Use our Ultimate Arctic Packing List as a guide for what to bring along while you’re exploring the far north! We’ve filled this Arctic Packing List with our trail tested favorites and recommendations, plus lots of useful info on the best gear for adventuring in all of the Arctic’s conditions.

Our biggest piece of advice is to pack light and smart, and bring durable, multi use items that you can layer as temperatures and weather change (because they will)! Test and break in all your gear beforehand. No one knows you better than you, so if you tend to run cold, be sure to pack an extra layer or two.

We’re firm believers that there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate gear! Stocking up on quality gear from brands who are doing it right will make all the difference for enjoying all your adventures in the great outdoors.

1-2 THERMAL BASE LAYERs

A thin, snug fitting top and bottom set that you can wear underneath everything will help regulate your body temperature by wicking sweat away from your skin. We recommend merino wool or a sport synthetic fabric like polyester. We love these Smartwool tops and bottoms.

Kayaking LAYERs

For all our kayakers, you’ll be provided with a full length dry suit and a waterproof jacket. Under those layers you should wear a wicking base layer top and bottom along with a warm fleece.

4-5 PAIRS WARM HIKING SOCKS

Bring durable wool socks in a few different weights - lighter for the warmer days, and serious, heavy duty ones for colder days and nights. A few pairs of liner socks are great to help prevent blisters too! We love Darn Tough’s Hiker Boot Sock in Full Cushion.

SPORTS BRAS

Bring bras that provide support, feel comfortable against your skin, dry quickly and don't bind, smoosh or chafe.

UNDERWEAR

Bring as many pairs as you need to feel comfortable. Check out REI’s Merino Hipster Underwear which dry quickly and are great for adventuring! Note: While there is a laundry service aboard, it can be costly so most people choose to hand wash and air dry in their rooms.

DAYPACK

You’ll need a lightweight hiking backpack to wear every day to carry your water and extra layers. We recommend this day pack from Sea to Summit with your gear packed in dry bags for the most protection from the elements (whether that is rain from above or seaspray from the zodiac rides).

LARGE DUFFEL or suitcase

This will store all of your gear and clothing for the trip, and will be loaded onto the ship by staff prior to departure. We love The 95L North Face Base Camp Duffel

WATER BOTTLE

We love a wide mouth, refillable 1 L water bottle or Nalgene as they work best in the water refill stations

BUFF OR BANDANA

An all around great item to always have with you. You can use it as a neck gaiter, head band, sweat rag, etc. Plus, there are so many different fun designs to choose from!

POLARIZED SUNGLASSES

You have to protect your eyes from when the sun reflects off the snow and ice! Make sure they are UV-blocking and polarized. Check out these cute wrap around sunglasses from Goodr.

TREKKING POLES (optional)

For this adventure we recommend trekking poles only if you have difficulty getting around, as most of the time you’ll be on flat surfaces while on land. Our local partners will have some loaners on hand (1 pole per person) if you don’t want to bring your own. If you do decide to bring your own trekking poles, make sure they are collapsible for easy stashing and simple to adjust for up and downhill. Check out our faves at Leki.

BONUS: You get 20% off Leki poles for being a part of the WHOA family! Just use this special link and your discount will be automatically applied. (For free shipping use code FREE99 at checkout.)

SWIMSUIT

A must-have for the polar plunge or for those who like to relax in the onboard hot tub.

CAMERA + EXTRA BATTERIES

There are so many amazing photo ops, so if you’re a photo buff we highly recommend bringing your fancy camera and various lenses! No fancy camera? No problem! Modern smartphones have terrific cameras nowadays too, and the true magic of the Arctic will be captured in your memories. Remember to always pack your electronics in waterproof bags or cases. 

MEDS

Consult with your physician on any prescription medication you might need for this adventure, especially sea sickness medication or patches. Also consider bringing pain relievers, anti-histamines and anti-diarrheals. There will be no opportunities to purchase medication once you are on the ship, so make sure you have whatever you might need prior to boarding.

PASSPORT

Make sure it’s valid for 6 months after your adventure dates. Store it in a waterproof bag to keep it dry, and it’s always a good idea to travel with an extra photocopy of it.

Travel Insurance

All travelers are required to have medical travel insurance with medical evacuation included. For the Arctic especially, we recommend you get a “cancel for any reason” or CFAR policy. You can learn more about travel insurance here.

DRY BAGS

When preparing your gear, pack everything in dry bags (or silicone bags for smaller items), we’ll be in the elements so we want to make sure our gear is always protected! We also recommend bringing along different shapes and sizes of packing cubes to help organize and separate dirty clothing and gear.

For waterproofing your phone/passport/money, we recommend using a dry pouch.

SHOPPING BAG

We recommend bringing a small reusable shopping bag to eliminate the need to use a single-use plastic bag for snacks or souvenir stops. They’re also handy to have in case you need another bag to take on the plane.

FIRST AID

Our ship’s crew will have this stuff on hand, but make sure you have a compact kit with Neosporin, band-aids, moleskin, duct tape, antiseptic, etc. We like this one because it’s lightweight, waterproof, and has everything you might need.

SUNSCREEN + LIPSCREEN

This is a must have for being outside all day as the reflections off the snow and ice can be fierce! Bring a new, full tube with an SPF rating of 30+. We love Badger Sport sunscreen because it’s easy on the environment and your skin.

TOILETRIES

Don’t forget the travel essentials like travel sized deodorant, face wipes, hand sanitizer, masks, ear plugs, etc. Remember our pledge to keep single-use plastics out of the places we love, so pack reusable bottles and biodegradable products! Pack it all in this amazing upcycled toiletry bag from Green Guru!

LUGGAGE LOCK

Always lock your things! You’ll need one for your duffel or suitcase when you drop it off to be loaded on to the ship.

ADAPTER

Make sure you bring an adapter. Our ship will have type C electrical outlets, the same kind as European countries, with two circular pins.