Get Ready for Your Arctic Expedition!
- Sharon Mackay
- Jul 27
- 6 min read
Kat’s Guide to Dressing for an Arctic Expedition
EQUIPMENT AND CHECKLIST
Consider your equipment choices carefully as it will be critical in ensuring your maximum enjoyment of the polar regions in any
conditions. Note there are many combinations of clothing that are suitable. The below will provide you with a guide for essential clothing. If you are unsure about your clothing choices please contact Kat and she will be happy to talk you through it.
As we will be taking part in part of the kayaking program, all specific kayaking equipment will be supplied on arrival into Lonyearbyen and will be used in conjunction with the below equipment.
There will also be time to purchase clothing in Longyearbyne prior to your departure. There are many fantastic clothing choices that are perfect for Arctic conditions.
EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING ON AN EXPEDITION CRUISE
The mean temperatures in Longyearbyen in July is +4 Degrees Celsius. This is the “warmer” time of year in the archipelago and can result in small amounts of precipitation. This means outer waterproof layers are critical. In other parts of the archipelago, the temperatures are most likely a few degrees below the mean temperatures in Longyearbyen. Please also be aware of the wind chill factor, which takes wind speeds and humidity into account, to assess how the human body actually feels temperature. The 'feels like' temperature is often much lower than the actual air temperature shown on a weather forecast.
It is critical that you dress in layers; it allows you to easily adjust to variations in temperature. Wear three layers or more.
The purpose of the layers?
1. To get rid of perspiration.
2. Insulate you from the cold.
3. Protect you against the wind (and water).
The layering method also allows you to easily adjust your clothing when the weather and temperatures change.
When going ashore by Zodiacs, make sure to wear wind and waterproof jacket/trousers and tall rubber
boots. Below you will find some instructions on how to dress in a polar climate, followed by an equipment checklist.
THE BASE-LAYER
The layer closest to your skin must rid any perspiration from your body and keep you dry and warm.
Recommended clothing includes wool or synthetic fabrics. Cotton should never be worn close to the
body.
THE MID-LAYER
This layer provides insulation and retains body heat without restricting movement. Fleece or wool
clothing is suitable for this layer. It is better to wear several thin layers than one thick layer. On cold
days you may need extra insulation. This way you control your body temperature.
THE OUTER LAYER
The main function of this layer is to offer protection against wind and water, but also to let out excess
body heat. Therefore, it is good to use breathable materials such as Gore-Tex or similar.
THE TOP
Your head is like the body’s funnel, and we always recommend bringing a warm and windproof hat.
Make sure it covers your ears! Preferable materials are synthetic fibres or wool.
HANDS AND FEET
These parts of your body are particularly sensitive. It is important to keep hands and feet dry and
warm. The same layering method applies here. Use inner gloves made of synthetic fibre, silk or wool
and cover with a wind/waterproof mitten. Mittens are much warmer than gloves. Please remember to
bring an extra pair of mittens. You should wear inner socks of synthetic fibre and cover with layers of
wool or synthetic socks. A pair of warm, solid and knee-high rubber boots is the secret weapon when
going ashore with the Zodiacs. It is also wise to bring wool insoles.
If you are considering bringing special equipment of any kind, please contact the office before
travelling.
CHECKLIST ESSENTIALS
Passport.
Medicine (if applicable) to last the entire trip.
LUGGAGE
1 soft bag – a large backpack or soft duffel bag for clothes and equipment to check-in. A soft bag
is recommended as it is easily stored in your cabin.
1 backpack – small and preferably water proof / resistant, to use in the Zodiacs and during shore excursions. Dry bags are great
LAYERS
Inner gloves – wool, synthetic or silk.
Gloves – water and windproof (bring extra pair).
Base-layer top and trousers – wool or synthetic fibre.
Warm sweater / Jacket – wool or fleece.
Warm socks x 4 – wool or synthetic fibre.
Jacket – water and windproof for example Gore-Tex.
Trousers – water and windproof for example Gore-Tex.
Hat / Beanie – warm and windproof that covers your ears.
FOOTWEAR
Waterproof rubber boots or Muck boots – (Mandatory). These will be provided to you upon arrival in Lonyearbyen. If you prefer to bring your own, please ensure they are comfortable with two layers of socks (or are insulated), are fully waterproof and high enough to cover mid way up your shin.
