What to Pack for the Arctic

To help plan your expedition, we’ve put together the ultimate Arctic cruise packing list.

Make sure you know exactly what to wear on an Arctic cruise – and what not to wear! – before you venture north of the Arctic Circle. 

It’s always best to be prepared. So, as veterans of polar exploration, we have put together this Arctic cruise packing list, answering all our guests’ pre-expedition packing questions. 

As well as what to wear in the Arctic, this guide includes our top 10 things to take to the Arctic, including advice on cameras, bags, and more. 

What to wear on an Arctic cruise

Well said, Mr Wainwright. 

What to wear in the Arctic is one of the first questions our guests ask after booking their Expedition Micro Cruise with us – along with what the weather will be like. 

First, the weather. In the early season, it is particularly cold. In Svalbard, it averages around -9°c in the spring (mid-March to April). Come summer, the temperature can get up to a positively balmy 7°c, which is quite a lot warmer than most first-time guests imagine. Autumn sits between the two. 

However, the weather in the Arctic is famously changeable. So, when considering what to wear on an Arctic cruise, it is best to pack for multiple eventualities so you are prepared for sudden precipitation, wind, and temperature changes.

The below clothing section of our Arctic cruise packing list focuses on the cruising season between spring and autumn, when our Expedition Micro Cruises and photography expeditions run to Svalbard (April–September) and Scoresbysund and the Northeast Greenland National Park in East Greenland (August–October).

As a general rule for winter cruise clothing, bring another layer and opt for a warmer outer layer.

Arctic cruise clothing 

• The base layer

Choose thermal underwear that keeps you warm without adding bulk (silk or polypropylene are most common), multiple pairs of tall, sturdy warm socks, and thinner polypropylene or merino wool socks.

• The mid-layer

Bring warm clothes like ski trousers, turtlenecks, fleece tops and bottoms, somewhat loose-fitting wool sweaters or a medium-weight polar fleece jacket, and waterproof trousers (Gore-Tex is a common example).

• The outer layer

Pack a fleece neck-buff, water-proof mittens with thin polypropylene gloves so that you can remove the mittens to operate your camera, hat, a breathable waterproof and windproof jacket (Gore-Tex to the rescue again!), and sturdy shoes with rubber waffle soles (not trainers).

Arctic cruise accessories

Our top 10 things to take to the Arctic: 

• Sunglasses with UV protection and strap (so they don’t fall off)

• Sunscreen, SPF lip balm, and moisturiser 

• Binoculars 

• Camera (30mm lens minimum, with extra memory cards/film, cleaning kit… and an extra camera in case of accidents)

• Small waterproof backpack (for camera and water bottle on shore walks and Zodiac cruises)

• Water bottle

• Walking sticks

• Chargers and extra batteries for all your tech

• Earplugs and eyemask (to ensure some shut eye even when the sun doesn’t set)

• Bathing suit (in case you decide to take on the Polar Plunge!)

If you take any regular medication, make sure to bring more than enough with you to allow for any delays.

What’s included in an Arctic cruise? 

With Secret Atlas expeditions, some gear is supplied for you. This depends on your particular expedition but can include rubber boots for shore landings and floatation suits. 

In addition, there’s no need to bring towels or bedding.

For a full rundown on what’s included, get in touch. 

Considerations when packing for the Arctic 

Even when planning an adventure to the Arctic, it is possible to purchase from brands moving towards sustainability. 

One such example is the clothing brand Patagonia. As well as making some of the highest-performing Arctic-ready clothing, they are known for their ethical practices and environmental activism. Like Secret Atlas, they are members of the 1% for the Planet initiative, donating a portion of their profits to environmental causes. 

We recommend all our guests consider the environmental impact of the items they buy and bring to the Arctic. When exploring these pristine environments, you will feel the urge to protect them, to protect our planet. Be one step ahead and pack for the Arctic with this in mind.