12 Items You Need for a Northern Lights Adventure
Preparation will make all the difference when chasing the northern lights from the snowy expanses of Norway to Iceland’s volcanic terrains to the quiet wilds of Canada. Packing the right items brings you one step closer to a memorable Northern Light experience.
Staying warm in the freezing temperatures is just one essential. There are many more angles to the experience and neglecting any could potentially cut the fun short and keep you from enjoying the experience. So next time you’re packing up to go, check back here and be sure you have all you need.
Warm Layers
You’ll soon find that layers are your best friend in Arctic temperatures. Wear thermal base layers, fleece, and insulated outerwear. Cotton is to be avoided as it traps moisture and will leave you chilled to the bone. Buy merino wool or synthetics that keep you warm and dry. It’s better to peel off a layer or two if you’re warm than to wish you’d brought that extra sweater.
Sturdy Winter Boots
Cold feet are no laughing matter; they can spoil the fun if you’re not careful. A solid pair of insulated, waterproof winter boots will have you confident, trekking through ice or driving through snowbanks. Thick socks (wool if you can) will keep you warm, and if you’re fancy, you can the ones with heated insoles.
Gloves
Your hands deserve love too. Make sure the gloves you go for are waterproof and insulated. If you’re futzing with your camera, consider a thinner lined glove so you can use the buttons without risking frostbite. Touchscreen-friendly tips on some gloves even allow you to check your aurora forecasts on your phone without your fingers freezing off.
Headlamp
If you’re chasing the Northern Lights, you’ll be wandering into some pitch dark places. A red light option on a headlamp is a lifesaver; You can see just enough to get by, but not enough to ruin your night vision. With one strapped to your forehead, you’ll also look like a professional explorer.
Portable Power Banks
Snapping photos, checking maps, and monitoring the aurora forecast will drain your devices faster than you expect. So, grab a high-capacity power bank (or two, or more), and you’ll keep everything charged. Bonus points if it’s made to survive freezing temperatures.
Tripod
If you’re taking a camera along, don’t forget the tripod. To capture the Northern Lights, you need long exposure shots which means the camera must remain steady for an extended period. If you’re toting a tripod, make sure it’s an outdoor tripod and can withstand the cold, otherwise, you’ll end up with blurry pictures and a side of disappointment.
Camera and Lenses
If you need to capture the experience, your smartphone will have to suffice, but for real justice, you’ll need a DSLR or mirrorless camera. If you want as much sky as possible in your frames, just pair it with a wide-angle lens. Don’t forget to brush up on your night photography skills though before you go out!
Hot Drinks and Snacks
Waiting for the lights to appear may take a while so bring snacks or a warm drink. If, by chance, your hotel doesn’t provide coffee: pack a thermos full of your favorite tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. It’s hard work staying out in the cold, so be sure to add some hearty snacks like trail mix, granola bars, or chocolate to keep your energy up.
Hand and Toe Warmers
These small but powerful single-use heat packs are perfect for tucking into your gloves and boots to provide instant warmth. The good news is that they are small enough to carry in your pockets and pull out when you need them.
Weather-Appropriate Gear
You’ll be comfortable and focused on the sky when you’re dressed appropriately for the cold with gear that suits the Arctic environment – from balaclavas to windproof jackets. A good pair of ski goggles might even protect your eyes on especially windy nights.
Patience
The Northern Lights don’t operate on a timetable, so you might have to wait a while before they appear. Find a cozy spot, get comfortable, and wrap yourself up in layers to stay warm. Sometimes, the magic happens when you least expect it, so be patient and enjoy the moment. After all, the best things in life are worth the wait, aren’t they?
A Sense of Wonder
Finally, don’t forget to bring your sense of awe. The Northern Lights are a natural wonder and a moment of pure magic. Take your camera down, take a deep breath, and enjoy it all. You’ll be telling this story for years to come.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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