What To Wear On An Arctic Cruise?

To prepare for an Arctic voyage, it is essential to pack the right clothes to stay warm and comfortable. Two mid-layers should be worn: warm leggings and a long-sleeve top above your thermals, turtle jumpers, sweaters, and a pair of clothing for the Arctic Cruise.

Waterproof pants are necessary for getting on and off Zodiacs, open boats that shuttle passengers to and from shore. A layer of thermals (t-shirt and pants), followed by a sweater and outdoor jacket, is recommended. A life vest is also required at all times, even when on land.

A backpack should be worn with waterproof and windproof trousers and jackets, waterproof gumboots, and inner soles. Three or four layers should be worn on top and bottom, including a base layer of thermal underwear, a long-sleeved shirt, and a fleece. Normal clothing on board includes jeans, casual slacks or trousers, light long-sleeve shirts or t-shirts, and a parka. Warm pants like ski pants, turtlenecks, fleece tops and bottoms, loose-fitting wool sweaters, or a medium-weight polar fleece jacket are recommended. Ski pants are generally a great option, but trekking trousers can also be used.

Another essential item is a scarf, gloves, hat, sunglasses, and warm boots. When joining a cruise or expedition, adapt your clothing to the planned activities. Outer layer clothing, such as jackets, pants, gloves, and scarves, is crucial for protecting against chilly Arctic weather.

In summary, packing for an Arctic cruise involves a combination of layers, layers, and smarter clothing to ensure comfort and safety.


📹 What to Wear on an Arctic Cruise

When dressed properly, cold can be fun… Really!


What to wear on an arctic cruise in winter
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How do you dress for the Polar Vortex?

Dressing for the Polar Vortex 101Layering is essential. Synthetic fibres work well as a base layer, but natural fibers such as merino wool work even better. … Remember your extremities. Layering works for your hands and feet as well. … Stay warm and look cool. One of the favorites among our polar travelers is Buffwear.

When you venture into the untouched wilds of the Arctic and Antarctic, you need a great team around you. And we have the greatest. You’ll join elite guides trained at Quark Academy—which surpasses every standard imaginable for safety and preparedness in the Polar Regions—and interact directly with world-class polar experts. Our philosophy? The team that explores together, discovers more together.

Quark Expeditions goes where others simply can’t. Or won’t. But our expert guides’ abilities to read unknown terrain means where there’s a will, there’s a way—and that way could be by kayak, Zodiac boat, helicopter, or even hot air balloon. In an environment so unpredictable, it pays to have a few backup plans. We don’t just expect the unexpected, we embrace it.

We’ve been pioneering new types of expeditions into the Polar Regions for over 30 years now. We not only offer the most itineraries, but the most varied as well. Regardless of where you venture, you can explore culture, wildlife, science, physical activity, and more. To put it simply: More places to explore, more ways to explore them.

What to wear on an arctic cruise in september
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What would you pack to go to the Arctic?

Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying, preferrably moisture-wicking and non-cotton.Long pants (zip-off pants are very useful)Shorts, mid-thigh or longer.Undergarments.Rain jacket and/ or rain poncho.Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)

Preparing You For Your Arctic Expedition – Given the uniqueness of a natural history expedition, we provide a specialized and detailed “what to bring” list and other packing advice for Arctic travelers as part of a more comprehensive Pre-Departure Briefing that is a must-read before your trip. For most travelers, this is a once-in- a-lifetime trip, so we do our best to help prepare you to make the most of it! In the briefing, you’ll find more information about the wildlife you may encounter, what life is like on board the ship, what to expect on an expedition, activities on offer, climate information, and more.

  • Packing Advice. This packing list is just a recommended guideline for your reference. Everything is optional for you to choose from.
  • It’s best to leave all unnecessary valuables and jewelry at home.
  • Print a copy of your reservation and place it inside your checked baggage for identification purposes while you are traveling.
  • More packing advice
  • AWR Gear Store

Clothing. Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying, preferrably moisture-wicking and non-cotton.

10 things to take to the Arctic
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What do you wear on your feet in the Arctic?

Feet. Your feet need a double layer of socks to be perfectly protected from the cold. The first base layer can be thin thermal socks, preferably high-ankle models with joint support. Look for the same materials as you would for thermal underwear, preferably merino wool. For the top, thick wool or synthetic socks will do. Make sure you always carry an extra pair with you since there’s nothing worse than wearing wet socks.

Boots. Boots are another key part of Arctic clothing: your feet are in direct contact with the ground, which can be covered in ice and snow. Look for boots with rubber soles and thick insoles. The best choice is Muck boots or Wellington-style rubber boots that go up to the middle of your leg and are completely waterproof. Keep in mind that you should wear your pants above the boots to prevent the snow and water from getting in. Do not tuck the pants inside.

