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Viewing Wildlife Tours: Pack Light, Pack Right: A Basic Packing ListWildlife Tours: Pack Light, Pack Right: A Basic Packing List
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Bear tours rarely take place within the vicinity of shopping facilities. You must make sure you have everything you will need. Since these tours usually involve smaller planes and boats, you will have to pack light. Here is a basic packing list. By Paul Stanbury Since polar, grizzly, or black bear tours rarely take place within the vicinity of malls, department stores, or 7-Elevens, you must make sure you have absolutely everything you're going to need for your wildlife adventure. Since these tours usually involve smaller planes and boats, you will be asked to pack light, taking a medium-sized duffel bag at the most. Those two points don't necessarily have to contradict each other. Packing light while making sure you have absolutely everything you need on a tour is possible, with a little thought and planning. Clothing Since most bear tours involve trekking to cold windy places near bodies of water, you will want to dress warmly in layers. Bringing enough sets to last you for the duration of your bear tour sojourn, plus an extra set of clothing, is advisable. Since the head and extremities are where you lose heat the most, you will also need a hat, gloves, and waterproof (rubber) boots and thick socks, as well as waterproof, windproof rain gear. Sunscreen and Lip Balm (with SPF) Bringing sunscreen might seem obvious for summer tours, but cloudy weather or winter weather can fool you into thinking you won't be needing it on bear tours. Sunscreen and lip balm are essential even on the cloudy, hazy days of winter to protect you from the sun and wind, so make sure you pack enough to reapply as necessary. Men, this goes for you too. Water You probably don't need to pack water from home, but you will need bottled water during bear tours. Take at least a liter of water to last you the day. Insect Repellent There is no such thing as indoor bear tours, so make sure you're protected against insects. It's also a good idea to bring calamine lotion and skin cream/balm. DO NOT BRING bear mace, pepper spray, and the like - they're illegal on most bear viewing locations and could get you thrown off of the tour. Medication Bring a compact, basic first aid kit. If you are on any type of medication, make sure to bring enough for the duration of the trip, both before and after the bear tours as well as two extra days' supply. Bear-Proof Containers If you don't have bear-proof containers, a good alternative could be sealable plastic baggies (you will use them sealed and doubled up). You will need them to carry food and other odorous items on your tour, since bears can smell food up to a mile away. Binoculars and Camera Bear tours are required to keep some distance away from the animals (around 300 meters), so you will need powerful binoculars and a camera with strong zoom or 200mm-400mm telephoto lenses. Make the most of your trip by bringing plenty of film, or spare memory cards and batteries. About the Author: Paul Stanbury is the Operations Manager for Naturetrek, a tour operator specializing in expert-led natural history and bear tours worldwide. Naturetrek brings over 25 years of experience to their bear tours in some of the most spectacular regions on Earth. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) |
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