WONDERING WHAT TO WEAR WHEN EXPLORING THE ARCTIC?

By following these guidelines you will be prepared to enjoy our outdoor activities at their fullest, as we locals say "there is not such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!"

Please read carefully this page, you will be happy you did it once out here in the wild!

The region of Tromsø lies between the Barents Sea and Lapland’s highlands, shifting from a coastal climate to a continental one, therefore weather and temperature can change frequently making your clothing choice rather difficult. Summers are typically between 10 to 15 Celsius, occasionally over 20 degrees. Winter temperatures vary from +5 to -30 Celsius. Layering is essential and the 3 layers principle is the way to go. Let’s be onions!

WINTER SEASON: YOU SHOULD DRESS WITH THESE LAYERS

Base layer: pants and upper body, preferably merino wool. Synthetic materials are also ok, but they just will not keep you as warm as wool does should you sweat and get moisty.

Insulation layer: a thick jumper made of fleece or preferably wool, even better if it has a high neck. Depending on how much you are used to the cold, you might want to have insulated pants as well.

Shell layer: if being warm is mandatory, remaining dry is as important. Let’s also not forget that we are in the Arctic after all, the winds are often crispy and sharp! Wind and water proof insulated pants and jacket are the best outer/shell layer. While on tour you will be provided with a thermal suit that will help you withstand the most frigid temperatures we might encounter, but you must have the necessary layering underneath.

Body extremities: hands, head and feet are where we loose the most heat. Therefore, having a hat, gloves and suitable boots is a must. We provide you with hand and foot warmers, but you need to have a good outer layer to keep that heat close to your skin!

Hands: mittens are warmer than gloves, as our fingers can keep each other warm. Consider to add a liner glove as well, especially for who is into photography as it can often be tricky to access your camera settings with thicker gloves/mittens. 

Feet: Footwear is the most crucial and hardest part of packing. You should wear a thin liner, under a thick pair of woolen socks. You must then wear insulated and waterproof boots. Wet feet, mean cold feet and frostbite is not something to underestimate! Depending on the time of the year, you might go along fine with regular hiking boots, but for the colder months (November to April) insulated hiking boots or even better insulated snow boots are mandatory. Have them with a rather high ankle, to hold more snow out of them (Sorel Caribou boots are a great example). When on tour you will be provided with either snap-on trail crampons or snow rackets, depending on the terrain conditions. Bear in mind that snow rackets (also known as snowshoes) are not footwear / shoes / boots, they are a piece of equipment that straps over your own boots to help you walk over deep snow without sinking in it! You must have your own appropriate boots. 

For ultimate comfort, wear a balaclava/ neck gaiter / scarf to hold cold winds off your neck.

EQUIPMENT INCLUDED IN THE TOURS

Arctic Photo Guide will provide you with thermal suits (adult sizes only, from XS to XXL), hand & foot warmers (to wear inside your own gloves and boots), depending on the terrain conditions either ice crampons or snow rackets (adult sizes only, from EU size 36 to 46), walking poles and head torches, as well as professional tripods for your own camera / mobile phone in case you would like to take your own awesome pictures from these remote corners of Earth!

Arrived at this point you may think that you are going to have a proper adventure, and I can tell you that adventure is going to be!

READY TO GET OUT ON TOUR?