Packing for Kuru
It’s properly the second hardest part after putting an application together. What shall I bring from home, what can wait, do I really need another pair of shoes?! I have been through this and even after years of staying in different places, packing never gets easier. But ideas and tips do help, so below you can check out what you need for a year in Finland. Shoot me a line if you still have doubts or questions!
Big Backpack Minimum of 65l (but I would recommend to have at least 70l - better for winter trips)
Day Pack Pretty much your every day pack; 25l – 40l is a good range
Sleeping Bag Get a 3 season sleeping bag, comfort temperature around 0°C to -5°C, plus a thinner summer bag
Sleeping Mattress An Inflatable one (good brands are: Thermarest, Sea to Summit, Exped)
Sleeping Mat Foldable; my all time favourite is the Thermarest Z Lite Sol model
Groundsheet Always in my pack, super convenient; preferred size is 2x3m; I have this one.
Tent/ Hammock Not necessary; maybe a hammock; but you will get a Loue tarp from school to borrow anyway
Cooker The choice is yours what type; not totally necessary to bring in the beginning (mainly using fires)
Pots/Pans Bring if you have, but also enough options in Finland - for camping not for indoor cooking
Mug, Cutlery Always good to have or whittle your own at some point ;)
Knife The Finnish Puuko; Yes, bring if you have or get it in Finland (good choices over there)
Saw You will need one especially for the winter trips, but can be borrowed from school
Axe Everybody has a personal one, but don’t worry get in Finland (best brands: Roselli & Gränsfors)
First Aid Kit Never leave it behind (but don’t worry if you don’t have one yet - the FA course will help as well)
Head torch Very important - bring even two! My personal favourite is the Armytek Wizard Pro and a Petzl one
Compass If you don’t have it yet, get one in Finland; I have the Suunto M-3 NH Model
Map Case Size A4 works best; My case is from Ortlieb, size L
Seat Map You will be outdoors a lot, have something to sit on
Bottles Whatever you prefer, but bring a Thermos (min. 1l) as well or buy one in Finland
Dry Bags Very essential, I have them in all different sizes from 4l to 20l
Paracord You will definitely need that; different lengths (one part should be at least 25m long); order here
Crogs/ Flip Flops Perfect for indoors or your daily walks to the lake and sauna
Trainers/Sneakers A comfy every day pair
Hiking Boots Don’t bring your heavy mountain boots, but a lighter ankle high version
Shell-/ Rain jacket Needed for every expedition; e.g. Gore Tex
Shell-/Rain trousers Needed for every expedition; e.g. Gore Tex
Insulation Layer Yes, please bring; Synthetic or down
Gloves You will need several pairs, for the colder months, but also working gloves (buy in Finland)
Hat/ Cap Hats are essential; Woollen ones are my favourite
Socks Liner socks and thick woollen socks for winter
Long Base Layer Woollen top and bottom
General clothing Clothes for every season; I definitely recommend a pair of Fjällräven trousers for outdoors
Towels 1x Sauna/swimming, 1x shower
Bedding You have to bring your own pillow- and duvet cover and bed linen
Folder For all your paper and notes from school (buy it in Finland)
Notepad/ Pens For taking notes or writing your diary
Personal items Laptop, Charger, Powerbank, Sunglasses, Driving Licence, Bank cards, Toiletries,
Instruments, Books, Games, Pictures, Speakers, Yoga mat, Slack line, Bicycle, Long board,
SUP Board, your Dog – whatever!