The Complete Guide

Arctic Sailing Packing List

What to bring on a Northern Norway sailing trip — clothing, gear, and essentials for every season.

The most common pre-trip question we receive after price is: what do I need to bring? Arctic sailing requires some specific gear that a warm-water holiday does not. But it does not require a specialised expedition wardrobe — it requires intelligent layering and a few key items.

This list is organised by category. At the end, we note what differs for specific products (Ski & Sail, Svalbard) and what the boat already provides so you do not overpack.

The Cardinal Rule: Layers, Not Bulk

The biggest mistake first-time Arctic sailors make is bringing one enormous coat and one enormous jumper. The right approach is multiple thinner layers that can be combined and separated as conditions change. On deck in a Norwegian summer, you might be comfortable in a t-shirt at noon and need three layers at midnight. The ability to adjust quickly is what keeps you comfortable.

Clothing — All Seasons

Base layers

• Thermal base layer top and bottom — merino wool preferred (manages moisture and odour better than synthetics for multi-day wear)
• Mid-weight thermal top for colder days

Mid layers

• Fleece jacket or midlayer — minimum one, ideally two
• Lightweight down or synthetic insulated jacket for cold evenings and winter trips

Outer layers

• Waterproof and windproof jacket (hardshell or 3-in-1). Essential. Norwegian weather is changeable.
• Waterproof trousers — for deck work and shore excursions in rain

Hands, head, neck

• Warm hat — wool or fleece
• Neck gaiter or buff — very useful on deck in wind
• Waterproof gloves or mittens — for spring, autumn, and winter sailing
• Sun hat — essential in summer (the sun is low but constant)

Footwear

• Non-slip deck shoes or sailing boots (rubber-soled, clean-soled — not the same shoes used for shore excursions)
• Sturdy waterproof hiking boots for shore excursions
• Warm socks — multiple pairs of wool hiking socks
• Sandals or lightweight shoes for on-boat comfort in summer

Personal Essentials

• Seasickness medication — even experienced sailors can be affected in choppy conditions. Bring it even if you think you will not need it.
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ — the midnight sun and the reflection off water produce surprising UV exposure
• Lip balm with SPF
• Personal medications (adequate supply plus backup in a separate bag)
• Headtorch with spare batteries
• Sunglasses — polarised preferred for reducing glare off water
• Small dry bag for valuables on shore excursions
• Camera with appropriate weather protection — salt air and spray are hard on electronics

What the Boat Provides

Boreal's boats are fully equipped. You do not need to bring:

• Bedding, duvets, pillows — all provided
• Towels — provided
• Cooking equipment and galley utensils
• Life jacket and safety harness — on board for all guests
• First aid kit
• Charts and navigation equipment
• Boat fenders, lines, and deck equipment

Additional Items for Ski & Sail

Everything above, plus:

• Touring skis, skins, ski boots, poles — bring your own or hire in Tromsø (Tromsø Outdoor and other shops carry a good range)
• Avalanche safety kit: beacon/transceiver, probe, shovel — mandatory. Hire available in Tromsø.
• Ski touring backpack (30–40 litres) — for carrying lunch, water, and safety kit on the mountain
• Ski goggles
• Helmet — recommended for ski touring
• Gaiters — essential for skinning through variable snow
• High-energy snacks for the mountain (the boat crew prepares packed lunches, but bring personal supplements if you have specific needs)

Additional Items for Svalbard

Everything in the core list, plus:

• Expedition-weight insulated jacket (down or synthetic) — Svalbard temperatures can be significantly colder than mainland Norway
• Insulated, waterproof expedition trousers
• Warm expedition gloves or mittens — in addition to regular waterproof gloves
• Rubber expedition boots or insulated sailing boots
• Binoculars — wildlife observation is central to the Svalbard experience. Bring a quality pair (8x42 or 10x42 minimum).
• Camera with telephoto lens — polar bears will be observed at 300–500 metre distances per 2025 regulations

What to Leave Behind

• Hard-sided suitcases — yachts have limited storage and it is compartmental. Soft bags and duffels stow much better.
• Excessive clothing — the boat has a dryer in most seasons. Five days of clothing is plenty for a week.
• Shoes with black soles — they mark teak decks. All deck footwear should have non-marking white or transparent rubber soles.
• Excessive electronics — the Arctic is a good place to disconnect. There is charging on board, but the priority is being present.

Final Notes

Boreal provides a detailed packing list specific to your trip when you confirm your booking. This page gives the general framework; the specific list will be adapted to your product, season, and destination.

Questions before your trip?

• → Contact us at post@boreal-yachting.com with any pre-departure questions
• → Tromsø Outdoor (Tromsø city centre) is our recommended partner for gear hire and purchase
• → We recommend arriving the night before departure to allow time for any last-minute kit