The Complete Guide
Arctic sailing packing list
What to bring on a Northern Norway sailing trip: clothing, gear and essentials for every season.
An Arctic sailing packing list for a Boreal Yachting charter in Northern Norway or Svalbard needs layered clothing, waterproofs and season-specific extras rather than a specialist expedition wardrobe. Boreal, an AECO member and Eco-Lighthouse certified operator sailing since 2003, runs trips year-round, so requirements vary between winter northern lights, spring Ski & Sail and summer voyages.
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After price, this is the question we hear most before departure: what do I need to bring? Arctic sailing calls for gear a warm-water holiday does not. It does not, however, call for a specialised expedition wardrobe. It calls for sensible layering and a short list of key items.
This list is organised by category. At the end, we note what differs for Ski & Sail and Svalbard trips, and what the boat already provides, so you do not overpack.
Should you pack one heavy coat or several layers?
Pack several thinner layers rather than one heavy coat, since conditions on deck can shift from a t-shirt at noon to three layers at midnight.
The most common mistake first-time Arctic sailors make is packing one enormous coat and one enormous jumper. The better approach is several thinner layers that can be combined and separated as conditions change. On deck in a Norwegian summer, a t-shirt may suit noon while three layers suit midnight. Being able to adjust quickly is what keeps you comfortable.
Clothing for 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 does Boreal Yachting provide on board?
Boreal's boats provide bedding, towels, cooking equipment, life jackets, first aid kits and navigation and deck equipment, so guests do not need to bring these items.
Boreal's boats are fully equipped. There is no 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
What extra gear do you need for Ski & Sail?
For Ski & Sail, bring or hire touring skis, an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel, a touring backpack, and ski-specific clothing, in addition to the core list.
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)
What extra gear do you need for Svalbard?
For Svalbard, add an expedition-weight insulated jacket and trousers, warm expedition gloves, expedition boots and binoculars, since temperatures run colder than mainland Norway.
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 should you leave at home?
Leave behind hard-sided suitcases, excessive clothing, black-soled shoes and excess electronics — the boat has limited storage and a dryer, and black soles mark teak decks.
- 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 once you confirm your booking. This page sets out the general framework. The specific list is 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
- → See what is an Arctic-adapted boat for how the vessel itself is equipped for these conditions
Start planning your Arctic journey.
Tell us what you have in mind. We will come back to you within two working days with a considered answer — not a template.