13 Essential Items for a Northern Lights Adventure

Every Northern Lights adventure is truly a dream come true as you gaze upon a sky lit up by green, purple, and pink swirls. You could be headed to Alaska, Norway, or Iceland to catch this wonder, but no matter where you go, it is important to pack the essentials.

Here are some things needed to prepare for the harsh, unpredictable Arctic environment before planning a successful trip to the upper regions of the earth.

Warm Insulated Jacket

Any Northern Lights trip requires an insulated jacket. These northern environments can be bitterly cold with temperatures dropping below freezing, so you’ll need a coat to keep you warm. Jackets with down or synthetic insulation are what you want to look out for. “When temperatures get into the single digits or below, a good jacket is your best friend,” says expert climatologist Dr. Emily Thompson. Your jacket should be able to trap heat, while still allowing enough breathability to keep you comfortable during those long waits outside.

Portable Power Bank

It’s easy to drain your devices quickly. If you’re planning on being out in the elements for any length of time, a portable power bank is a lifesaver. Make sure you have a high-capacity one so you can charge your phone and camera a few times before needing to go back inside.

Warm Gloves and Hat

Your hands and head are often the first to feel the cold, so it’s important to protect them. Pick warm, but dexterous gloves like insulated mittens with removable liners. A thick knitted or fleece hat is best for your head. A lot of your body heat escapes from your head, so covering your head is an easy way to stay warm.

Headlamp or Flashlight

The Northern Lights are a wonderful sight to behold, but the surrounding areas are usually pitch black for much of the night. You’ll need a headlamp or flashlight to get you through snowy terrain or icy roads. Go for one with a red light option to help save your night vision and not disturb other light seekers.

Camera with Tripod

If you want to catch the Northern Lights, you’ll need more than your smartphone. If you have a good camera with manual settings you can adjust exposure times for those longer exposure shots that really let the colors of the Aurora Borealis shine. You’ll also want to keep the camera still for those longer exposures, so a sturdy tripod is just as important.

Extra Batteries

Batteries hate cold weather, so bring lots of extras for your camera, headlamp, etc. Battery life can be halved when the temperature drops, so it’s best to keep your batteries in an inside pocket close to your body for added warmth.

Sturdy Footwear

In the Arctic, a solid pair of boots is non-negotiable. Cold, wet feet can quickly ruin your trip, so choose insulated and waterproof boots. Ensure they’re tall enough to keep the snow out and have a nonslip sole to help you get about on icy ground. Good boots are key to keeping your feet warm and dry. This is one piece of equipment that you want to invest in.

Layered Clothing

One of the secrets to staying warm in the Arctic chill is layering. Your moisture-wicking base layer, insulating middle layer, like fleece or down, and waterproof, windproof outer layer are the first steps to an appropriate warm clothing system. The great thing about layering is that you can take things on and off as your body temperature changes.

Hot Drinks

A thermos of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee will keep you warm from the inside out, plus, watching the sky while sipping a steaming drink is magical. An Icelandic guide once said, “The aurora warms the soul; the cocoa warms everything else.”

Weatherproof Backpack

One often forgotten necessity for a Northern Lights trip is a weatherproof backpack. It will not only keep the gear dry, but also a safe space for the camera, extra clothes and other valuable necessities. Make sure it has compartments so you can keep your stuff organized and get to it quickly even when it’s dark. In fact, you may even want one with a hydration system built into it, which can be useful if you’re out for several hours.

Sunglasses

Though the main event happens at night, the sun can pop out for a few minutes, and in areas with snow, your eyes need to be protected from UV rays with sunglasses. Always pack a pair of polarized lenses which are great for reducing glare and seeing clearly. Even if you don’t think you’ll need them at night, the Arctic landscape has a way of surprising you.

Emergency Kit

Nobody wants to think about the worst case scenario, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. A small emergency kit can be a life saver in emergencies. This might be a first aid kit, multi tool, matches or lighter, and an emergency blanket. It’s nice to know that you have backup supplies in case you venture into the cold unknown.

Snacks

You burn more energy standing outside in freezing temperatures than you might think. Bring along high calorie, easy to eat snacks such as trail mix, granola bars or chocolate. Your body will thank you for the extra fuel.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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