13 Must-Have Items for a Northern Lights Adventure

Booking flights and accommodations for a trip to see the Northern Lights is not enough; you need to plan ahead in order to have a magical trip. The auroras are usually seen in high latitude regions, which are also famous for bitter cold, so packing requires patience and preparation

When you’re planning a Northern Lights adventure, you want to make sure you have the right essentials to make your trip as magical as possible. In order not to forget a critical item for your experience, you have to prepare carefully. Below is a list of 13 must have items that will make your trip comfortable, warm and unforgettable.

Thermal Layers

Starting with the basics, thermal underwear is a must to keep warm under your clothes. These base layers keep the heat close to your body and create a warm barrier against the harsh cold you’ll find in Northern Lights destinations.

Insulated Parka

You need an insulated parka to defend you against the cold. The most important thing to consider when getting one is its quality. Get a waterproof parka with hood for insulation and protection from unpredictable weather.

Snow Boots

Your experience shouldn’t be ruined by cold feet. Wearing waterproof snow boots is very important for trekking through snowy landscapes. They offer a good grip and also keep your feet warm and dry. It is particularly important in those conditions to ensure your feet are well protected.

Wool Socks

When packing for your Northern Lights quest you should pack at least a few pairs of thick wool socks to wear with your boots. Wool is warmer compared to other fabrics and does a great job keeping moisture managed in order for your feet to stay dry and warm. Having this extra layer of warmth and protection can be a great difference in your overall comfort if you stay outdoors for long in the cold.

Hat, Gloves, and Scarf

A warm hat, pair of insulated gloves and scarf are essentials to maintaining warmth in cold environments. Even when wet, wool or fleece will retain heat and these are the key accessories that are not negotiable. Your clothing needs to be able to stand up to the cold and moisture for comfort and safety while outside in the cold.

Camera With Manual Settings

A camera with manual settings is key to capturing the Northern Lights. It lets you make exposure settings according to its low light conditions. Don’t forget extra batteries, they drain quickly in cold weather.

Tripod

A sturdy tripod is needed when your camera has to be stable for the long exposures that are needed to photograph the auroras. Doing this will prevent you from taking bad photos and experimenting on different setting to nail that perfect shot.

Headlamp

Having a headlamp equipped with a red light mode proves invaluable for nighttime navigation, allowing you to find your way without compromising your night vision—or that of fellow aurora watchers. This feature is handy during aurora viewings, where preserving the natural darkness enhances the visibility of the lights.

Portable Power Bank

The notorious battery drain caused by the cold makes a portable power bank a must carry, so your electronic devices are charged and ready to capture the stunning aurora display. This is necessary for anyone who wants to photograph or record the lights, because running out of power at that time would be very disappointing indeed. Extra charging equipment could mean the difference between snagging a once in a lifetime shot and missing it completely.

Thermal Blanket

To stay warm on long nights spent under the open sky watching the auroras you need a thermal blanket. It should be small, light enough to carry, yet big enough to keep you warm. It is also a perfect surface to lie down on, or at least to allow one the opportunity to rest, and gaze at the shimmering lights above.

Hot Hands and Toes Warmers

These air-activated heat packs are esigned to slip easily into gloves or boots and give you some extra warmth on especially cold nights. They are a simple but effective solution to keeping you comfortable and warm during extended outdoor activities so that even the coldest conditions don’t get in the way of your adventure.

Insulated Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is important, even when it’s cold out. If the temperatures plunge, there’s a chance your water will freeze, but an insulated water bottle can help with that. An insulated bottle doesn’t just keep your water from freezing, it also means you will always have drinkable water during your outdoor adventure, allowing you to stay hydrated and alert in the cold.

Snacks

Aside from packing essentials, it’s a smart move to bring high energy snacks like chocolate and nuts or granola bars while waiting for the auroras. Asides being essential to keep your energy levels up during the long waits in the cold, these snacks also help you stay warm. These foods can give you a much needed energy boost as you wait for the celestial show keeping your spirits and body temperature up.

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

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