Equipping against the cold

What to wear and what to take with you to travel to the Arctic in the most comfortable way

15.03.2022 // It is not enough just taking the warmest things with you when going on a journey in the Arctic — you also have to take into account a lot of various nuances. These nuances depend on the region you are travelling to and the season, as well as the specifics of the tour.

Summer equipment

The choice of clothing and equipment depends greatly on the season and the mode of travel. If you are going on a trip to the Arctic in the summer, it is necessary to take warm clothes with you. It can snow in tundra even at the height of this time of year. Clothing should be closed, no T-shirts and shorts: you must be protected from the weather, wind, rain and insects. Drizzling rain and winds are not the only pleasures of the Arctic summertime; add to these mosquitoes and gnats, so it is necessary to have mosquito heads on you.

Your first aid kit should also contain repellents — means of protection against insects. In addition, the first aid kit should include ointments for the treatment of insect bites and anti-allergenic drugs.

An oily hand and face cream is another crucial thing in the Arctic conditions. Sunscreen also comes in handy: the sun, reflected from the snow, affects our skin twice as much.

Shoes should not only be comfortable but necessarily waterproof. You will need rubber boots quite often, although there are now many modern footwear options that protect your feet from water but are much more comfortable.

Winter equipment

Winter conditions in the Arctic are very harsh. Fleece jackets, pants and even down vests will be relevant all year round, and serious down jackets are absolutely crucial in the spring and winter. But warm things do not have to be heavy — modern materials allow things to conserve heat and maintain ease of movement. We also advise you to choose windproof and waterproof outerwear. As for footwear, boots with a "stocking"-insert will suit well. They are designed to withstand temperatures down to –50°C.

Do not forget to bring a tourist backpack or bag not more than 100 litres and a flashlight with spare batteries. The sleeping bag should be designed for the bitterest cold. A tourist seat made of several layers of polyethene foam and a tourist mat at least 1 cm thick will prove quite useful on your Nordic trip.

If you are going rafting, even for the shortest distance, be sure to take two sets of clothes: for the rafting part and for camping. Your clothing should be made of quick-drying materials.

Travelling to the Arctic requires endurance, but if you are properly prepared for the trip with the appropriate equipment and gear, nothing can prevent you from getting an unforgettable experience and vivid emotions from your Arctic adventure.

Be sure to take it with you:
  • thermal underwear;
  • several pairs of wool socks;
  • sunglasses;
  • a sweatshirt and pants (e.g., fleece);
  • gloves and warm mittens on top;
  • a hat with ear-flaps;
  • sprain ointments.

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