable as possible when sleeping on the ground for 2 weeks. A pool air mattress is not recommended as they have no insulation and will draw the cold air from the ground, plus they pop/leak very easily. There are inflatable sleeping mats that have an R (insulation) value and are made of a more durable material. There are also foam mats but they are bulkier to pack. Take your budget, how much use you will get out of it, and quality/customer reviews all into consideration when looking for a sleeping mat.
Here are some examples of different sleeping mats and how much space they take up. The one in the black bag is inflatable and has an R value. The top mat in this picture is a foam roll, the Eureka mat also inflates some but is more bulky.
SLEEPING BAG and PILLOW
A sleeping bag and a pillow can be the bulkiest items you will have to pack.
A sleeping bag is one of the most important items to ensure you are kept warm at night. Choose a sleeping bag that is rated for the weather you will be camping in. You do not need to take a winter -40 sleeping bag to camp in the summer. Choosing a sleeping bag that has a compression or stuff sack also helps with the space in your backpack.
Here are 2 summer sleeping bags, one an inexpensive generic one and then the Hotcore sleeping bag in its compression bag. The Hotcore bag is at least ⅔ smaller. There are other sleeping bags that pack smaller than the Hotcore, but this is what fit in the budget at the time. This Hotcore Bag is rated to 0 degrees and paired with a sleeping bag liner is warm enough for spring and fall camping. Everyone has their own preference as to whether they like to sleep cooler or warmer at night it may take time to find the perfect sleeping bag for your preference.
A sleeping bag and a pillow can be the bulkiest items you will have to pack.
A sleeping bag is one of the most important items to ensure you are kept warm at night. Choose a sleeping bag that is rated for the weather you will be camping in. You do not need to take a winter -40 sleeping bag to camp in the summer. Choosing a sleeping bag that has a compression or stuff sack also helps with the space in your backpack.
Here are 2 summer sleeping bags, one an inexpensive generic one and then the Hotcore sleeping bag in its compression bag. The Hotcore bag is at least ⅔ smaller. There are other sleeping bags that pack smaller than the Hotcore, but this is what fit in the budget at the time. This Hotcore Bag is rated to 0 degrees and paired with a sleeping bag liner is warm enough for spring and fall camping. Everyone has their own preference as to whether they like to sleep cooler or warmer at night it may take time to find the perfect sleeping bag for your preference.
An inflatable pillow packs down to size smaller than a cell phone, it can easily be put in a day bag/carry on to use on the plane. But when inflated it is nearly the same size as a regular pillow. An easy alternative is to bring a pillow case and stuff it with your (clean) clothes once you’ve set up camp.
TOWELS
Finding lightweight-microfiber towels is a great way to save space in your bag. A microfiber beach towel can fold or roll up to a third of the size of a regular beach towel. Same goes for hand towels and washcloths.
https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/ca/search/towel/ is a favourite spot to get towels. They are often on sale and are great quality. Check out the dollar stores too for shammies - they make great hand towels and washcloths!
Here’s a size comparison to regular bathroom towels and the microfiber towels. They take up way less room. The giant size is a great beach towel especially for larger humans. The medium and wash cloth sizes are great for light weight camping.
TOWELS
Finding lightweight-microfiber towels is a great way to save space in your bag. A microfiber beach towel can fold or roll up to a third of the size of a regular beach towel. Same goes for hand towels and washcloths.
https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/ca/search/towel/ is a favourite spot to get towels. They are often on sale and are great quality. Check out the dollar stores too for shammies - they make great hand towels and washcloths!
Here’s a size comparison to regular bathroom towels and the microfiber towels. They take up way less room. The giant size is a great beach towel especially for larger humans. The medium and wash cloth sizes are great for light weight camping.
FOOTWEAR
When you are on your feet for the majority of the day and will be doing a lot of walking (could be up to 30,000 steps a day) you want to keep your feet happy. Look for a good pair of hiking shoes, not running shoes. Hiking shoes offer better support for your feet on different terrain; they are usually waterproof so double as a rain boot/shoe in wet weather.
Don’t get new shoes the day before we leave. Have your hiking shoes a couple months before we leave, and wear them to break them in. Treating blisters while having to walk several kms a day will not be fun (for the youth or scouters).
If you only have running shoes you need to have a plan on what you will do if your shoes get wet - how will you dry them? What will you wear on your feet? You need to care of your feet to prevent athlete's foot or trench foot. Proper foot care and knowledge is key to being prepared for all daily activities.
