Planning what to pack for an Arctic wildlife expedition? You're about to embark on one of the world's most incredible adventures! But the Arctic's harsh conditions mean you need the right gear to stay warm, safe, and ready to spot amazing wildlife.
From polar bears to Arctic foxes, the wildlife encounters await, but only if you're properly prepared. Here's our top 10 list of absolute essentials that will keep you comfortable whilst tracking wildlife in one of Earth's most extreme environments.
We do provide a warm floating suite during the voyage, especially for our excursions onboard the zodiac inflatable boats. In addition we do have some advices for general clothing and what equipment to consider bringing.
1. Layered Clothing System
The secret to staying warm in the Arctic is all about layers! Think of yourself as building a personal heating system.
What You Need:
- Thermal base layer (merino wool works best)
- Fleece or down mid-layer
- Waterproof outer jacket
Start with a thin thermal layer next to your skin, add a warm fleece jumper, then top it off with a windproof jacket. You can add or remove layers as the temperature changes throughout your wildlife watching day.
Top Tip: Never wear cotton! It gets wet and stays wet, which will leave you freezing cold.
2. Insulated Waterproof Boots
Your feet are going to get the coldest first, so proper boots are absolutely essential for any Arctic expedition.
Key Features:
- Rated for at least -20°C
- Completely waterproof
- Good grip for icy surfaces
- Room for thick socks
Look for boots that come up to your ankles and have removable liners you can dry out. You'll be walking on ice, snow, and wet surfaces whilst tracking wildlife, so make sure they've got excellent grip.
3. Warm Hat and Gloves
You lose loads of body heat through your head and hands, so keeping them covered is crucial for staying comfortable during long wildlife watching sessions.
Essential Items:
- Thick woolly hat that covers your ears
- Waterproof insulated gloves
- Thin liner gloves for camera work
Pack a spare pair of gloves too! You'll be taking them off frequently to operate cameras and binoculars, and it's easy to drop them in the snow.
4. High-Quality Binoculars
Spotting Arctic wildlife often means looking across vast distances. A good pair of binoculars will help you see polar bears, seals, and birds much more clearly.
What to Look For:
- 8x42 magnification (perfect balance)
- Waterproof coating
- Comfortable neck strap
- Lightweight design
Don't go for super high magnification as it's harder to keep steady in windy conditions. 8x42 binoculars give you great detail whilst being easy to use.
5. Camera Equipment and Extra Batteries
You'll see incredible wildlife and scenery that you'll want to capture forever! But Arctic conditions are tough on camera equipment.
Camera Essentials:
- Weather-sealed camera body
- Extra batteries (lots of them!)
- Memory cards
- Waterproof camera bag
- Lens cleaning cloth
Cold weather drains batteries incredibly fast. Keep spare batteries warm in your inside jacket pocket, and bring at least twice as many as you think you'll need.
6. Sun Protection Gear
This might sound odd for the Arctic, but sun protection is absolutely vital! Snow and ice reflect sunlight, creating intense glare that can damage your eyes and skin.
Protection Essentials:
- High factor sunscreen (factor 30+)
- UV protection sunglasses
- Lip balm with SPF
Even on cloudy days, the reflection off white snow can cause serious sunburn. Don't skip this step, no matter how cold it feels!
7. Waterproof Day Pack
You'll need somewhere to carry your daily essentials whilst out wildlife watching. A good day pack keeps everything organised and accessible.
Pack Features:
- 20-30 litre capacity
- Waterproof or with rain cover
- Multiple pockets
- Comfortable straps
Pack your camera, snacks, water bottle, spare gloves, and emergency supplies. Keep it light enough that you can comfortably carry it for several hours.
8. Personal First Aid Kit
Arctic expeditions often take you far from medical help, so being prepared for minor injuries and health issues is essential.
First Aid Essentials:
- Plasters and bandages
- Painkillers
- Motion sickness tablets
- Any personal medications
- Emergency contact details
Include blister plasters as well! New boots and long walks can cause uncomfortable blisters that could ruin your expedition.
9. Power Bank and Chargers
Cold weather is murder on electronic devices. Your phone, camera, and GPS will drain much faster than normal in Arctic conditions.
Power Essentials:
- High-capacity power bank
- Charging cables for all devices
- Universal plug adapter
- Waterproof storage bag
Keep power banks warm in your jacket pocket and charge everything fully each night. Consider bringing two power banks for longer expeditions.
10. Emergency and Survival Kit for the Arctic
Arctic conditions can change quickly, and being prepared for emergencies could save your life during remote wildlife expeditions.
Safety Essentials:
- Emergency blanket
- Whistle
- Multi-tool with knife
- Fire starting materials
- Emergency food bars
Hopefully you'll never need these items, but they're essential safety gear for any serious Arctic expedition. Pack them in an easily accessible part of your day pack.
Conclusion: What To Pack for An Arctic Wildlife Expedition
Now you know what to pack for an Arctic wildlife expedition! Remember, it's always better to pack too much warm gear than too little. You can't pop to the shops when you're tracking polar bears in the middle of nowhere!
Test all your gear before you go. Try on your full layering system, make sure your boots fit properly with thick socks, and check that your camera works in cold conditions.
Most importantly, pack with excitement! You're about to experience some of the world's most incredible wildlife in their natural Arctic habitat. With the right gear, you'll stay comfortable and safe whilst creating memories that will last a lifetime.
The Arctic is waiting for you - now you're ready to explore it properly!