AKSHAYUK PASS – PACKING LIST
Please note that:
- Mandatory to bring
- Recommended to bring
- Everything listed needs to fit inside your backpack. Nothing should be hanging out of it. Note that you will be backpacking in the wilderness and sometimes it can be quite humid outside.
- Hiking temperatures around 0ºC to 10ºC / 32ºF to 50ºF. Night temperatures around 0ºC to 5ºC / 32ºF to 41ºF.
- Your backpack should not weigh more than 18kg/40lbs. Planes flying to Baffin Island are typically of small size and could impose restrictions on your baggage if it exceeds weight limits.
- Although the guide has a first-aid kit, each traveler must carry what they consider necessary depending on personal pathologies, needs, risks, etc.
- Drones are completely forbidden in our hiking trips unless the opposite is stated by Amarok Adventures ehf.
- You should only bring what you are going to use. Lockers or storage services are not available.
- Expect to carry around 6kg (13lbs) of weight for your breakfast, lunches & dinners. You’ll have around 11 kg available for your clothing, sleeping system, and other personal gear.
The Akshayuk Pass is a remote backpacking route through Auyuittuq National Park on Baffin Island, exposed to Arctic weather, major river crossings and long days carrying everything you need. This packing list reflects the gear we use and recommend for our guided Akshayuk Pass expeditions.
The quantities listed for certain items serve as indicative and recommended amounts according to our lead guides.
Personal Gear
CARRIED INDIVIDUALLY
Important!
You need to have room in your backpack for all this gear.
- A 60 to 80L backpack with rain cover.
You can also bring a different size as long as it fits everything inside. Please make sure to have enough room for the food, cooking equipment & shared gear. - Sleeping bag with comfort temperature -5ºC to 5ºC (23ºF to 41ºF) & thermarest sleeping mat.
- Waterproof butt pad.
- Waterproof / drybag for your clothes (3 pcs).
- Waterproof hiking boots (1 pair).
- 1st layer: Merino base layer (1-2 pcs).
- 2nd layer: Hoody fleece jacket (1-2 pcs).
- 3rd layer: Down or fiber jacket (1 pcs).
- GoreTex jacket & pants (1 pcs each).
- Zip-off leg hiking pants (1 pcs).
- Short sleeve t-shirts (2-3 pcs).
- Long sleeve t-shirts (1-2 pcs).
- Underwear & hiking socks.
- Short hiking gaiters.
- Warm beanie (2 pcs) & cap (1 pcs).
- Waterproof gloves/mittens.
- Hiking buff & camp towel / Bandana.
Ideally that could be used as a sweatband & towel. - Sturdy watershoes for river crossing.
Ideally watershoes can be used also as “camp shoes”. - Neoprene socks (1-2 pairs).
They will be used for the river crossings. - Personal toiletries & personal first-aid kit.
- Toilet paper & lighter.
- Sunscreen & sunglasses.
- Photo camera, phone, batteries & power bank.
- Hiking poles (for river crossing).
- Water bottle, water bladder or thermo bottle.
Group Shared Gear
CARRIED IN BETWEEN TWO INDIVIDUALS
The shared gear will be provided by Amarok Adventures and has to be splitted between each 2 participants.
Important!
You need to have room in your backpack for all this gear.
- JetBoil per group of 2 people.
- 2 fuel canister 230g per person.
Expedition tents – Per person/couple
BROUGHT PER PERSON/PER COUPLE
Participants have to bring their own 3-season tents.
Expedition tents need to be light and have to be tested before at home to make sure that they are in perfect conditions.
- 3-season tent per person. *Brought by you.
- Tent repair kit. *Brought by you.
- A set of extra heavy duty tent stakes. *Brought by you.
- Utility/accesory cord (3mm – 15m/50ft). *Brought by you.
Expedition meals – Per person
CARRIED PER PERSON
While the dehydrated meals will be provided by Amarok Adventures the other items need to be brought by each participant.
- Mug. *Brought by you.
- Long spork or similar cutlery. *Brought by you.
- Electrolytes & trail mix. *Brought by you.
- Snacks, bars, jerky, dry fruit, etc.
*Provided by Amarok Adventures. - Dehydrated breakfast & dinner packs.*
2 packs per day, approximately a total of 18 packs.
*Provided by Amarok Adventures.
Other gear
RECOMMENDED TO BE CARRIED PER PERSON
Not necessary to bring, but might come handy.
- A set of zip ties & tenacious tape.
- Small sewing kit.
- Leatherman / pocket knife.
- Bug repellent & head net.
- Imodium – Loperamide.
- Oral antibiotic for chest infection.
- Topical antibiotic cream for skin infection.
Want to see what this gear looks like in action?
Read our 2026 Akshayuk Pass expedition recap for a day-by-day look at the trek.
Last updated: September 2026
Gear requirements can change between expedition seasons. Confirm the current packing list before departure.
Join us next summer for aN AKSHAYUK PASS Backpacking expedition
Venture with us to Baffin Island, beyond the edge of the map.
