Sailing Trip Packing List: Arctic, Iceland and Norway Routes

When you come sailing with Rubicon 3, it’s important to be well-equipped for your adventure. Whether you’re gearing up for an intensive course such as a Passage Making Masterclass, a big offshore passage or coastal sailing, having the right equipment is crucial to ensure your safety and comfort.

Our comprehensive packing list for sailing adventures in our Norway, Iceland and the Arctic category is designed to cover all your needs from the deck up, ensuring you are ready to face whatever conditions come your way. From essential clothing to personal care items, this list covers everything you’ll need to have a spectacular adventure. 

Essentials:

• Bag: Around 90 litres is ideal. It must be soft (not a suitcase), and waterproof is beneficial but not essential. While a bag that can be fully rolled up is ideal, it is ok if it has a solid floor and wheels. Something like the Gill Voyager Duffel Bag 90L is perfect
• Washbag: Ideally this would have a hook for hanging in showers. A great option is the Osprey Ultralight Organizer. Include a toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clippers, shower gel, shampoo/conditioner, talcum powder, and deodorant.
• Glasses/contact lenses
• Towel: A regular bath /shower towel is fine
• Sleeping Bag: A mid-season sleeping bag of any type is fine. The boats are warm inside so don’t spend money
• Pillowcase: Bring 2
• Single bed sheet: Bring 2
• Hats: Woollie Hat or Polartec style beanie.
• Sun Protection: Factor 50+ sun cream and lip salve with UV protection.
• Sunglasses: Must be polarized and with a neck strap. See our guide here.
• Clothing:
  • 4 x pairs of underwear
  • 4 x pairs of socks (some thin, some thick)
  • 6 x T-Shirts/Base Layer Tops
  • 1-2 x pairs of sailing trousers
  • 1 x pair of shorts.
  • 2 x fleece tops/jumper (one lightweight, one heavyweight).
  • 1 x mid-layer deck jacket.
  • 1 x casual shirt & trousers for days ashore.
• Footwear:
  • 1 x pair of waterproof sailing boots
  • 1 x pair of deck shoes or trainers
• Gloves: Sailing gloves for protection if wanted. Warm mittens for cold days and nights are essential.
• Neck Protection: Snood/Buff/Scarf for insulation and preventing water ingress.
• Miscellaneous:
  • Seasickness medication
  • 1 x head torch with a red lens
  • Passport.
  • Insurance details
  • Any personal medication

Additional Useful Items But Not Essential:

• Knee Pads: Useful for foredeck work in rough weather.
• Safety Gear:
  • 1 x sailing knife.
  • 1 x multi-tool (Gerber or Leatherman Wave recommended).
• Ear Plugs: For noise reduction.
• Note Taking: 1 x notebook and pen, 1 x RYA Sailing Logbook & Syllabus for logging miles and qualifications.
• Phone and computer chargers: We have USB sockets and 3-pin UK sockets
• Water Bottle: Hydration is crucial, and having a personal, refillable water bottle is a good practice.
• Plastic shopping bags: really useful for dividing up your clothes and keeping them dry. Bring 5-6
• A small day pack and hiking shoes: there are some wonderful hikes to be had!