Return to Logistics

Luggage and Packing List

LUGGAGE: What to put it all in….

International flights come with specific rules on maximum number of bags AND maximum total weight and dimensions that you are allowed to have per individual.  To avoid costly overcharges, be sure to follow these rules carefully (also keep in mind that additional purchases in Denmark will likely increase your luggage weight while on the trip).

Baggage Allowances for 2022 – coming soon

Remember, that we will be travelling between at least three separate “basecamps” during our stay in Denmark, so be warned that whatever you bring YOU WILL ALSO HAVE TO CARRY yourself occasionally.   Students are notorious for bringing far too much luggage – remember you are sure to accumulate items during your stay as well.  Go with luggage on wheels (!) or backpack-style.

DANGEROUS GOODS: Checked vs. Carry-On Baggage

The Department of Homeland Security restricts items that can be carried on airplanes on checked or carry on bag.   To avoid delays and complications on our trip, please be sure to follow THESE guidelines when packing your bags.

Clothing

Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark demonstrating appropriate clothing and “rainy day” attitude.  PALLE PETER SKOV/AFP/Getty Images)

We are going to spend a month in a Northern maritime climate.  Although we hope to have as many sunny, and pleasantly warm summer days, the months of June and July see an average of 14 days of rain each in Denmark, so come prepared for sunshine, rain, and windy days.  The trick is not to bring your entire winter and summer wardrobe. Instead, make use of layering. Jeans or slacks quickly become cold-weather proof with a nice pair of long thermal underwear.  A thermal long-sleeve, fleece, and wind-breaking outer shell will keep out the cold wind without sacrificing the ability to lose layers if the day warms up. A nice stretchy material (wool, cotton, etc.) hat rounds out the picture on a brisk day.  I would bring TWO hats, one for warm sunny days (with wide rim to protect against the sun) and a warm one for cold, windy days.  Raingear (top) is a must and rain-pants strongly recommended.  Bring enough clothes to cover you for a week – laundry facilities will be available at all of the accommodations.

    • T-shirts, shorts, jeans
    • Sweatshirts/sweaters
    • Swimwear
    • Underwear, socks
    • Long underwear and long-sleeved shirts (see above suggestions)
    • Warm jacket or fleece (evenings can be chilly and windy)
    • One of two nice outfits (for warm weather and cold weather), e.g. for a night out in Copenhagen and a nice dinner in town, also think “dressier shoes”!
    • Pair of comfortable walking shoes (for city walks)
    • Ankle-covering hiking boots strongly recommended.  We will be doing a lot of rocky, sandy, and densely-vegetated nature hikes, which are PERFECT for sprained ankles.   If you are purchasing a new pair, be sure to wear-it-in before going to Denmark!   The following shoe types are NOT allowed on our nature hikes.

Personal Items

  • Paleolithic Flint Projectile, Nørre Lyngby, Denmark (Fischer et al. 2013)

    Beach/bath towel

  • Photocopy or digital copy of your passport stored separately in your luggage or on your computer
  • A wide-rimmed hat for warm, sunny days
  • A hat for cool, windy days
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Water bottle
  • A day pack
  • Rainwear
  • Medication (see important information on the Health Insurance and Prescription Medicine page)
  • Detergent Pods (for laundry…), you can also buy these in Denmark but they will likely be more expensive

Equipment

Replica of Viking Helmet, National Museum of Denmark

DO NOT bring electrical appliances such as hairdryers, hair straighteners, electric shavers, curling irons, as many of these bathroom appliances pose a serious fire hazards!  The standard voltage in Denmark is 230V, increasing this risk.  Most electronic devices now automatically come with power converters.  Check the information on your power cords and plugs – it should say INPUT: 120-240V, otherwise the device will fry itself, potentially shock you, AND could start a fire.

  • Laptop computer or tablet or equivalent – you will be asked to view online media, read pdfs of papers, and take online assessments throughout the trip.  Your smart phone is NOT adequate for this.
  • Power Adapter for 110V to 230V (check your adapter, it should say what it can take)
  • American outlet to Danish outlet adapter (Type K).
  • Camera (phone camera is fine, but you will regret not having the means to take high resolution images of all the amazing scenery)
  • Colored Pencils (at least 10 different colors)
  • Field Notebook (should be something like this).  Shop around, these can vary dramatically in price.  You will be taking A LOT of notes on this trip – so get one with plenty of pages.
  • Hand Lens (recommend at least x10 magnification, like this).  Shop around, these can vary dramatically in price.  Also get a lanyard (required) so you can hang it around your neck.

 

Optional Equipment (but highly recommended)

  • Binoculars (for wildlife watching)