What to Pack for Your Aurora Borealis Adventure
Careful packing ensures comfort and enjoyment in the extreme cold that frosts the Arctic Circle. When preparing to see the Aurora Borealis, bookmark this breakdown of what to pack and tips for a successful journey.
Warm Clothing
- Layering: Dress in multiple layers to trap heat efficiently. With this guide, we will start with the innermost layer and work our way out. Begin with moisture-wicking base layers or long johns, add insulating layers like fleece or down, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer.
- Thermal Underwear: Thermal tops and bottoms help retain your body heat. Clothes like long johns, or moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester will keep you dry underneath all your layers. Avoid cotton due to it’s lengthy dry time.
- Middle Layer: Fleece or sweaters will provide extra insulation and can be added or removed to stay comfortable, warm, and dry. You will also want waterproof, insulated pants or snow pants to cover your legs.
- Heavy Coat: A warm, insulated, waterproof winter coat is necessary for our outermost layer. Look for options with down or synthetic insulation for maximum warmth to keep you comfy during your trip to view the Aurora Borealis.
Accessories
- Headgear: A warm, insulated hat that covers your ears is crucial. You may also consider a balaclava for added face and neck protection.
- Gloves: Waterproof, insulated gloves or mittens are essential to keep your hands warm.
- Neck: Add a scarf or neck gaiter to protect your neck from the wind and snow.
- Hand and Foot Warmers: Disposable hand and foot warmers can be a lifesaver in the extreme cold.
Footwear
- Warm Socks: Fabrics like wool or thermal socks will help keep your feet warm and dry.
- Boots: Waterproof, insulated winter boots with good traction are necessary, especially if you plan on venturing into snowy terrain, part of the Aurora Borealis experience.
Face Protection
- Sunscreen: Though it may not seem like it, you might need sunscreen to protect your exposed face during your adventures. The sun’s reflection on snow can be intense, so opt for a high-SPF sunscreen.
- Lip Balm: Nobody wants to walk around with chapped lips, ouch! Be sure to bring a good quality lip balm to keep those babies from cracking.
- Sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses with UV protection are best to shield your eyes from the sun’s glare off the snow.
Miscellaneous
- Camera Essentials: If you plan on savoring your Aurora Borealis experience through photos and video, bring your camera, a tripod, extra memory cards, and backup batteries.
- Backpack: A small, weatherproof backpack is helpful to carry your extra items while traveling to see the Northern Lights.
- Travel Documents: Bring your passport and visa (if required), travel insurance, and any necessary permits.
Tips on Packing for your Epic Aurora Borealis Vacation
- Prioritize quality over quantity and choose clothing that can be layered for warmth.
- Rolling your clothes can save space in your suitcase. Packing cubes can also help save space in your suitcase or backpack and also help keep your items organized and more manageable for unpacking.
- Check the weather forecast for your destination to pack accordingly.
In summary, packing for your Aurora Borealis trip requires careful consideration of the cold climate. By layering clothing, wearing insulated gear, and protecting your face and extremities, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy the stunning Aurora displays in comfort and style. You may also be interested in when and where to go to best view the Aurora Borealis.
Unlock the Secrets to Capturing the Aurora Borealis: Creative Tips for Your Adventure!
- Embrace the Real Deal: Brace yourself for the delightful surprise of seeing the Aurora Borealis in person. Your eyes take in less light than the camera, so forget those overly edited photos you have seen online and relish the authentic beauty of the moment’s magic.
- Chase the Perfect Spot: During daylight, scout out your ideal Aurora viewing locations away from city lights. Seek waterscapes for epic reflections that elevate your photos. Local advice is golden, so ask around for hidden gems. Remember, navigating in the dark is no easy feat! When darkness falls, you will have a few locations prepared for wherever the sky is most clear.
- Power Up for Action: Don’t let a dead battery steal your Aurora Borealis dreams. Cold weather zaps your camera’s energy faster, so go fully charged and bring a backup just in case.
- Manual Focus: For those mesmerizing long-exposure shots, turn off the stabilization settings on your camera. Learn to use manual focus because autofocus won’t cut it in the dark. Zoom in on a star or distant light source for that perfectly focused shot.
