Planning a trip to witness the Northern Lights in Finland, Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Canada, or Alaska? Get ready for a thrilling experience! To make the most of your adventure, packing right is crucial. Here’s a practical Northern lights adventure packing guide to help you prepare.
Clothing
- Base Layers
- Thermal underwear (tops and bottoms)
- Wool or synthetic socks (multiple pairs)
2. Middle Layers
- Fleece or wool sweaters
- Insulated pants
3. Outer Layers
- Down or synthetic insulated jacket
- Waterproof and windproof shell jacket and pants
4. Accessories
- Warm hat (preferably windproof)
- Scarf or neck gaiter
- Insulated gloves or mittens
- Glove liners
- Warm, waterproof boots with good insulation
5. Additional Clothing
- Extra socks and underwear
- Comfortable clothing for indoors (such as sweaters and pants)
- Swimsuit (if you plan to use hot tubs or saunas)
Equipment
- Photography Gear
- Camera with manual settings capability
- Tripod
- Extra batteries (batteries drain faster in cold weather)
- Memory cards
- Lens cloth (to deal with condensation)
2. Personal Items
- Passport and travel documents
- Travel insurance
- Credit/debit cards and some cash
- Copies of important documents
Health and Comfort
- Personal Care Items
- Lip balm (preferably with SPF)
- Moisturizer
- Hand warmers and toe warmers
- Sunscreen (the sun can be strong even in winter, especially if there’s snow)
- Prescription medications
- First aid kit
2. Other Essentials
- Sunglasses (to protect against glare from the snow)
- Water bottle (insulated if possible)
- Snacks (high-energy options like nuts and dried fruits)
- Backpack for day trips
Optional but Useful Items
- Tech Gear
- Power bank
- Plug adapter (check the plug types for the countries you’re visiting)
- Headlamp or flashlight
2. Outdoor Gear
- Snowshoes or crampons (depending on activities)
- Hot water bottle (for added warmth at night)
3. Comfort Items
- Travel pillow
- Books or e-reader for downtime
Travel Tips
- Layering: Dress in layers to manage varying temperatures and activities.
- Footwear: Ensure your boots are broken in before your trip to avoid blisters.
- Weather: Check the weather forecast for each location and adjust your packing accordingly.
- Local Services: Some lodges and tour operators may provide specialized gear for extreme conditions, so check in advance to avoid overpacking.
By packing these essentials, you’ll be prepared to enjoy your Northern Lights adventure in comfort and safety.