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Alot of what you need will depend on the season you go in and the plans you have there. We went in June/ July with temperatures around a high of 2-5oC and low of -2oC to 2oC. We did have temperatures warmer than that on some days on account of the strong sun and low winds. Some days it got as warm as 7oC. Some days with the wind chill it got cold at the top deck looking for whales. Layers, always are your friend along with some good outdoor waterproof gear.
We had a 10 day trip planned of which one night was partial day and night in Oslo. Oslo was warm and sunny when we were there – around 20oC so planning for some clothing for warmer weather when travelling to and from UK and for around Oslo was useful.
For any landings/boat trips a set of pre supplied muck boots, hi vis jacket and buoyancy aid was mandatory.
How to Pack and Organize Your Arctic Cruise Luggage
I packed into a large osprey rucksack with a waterproof cover that allowed the straps to be zipped away. I used packing cubes to held organise the space and to try and avoid a giant jumble of clothes. It was just easier moving luggage around like that than a suitcase. It also collapsed down small as I wasn’t sure how much room I would have in the cabin. I packed pretty extensively as once you leave the main town of Longyearbyen, popping to the shops to grab forgotten items isn’t really a thing!
Svalbard Packing List: Essential Arctic Clothing and Gear
Footwear:
- Walking trainers/comfortable shoes/ work out wear – for around towns and for inside the ship and the gym
- Thermal lined boots – we were given muck boots for landing but these were great for chillier days outside on the decks of the ship
- Flip flops/ sliders – we had hot tubs and a sauna on the ship so these were useful
Outerwear and Cold-Weather Accessories
- Thermal socks
- Lining gloves
- Thermal gloves
- Waterproof gloves
- Neck buffs that can be pulled right up over face or used as a light hat
- Waterproof thermal hat
- Wet weather trousers
- Wet weather jacket – though we had a complimentary one supplied that we kept
- Sunglasses – we bought specific category 4 – these aren’t legal to drive in so you have to search them out but the glare from the bright white snow and ice is real.
Mid-Layers and Onboard Ship Clothing
- Mid layer jacket – I had a Rab microlight alpine which was warm but that packed down small volume wise.
- 2 thinner fleece jumpers
- 1 thin fleece body warmer
- 3 x walking style trousers – I lived in my Craghoppers kiwi pros
- 7 x thin t shirt style tops – for on the ship at meal times but could be added over baselayer if needed
Thermal Base Layers and Underwear
- 3 x thermal trousers – combination of baselayers and thermal running trousers
- 5 x thermal tops
- Under wear
- Swimwear and goggles
- Pyjamas
Essential Non-Clothing Items, Electronics, and Medication
Non clothing:
- All travel documents including insurance
- Money/ payment cards
- Waterproof pouch for phone/ cards
- Headphones
- Music source- phone/MP3
- Binoculars- ideally waterproof and rated for the cold
- Camera – with spare battery as the cold drains batteries quicker
- All medication prescribed along with basic painkillers, seasickness, any other medication you might need (within limits of law etc)
- First aid kit – bandages, wound cleaning, gloves, dental filling emergency kit (there was a medic and medical centre on board our ship)
- Notepad and pen
- Ear plugs and sleep mask (midnight sun can be a challenge)
- Tablet PC/ books
- Sanitary items if needed (or even pack just in case!)
- Chargers cables/ conversion plugs depending on ship
- Toiletries
- Bag(s) for dirty washing
I kept a small amount of clothing including some base layers and gloves etc in my hand luggage in case my main case got lost (it didn’t) but not having outdoor and thermal clothing would really limit your options. I didn’t take a lot of things bar music or books to entertain me. In all honestly after a busy day or having got up at random times for wildlife spotting in the night I was tired anyway!
If anyone has any further questions then please email at natureboundjournals@gmail.com
I’d love to help, if I can.