In addition to having hiking shoes you will also want to bring a pair of sandals or water shoes for the showers so you don’t pick up any foot fungus. They can also be worn in the evenings to give your feet a rest from the hiking shoes. On the plane you will probably want to wear your hiking shoes as they tend to be a bit heavier and pack your sandals or shower shoes.
RAINWEAR
Having a truly waterproof jacket will also make a difference than just having a jacket that is water resistant. With a water resistant jacket the water will eventually soak through and you will get wet.
This set is from Columbia and packs small, but offers great wind and rain protection.
When you are on your feet for the majority of the day and will be doing a lot of walking (could be up to 30,000 steps a day) you want to keep your feet happy. Look for a good pair of hiking shoes, not running shoes. Hiking shoes offer better support for your feet on different terrain; they are usually waterproof so double as a rain boot/shoe in wet weather.
Don’t get new shoes the day before we leave. Have your hiking shoes a couple months before we leave, and wear them to break them in. Treating blisters while having to walk several kms a day will not be fun (for the youth or scouters).
If you only have running shoes you need to have a plan on what you will do if your shoes get wet - how will you dry them? What will you wear on your feet? You need to care of your feet to prevent athlete's foot or trench foot. Proper foot care and knowledge is key to being prepared for all daily activities.
In addition to having hiking shoes you will also want to bring a pair of sandals or water shoes for the showers so you don’t pick up any foot fungus. They can also be worn in the evenings to give your feet a rest from the hiking shoes. On the plane you will probably want to wear your hiking shoes as they tend to be a bit heavier and pack your sandals or shower shoes.
RAINWEAR
Having a truly waterproof jacket will also make a difference than just having a jacket that is water resistant. With a water resistant jacket the water will eventually soak through and you will get wet.
This set is from Columbia and packs small, but offers great wind and rain protection.
COTS & CAMP CHAIRS
Light weight cots and camp chairs can definitely elevate camp comfort; however you need to make sure you can accommodate them in your packing. Before investing in one be sure it will be sturdy enough to support your weight. Also be sure to test them out before heading off on a week (or longer) adventure.
ELECTRONIC GADGETRY TIPS
You DON’T have to have a fancy phone to go on your trip!
While it’s convenient to have a flashlight, camera, communications and entertainment device all wrapped up into one gizmo, it may not be the most practical way for you to get the most out of your trip. The cost and risk of carrying a phone is a major concern. Another consideration is that electronics need to be carried on the plane in your daypack, so you don’t have much space or weight allowance for a lot.
Remember also that you are travelling in order to meet people and have new experiences, so having a mobile device might be a big distraction for some people that will affect the experience for everyone in the patrol. Your Patrol’s Code of Conduct needs to include when and how it’s okay to use smart phones while on the trip.
Here are some ideas to get by on less than a mobile phone, and, if you choose, to enhance your use of a device while travelling.
REGULATIONS
Governments regulate what can(not) be carried on planes. Canada’s are here: https://www.catsaacsta.gc.ca/en European Union here: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/index_en.htm
FLASHLIGHT
Sunset after 11pm and sunrise before 4?! If you factor in twilight, it’s only really dark for about 3-4 hours, during which time you will most likely be sleeping. A small headlamp will be sufficient for inside your tent for getting ready for bed or for going to the washroom in the night. A couple extra batteries should be enough power for the week. (one AA battery weighs 28g)
PRO TIP: Red-tinted LEDs are the kindest to the eyes of your tent-mate!
CAMERA
You’re going to want to take lots of pics to document your Great European Adventure and to show the folks back home how great the trip was! Digital cameras come in all shapes and sizes and can be very compact. From the dollar store to the professional photography equipment store, you can decide the size, cost and risk you are willing to take. Check out the trade-ins at phone stores for devices with a good camera in them. If your device has a memory card slot, consider using it so you can save LOTS of photos. Make sure the device’s battery is in good shape by completely draining it, then recharging to full and road testing to see how much use you can get out of the one charge. If the WiFi signal is good, you can synchronize your photos onto a cloud-based system such as Google photos or Flickr. Keep an extra SD card or two with your spare headlamp battery.
MOBILE (CELLULAR) PHONES
If you are planning to use your device as a phone while travelling, research your current provider’s offerings for European rates, including which countries are included.
Consider purchasing a pre-paid SIM card in advance that will cover all the countries you will be visiting (e.g. OneSimCard, Orange). Pre-paid SIM cards are also available at airport kiosks, but may not cover all the countries you plan on visiting.
