What Should I Pack - Winter Edition (November to March)

🥶 Arctic Conditions Overview:

• Temperatures: -5 to -20°C (can feel much colder when windy)

• Challenges: Staying warm while inactive (e.g. aurora watching at night), ice, short daylight (2–5 hrs)

🧳 My Packing Formula for Winter:

The Essentials: most of our clothes are from Decathlon or Uniqlo (affordable and they work just fine, no need to break the bank when shopping for clothes for your next winter trip).

• Proper winter coat (down or insulated parka): especially if you're planning to go northern lights hunting as you'll often have to stand still for hours at night.

• Thermal base layers (top and bottom): Merino wool is best for warmth control.

• Fleece or wool mid-layer (jumper or down sweater)

• Waterproof & insulated snow pants (ski trousers are ideal, you're less likely to feel cold if your clothes stay dry)

• Wool socks (bring 2–3 pairs minimum): Change them if wet. Feet sweat and then freeze.

• Waterproof Insulated Snow boots with grip (insulated): Ordinary boots won’t cut it. You can find good enough snow boots under £20 in outdoors shop like Decathlon.

• Warm Beanie (ideally one that can cover your ears)

• Waterproof gloves (bring two pairs just in case one gets wet)

• Neck warmer (blocks wind & can also double as face mask)

• Swimsuit (for Arctic sea or sauna dips)

• Head torch (for hikes or dark evenings, sun sets by 2-3 PM on the shortest days of the year. Stay safe.

Don’t worry about dressing "cute" — warm > stylish here.

Optional (but good to have):

• Hand / feet warmers (some northern lights tours will include them)

• Camera Tripod (for capturing the auroras like a pro, trust me you won't regret using a tripod for your northern lights photos)

• Crampons / micro spikes (for icy sidewalks, pavement & hiking trails, optional but very useful)

Pro Tip: Most winter tours provide arctic suits + boots — check on the tours' descriptions before packing. Avoid cotton as it traps moisture and cools you down.

Winter Rental Tip: Check if your northern lights or whale watching tour includes thermal suits & boots.

Winter Luggage Tips:

• Use a rolling suitcase if city-based, or backpack if doing more rural travel

Did you find these tips useful?