Hiking boots if you prefer not to walk in rubber boots after landing, this is optional. (note: Kat did not wear hiking boots on her trip - always Muck boots)
Regular shoes/sneakers to wear on board the ship, with sturdy rubber soles to avoid slipping.
CAMERA EQUIPMENT
Phone / Camera & memory cards.
Waterproof bags to protect your camera from getting wet during zodiac boat cruises.
Cleaning cloth for camera lenses.
Charger & extra batteries to the camera as the cold makes batteries discharge faster.
IN ADDITION, WE RECOMMEND
A good pair of binoculars enhances the experience, as many animals are seen from a distance. (this is highly recomended - you will use them all day/ every day)
Sunscreen with high sun protection factor for face and lips.
Sunglasses, preferably with a sunglasses strap, so you do not drop them in the water.
Motion sickness medicine – pills, wrist bands or patches for seasickness.
Pen & notebook
Swimwear in case you get the opportunity to take a polar plunge.
Water bottle.
Eye mask – the midnight sun reigns supreme.
Ear plugs.
Heat packs for your gloves or boots, if you know that your hands and feet easily get cold.
Walking sticks for those who want extra support in the often hilly terrain. Please note that they must be foldable and stored in the checked-in luggage.
Layer Like a Legend – Kat’s Guide to Dressing for the Arctic
Thats a lot of information above. Don’t worry, I’ve done the trial run so you don’t have to freeze figuring it out. Whether you’re zipping across frozen fjords in a zodiac, hiking tundra terrain, or paddling through iceberg alley, here’s how I dressed for comfort, warmth, and adventure.
There are 3 activities you need to dress for.....
1. Zodiac Cruising – Red Suit
Think: cold, windy, splashy, and sitting still = chilly quickly.
Base layers:
Wool socks (2 pairs)
Thermal bottoms + ski pants
Thermal top (1 or 2, depending on forecast)
Fleece layer + puffer vest
Outer layers:
The red zodiac suit (provided) – goes over everything
Muck boots (provided) – go on after the red suit
Life jacket (provided) – worn last
Accessories:
Neck buff / fleece gaiter
Warm beanie (cover those ears!)
Optional fleece headband under beanie
Waterproof/warm gloves + thermal / wool liners
Polarised sunnies
Binoculars & camera/phone (musts!)
Kat tip:
You’re sitting still for 2–3 hours—layer up like you’re about to sit in a fridge on a speedboat.
2. Shore Landings – Hike It or Like It
Some time in the zodiac, but mostly exploring on land—could be an easy wander or a proper hike.
Feet:
Wool socks (2 pairs)
Short walk: Thermal bottoms + ski pants
Hiking: Thermal bottoms + hiking pants + waterproof hiking overpants
Top half:
Thermal top (1 or 2), fleece, puffer vest
Add a puffy jacket if needed
Waterproof hiking jacket (essential!)
Extras:
Neck gaiter, beanie (and optional fleece ear warmer)
Gloves: thermal liners + waterproof outers
Polarised sunnies
Small waterproof backpack (carry spare gloves, water, snacks, camera, layers)
Footwear:
Muck boots (provided)
Life jacket (only while in the zodiac)
Kat tip:
You don’t wear the red suit on land—so waterproof outer layers are key! And bring a backpack to stash layers as the weather shifts.
3. Kayaking – Paddle Power with Polar Style
Active, damp, and unforgettable. The gear is supplied, but what’s underneath matters!
Base layers:
Wool socks (1–2 pairs)
Thermal bottoms + fleece pants
Thermal top (1–2), fleece, puffer vest
Head & Hands:
Neck gaiter/buff
Beanie + optional fleece headband
Waterproof/warm paddling gloves
Supplied kayaking gear:
Kayaking dry suit
Poggies (paddle gloves)
Spray skirt, PFD, double sea kayak & paddle
Kat tip:
Paddling works up heat—so don’t overdress underneath the dry suit. Just enough to stay warm when you stop.
Extra Kat Tips
The little things that make a big difference:
Layers = happiness – make them easy to peel off or add.
Gloves: Test that you can use your camera/phone with your liners on. I wore my liners on both hands and a big warm glove just on the left hand—perfect combo.
Lip balm & buffs (aka hankies): Bring 3+ of each. Tuck a buff and lip balm into your red suit and waterproof jacket pockets—you’ll thank yourself later.
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