To phone home, Canada’s country code is +01, then you key in the regular 10-digit number
Iceland’s country code is +354 BUT the pre-paid SIM card you purchase for Europe may have a different country code.
ENTERTAINMENT
Travel involves a lot of waiting and sitting around – sometimes you need to be alert to your surroundings and listen/watch for announcements, sometimes you’re just biding your time and you can relax. Once you have arrived at your destination, you are going to be really busy meeting people and experiencing new things. On planes, each seat has a tablet built in and there will be access to movies, music and games. On trains and buses, you will probably be too busy looking at the view, or catching up on some shut-eye.
Just in case you need some quiet time to recover from jet lag or to unwind, you might want something to help you relax for a short period. Budget some daypack space for a book, or upload a book and podcasts to your device. Leave the fancy headphones at home and just bring some dollar store ear buds. Learn some card games and bring a deck of small playing cards.
POWER SUPPLY
Power Trees do not grow in Iceland, so if you need to recharge, bring your own power supply.
You won’t be using your flashlight very much, so you will only need a few extra batteries. Pack them carefully following your airline’s instructions.
Solar chargers could be a smart option as there may be up to 18 hrs of daylight. They can also be expensive, bulky and weigh a lot. Research thoroughly before you commit to spending any money on one.
Portable chargers or power banks are recharged by plugging into the grid or to a solar panel and come in different capacities. The maximum size you can take on a plane will be 100Wh (around 5V/20,000 mAh), which will charge a smart phone 3-5 times and may be enough for the week if you are only taking photos (no video) and emailing. They do weigh a lot though, 400-500 g.
Plug Adapters vs Converters: Converters are used for things like hairdryers, irons, and kettles, which you are unlikely to want to drag around Europe in your backpack. Most modern electronic gadgets are dual-powered and can be safely charged on any electrical system. However, there are many different types of outlets/plugs in Europe and you will need a plug adapter to be able to plug in your charger. Iceland uses the standard Europlug socket with two round prongs. For these plugs, you can use adapter types “C” or “F”. A type “C” adapter will do for most of Northern Europe. For the UK and Ireland use a type “G” adapter. Don’t leave your plug adapter behind when you check out of your hostel!
https://iceland.nordicvisitor.com/travel-guide/information/electricity/
Points to remember:
· Minimize the bulkiest items
· There’s time to shop for bargains
· Get the best gear that you can afford
· Price doesn’t necessarily mean Quality
· You don’t need to bring a smart phone
· If you do bring a phone, make sure everyone’s cool with it
· Have a plan for keeping your electronics powered up
Shopping Links:
Remember to do your own research when purchasing camping gear.
Cabela's
Canadian Tire
MEC
Mountain Warehouse
Columbia
The Last Hunt
SAIL
Amazon
Compression Cubes:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07XJJPT24/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&fbclid=IwAR0HQdfPBAOJI_Vh2JJ3TM1r7w0Q-YbeXnWZG9n7W1zqvTPzw3Yw4ZaZ1JE
Solar Charger:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01EXWCPLC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&fbclid=IwAR2l6R8B8wx4_KJ4vuJ5Bkfewxrq1ZABJf4UiHwVb1ENEWxRu0w7yyayHJ8&th=1
Wash Bag:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01N68XF0O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&fbclid=IwAR2deQnyvLjTOCdTjpVT96GwT-okp5BA5iOkt7Qa4voxr-82-gAnLPXIC7k
Camp Suds:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00194BOJW?_encoding=UTF8&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_SVBVPPCA2FNXFJH0PMKR&th=1&fbclid=IwAR2hpMJV_IuiByj_5GImQdh1TPVWFVIUbsPYeJSo48aQPmF14eyBlTJrlW4&psc=1
https://www.tru.earth/
Cot:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B074KKLHH6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&fbclid=IwAR1bEZmwSfOf12uP_IWxpNaQ3QrIXgXrME30uJLNkw2_jEF2BYeGUodZ1k0&th=1
https://www.amazon.ca/FE-Active-Ultralight-Backpacking-California/dp/B07QS9JMGC/ref=sr_1_2?crid=LJZT9I4HF3E7&keywords=fe+active&qid=1702146977&s=sports&sprefix=fe+active%2Csporting%2C241&sr=1-2
https://www.amazon.ca/Naturehike-Ultralight-Lightweight-Backpackings-Lbs-Black/dp/B087RDGX3F/ref=sr_1_3?crid=IM05SP381VG&keywords=nature+hike+folding+cot&qid=1702147103&s=sports&sprefix=nature+hike+folding+cot%2Csporting%2C382&sr=1-3