A complete Arctic trip packing checklist covering clothing, boots, gloves, camera gear, medication, documents, luggage, and destination-specific adjustments.

What to Pack for an Arctic Trip: Complete Checklist for 2026

This is the checklist page. For a deeper explanation of how Arctic layers work, read the Arctic layer-system packing guide.

Use this list for winter trips to Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, Alaska, Svalbard, and similar cold-weather destinations. Adjust for your activity level and whether operators provide outer suits.

Clothing Checklist

Base Layers

2-3 thermal tops
2 thermal bottoms
Merino or synthetic underwear
3-5 pairs wool socks
Optional liner socks for blister prevention

Mid Layers

Fleece jacket or wool jumper
Warmer fleece or light insulated jacket
Comfortable trousers for travel days
Warm leggings or softshell trousers for active days

Outer Layers

Warm insulated parka or down/synthetic jacket
Windproof and waterproof shell
Insulated winter trousers or ski trousers
Waterproof overtrousers for wet coastal trips if needed

Hands, Head, and Feet

Insulated winter boots with grippy soles
Thin liner gloves
Warm mittens
Spare gloves
Warm hat covering ears
Neck gaiter
Balaclava or face covering for wind
Sunglasses
Goggles for snowmobile or windy activities

Activity Gear

Aurora Watching

Headlamp with red-light mode
Hand warmers and toe warmers
Thermos or insulated bottle
Small sitting pad if waiting outside
Microspikes if pavements and paths are icy

Photography

Camera with manual mode and RAW
Wide fast lens
Tripod
Remote release or timer
Spare batteries kept warm
Memory cards
Lens cloths
Dry bag or zip pouch for snow
Power bank

Snow Activities

Thin socks for activity days if boots are tight
Breathable mid layer
Buff or neck gaiter that fits under helmets
Swimsuit for saunas, hot springs, or hotel pools

Toiletries and Health

Lip balm
Moisturiser
Sunscreen for snow reflection
Personal medication
Basic pain relief
Blister plasters
Motion sickness tablets for boat trips if needed
Small first-aid kit
Prescription copies where relevant

Cold, wind, and dry indoor heating can be harsh on skin. Lip balm and moisturiser are not optional comfort items for many travellers.

Documents and Money

Passport
Travel insurance details
Driving licence and international permit if required
Booking confirmations
Emergency contacts
Payment card plus backup card
Small amount of local cash where useful
Offline maps
Copies of key documents stored separately

Electronics

Phone and charger
Power bank
Plug adapter
Camera charger
Spare camera batteries
E-reader or offline entertainment for weather delays
Downloaded maps, tickets, and translation tools

Keep electronics warm when outside. Phone batteries can drop quickly during aurora waits.

Luggage

Soft duffel bags are often easier than hard suitcases for cabins, small transfers, and snowy paths. Use packing cubes or dry bags to separate base layers, socks, and wet items.

Bring a small daypack for tours. It should fit spare gloves, water, snacks, camera batteries, and an extra layer.

Destination Adjustments

Iceland

Prioritise windproof and waterproof layers. Winter can be wet, windy, and changeable rather than consistently deep-cold.

Northern Norway

Pack for coastal wind, snow, and standing still on aurora chases. If staying outside Tromso, bring microspikes for icy paths.

Finnish and Swedish Lapland

Expect drier cold and lower temperatures. Insulated boots, mittens, and face protection become more important.

Svalbard

Follow operator guidance closely. Conditions, safety requirements, and activity equipment are more specialised.

Canada and Alaska

Deep cold can be serious. Prioritise boots, mittens, face covering, and battery management.

What Not to Pack

Cotton base layers
Fashion boots with smooth soles
Too many bulky jumpers instead of technical layers
Umbrella for windy snow destinations
A new camera you have never practised with
Tight boots with no room for warm socks
Large amounts of cash in card-friendly destinations

Final Pre-Trip Check

Try the full outfit before departure: base layer, mid layer, jacket, trousers, boots, gloves, hat, and bag. Make sure you can walk, sit, zip pockets, use your phone, and operate your camera.

The best packing list is not the longest. It is the one that keeps you warm, dry, mobile, and able to enjoy long periods outside after dark.