p.1 #1 · Svalbard Trip Next Summer..Questions on Weight Limits...
We are considering going on a trip to Svalbard next summer. I'm in touch with one of the big operators there, Quark. They told me there is an 11 pound weight limit for carry on luggage, and that the limit is a hard limit with no way to purchase more weight. This is a wildlife oriented trip, and I can't see how an 11 pound limit is workable.
So for any of you that have been to Svalbard, what tour operator would you suggest, what camera gear did you bring, and what did you do about these ridiculous weight restrictions? Thanks
p.1 #2 · Svalbard Trip Next Summer..Questions on Weight Limits...
My wife and I traveled via airline from Tromso to Svalbard (Longyearbyen) approximately two years ago and I do not recall a weight limit on my carry-on luggage. My camera gear consisted of two OM-1 cameras, a150-400mm zoom and a 12-40mm zoom as well as associated batteries and chargers. This was all contained in a Mission Workshop camera ICU which was placed in my backpack. My backpack further contained additional clothing and non-photography related items. I also had a Patagonia 30 liter MLC shoulder bag for additional personal items. We were on a custom private journey throughout Norway organized via Black Tomato and my carry on luggage and associated weight were never questioned despite multiple legs of the trip. Black Tomato does customized trips throughout the world, with unique experiences, and I would recommend contacting them to provide some additional travel ideas. Our Svalbard journey was not cruise oriented and we traveled to two very remote lodges in the Svalbard area.
Hornoya Island, in Varanger, is a fantastic place to see multiple bird species, especially puffins. You can get very close to the birds and it is a great destination for photography. Easily accessible via daily boat trips. You can spend as much time as you like on the island and enjoy at your leisure. It is a nature preserve so the only residents are birds and a lighthouse.
Our trip to Svalbard was not opportune to see polar bears, based on the time of the year, but we did see walruses, reindeer, and foxes. Landscapes were beautiful.
The right tour operator will meet your goals and facilitate the travel experience.
Enjoy your travels.
p.1 #3 · Svalbard Trip Next Summer..Questions on Weight Limits...
Has anyone had any issues with carry on limitations getting to Svalbard? I'm a bit worried about the 11 pound carry on limit, which is just not achievable.
Also, any suggestions for tour operators would be appreciated. From the looks of it, Black Tomato will be above our budget. Thanks
p.1 #4 · Svalbard Trip Next Summer..Questions on Weight Limits...
It's been a few years, but no problems. I paid extra for the business class, but on the domestic it just meant an empty middle seat. I flew SAS direct from EWR to Oslo and then later to Trombo and finally Longerarbyen. I had a 32L main bag with a 600/4 and smaller lenses also. Total of 3 camera bodies. Svalbard is like another country so you have to clear customs again at Trombo on return.
p.1 #8 · Svalbard Trip Next Summer..Questions on Weight Limits...
Basecamp Explorer is the company whose lodges we utilized in Svalbard. They have three lodges, two of which are located in remote areas. They have a website which illustrates their destinations and activities. We stayed at all three lodges and they have various options to explore Svalbard. You can contact them directly to arrange the types of experiences you desire. I suspect many tour operators organize their Svalbard experiences through Basecamp Explorer since they are a well established source of exploration. No need to utilize another company in Svalbard if you would like a varied experience.
I would explore all the airline options flying into Svalbard to ascertain the carry on weight limitations. I noted earlier that my flight had no restrictions however I was in business class if I recall correctly.
p.1 #9 · Svalbard Trip Next Summer..Questions on Weight Limits...
I went last summer and my cary on was close to 30lbs with a 600mm in a bag with lots of other cameras and gear. They did now question my backpack on SAS. Maybe we just got lucky… i
If you are going up in the pack ice you will love it!!!
p.1 #10 · Svalbard Trip Next Summer..Questions on Weight Limits...
We are traveling to Svalbard for a Quark cruise in May and it's the charter flight from Helsinki that has the 11 pound limit. If you travel to Svalbard from elsewhere, that may not be an issue.
Our travel agent told us that they actually don't weigh the carry-on bags. We recently traveled to Antarctca with Nat Geo and they had a similar rediculous limit for the charter to Ushuaia. Every photographer traveling had more than the allowed weight, but they never weighed enything.
Some people wear coats with lots of pockets - deep ones. In the unlikely event that they weigh your bag, and you're over weight, take some of the heavy stuff out and put it in your pockets until the bag meets the weight limit. Once past the weigh station, put everything back in your camera bag.
It's a stupid rule, especially since they advertise the trip as great for photographers. I'm not going to worry about it.
The charter flight is on Enter Airlines, a European charter company, and they use 737-800s or 737- Max planes. The overhead bins will be the same as any other flights, so there's really no reason for the weight limit.
