What Should I Pack - Winter Edition (November to March)
& how cold does it really get... 🥶
Solveig
Tromsø, Norway
🥶 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?