In-between Bits. By now, most of your body should be covered for your Arctic adventure. Your ankles should be covered by boots, your wrists — either by gloves or by parka sleeves. You might want to add a buff or a scarf for extra neck protection, which can also be used to cover your mouth and nose in case of extreme winds. It will also prevent snow from getting underneath your coat.

What to wear in the Arctic
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What is the best time of year for an Arctic cruise?

The best time to visit the Arctic is between June and September, during the high summer. The sea ice begins to break up to allow access to cruising vessels and temperatures are between 3°C and 7°C. Wildlife also becomes more active at the start of the season before their annual migration.

There is so much more to the Arctic than just ice and snow. With seasonal shifts come changing landscapes and animal migration patterns,making each day unique.

From October to March, large patches of the Arctic Ocean are frozen and almost impossible to navigate unless you’re a narwhal or a beluga whale. While the Arctic region is suffering from climate change in the form of rapidly melting ice sheets and permafrost thaw,cruising season in the Arctic is still determined by the sea ice. For now, at least.

Svalbard cruise packing list
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What thermals are best for Arctic conditions?

The base layer is designed to transport moisture away from the body. Wool is the ideal material as it keeps you warm even when damp.

The mid layer transports moisture away from the base layer while at the same time providing insulation, and the outer layer is a wind and water-resistant shell that keeps the cold out and the heat from the inner layers in. It should also be designed to release extra heat through side zippers for better moisture management.

Winter garments should allow for good mobility and ventilation. But the air inside the garment is also a key ingredient when it comes to insulation, since air conducts the cold poorly. Clothing, gloves and shoes that fit too tightly have less space for air and therefore are not good insulators.

Headgear should vary, as your head is a great source for quickly regulating body heat. A balaclava, windproof hat or an insulated trekking cap with fold-down ear flaps are all good options. Keep any back-up hats in close reach so you can switch headgear when activities change.

Arctic clothing brands
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What is the best Arctic clothing?

The base layer is designed to transport moisture away from the body. Wool is the ideal material as it keeps you warm even when damp.

The mid layer transports moisture away from the base layer while at the same time providing insulation, and the outer layer is a wind and water-resistant shell that keeps the cold out and the heat from the inner layers in. It should also be designed to release extra heat through side zippers for better moisture management.

Winter garments should allow for good mobility and ventilation. But the air inside the garment is also a key ingredient when it comes to insulation, since air conducts the cold poorly. Clothing, gloves and shoes that fit too tightly have less space for air and therefore are not good insulators.

Headgear should vary, as your head is a great source for quickly regulating body heat. A balaclava, windproof hat or an insulated trekking cap with fold-down ear flaps are all good options. Keep any back-up hats in close reach so you can switch headgear when activities change.

Best clothing for Arctic conditions
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Can you wear jeans in the Arctic?

The second layer will be your main insulation so materials like fleece, wool or down are perfect. For your lower body, we recommend windproof, and preferably waterproof, trousers. Materials that hold a lot of water and take a long time to dry, like denim, should be avoided.

The third layer is that all-important outer layer. This layer needs to provide you with protection from whatever the weather may bring. For this, we’ve got one word for you – Gore-Tex! It’s the best protection from wind, water and of course, snow.

It’s also important to note that clothing shouldn’t be too tight (this goes for socks and footwear too!) as you want to give room for air to circulate between your layers.

Boots. A strong, sturdy and waterproof pair of boots is vital. Thick soles will create more distance between your feet and the icy floor, preventing them from getting too cold. Good grip helps to avert slips and falls. The ground can be ice-covered even in summer, so good grip is really important. We also recommend boots with ankle support, as these will keep you more stable and help to reduce ankle injuries.

Arctic Circle clothing brand
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How to keep feet warm in the Arctic?

Socks – wool is best, avoid cotton except for thin inner socks. Outer socks should have a high % of wool, 70%+ is best, some synthetic content aids wear and comfort (stretchiness). Don’t squeeze more than one pair of socks into close fitting footwear, trapped air keeps the heat in and squashing it out with an extra pair of socks will make them less effective and your feet colder.

Sheepskin / Shearling – An excellent material for warm footwear, it’s a great insulator and has the property of being able to wick away moisture (you might not like to think of it, but your feet sweat gently all the time) helping you to stay warm. It is also hard wearing, so your sheepskin footwear will be up to the job of keeping you warm and will last through a lot of intensive use too. It’s not a cheap option but is effective and long lasting, make sure it is the real deal and not some “faux” substitute.

Insulated booties as slippers – Possibly the warmest of all indoor footwear, originally used by mountaineers inside their tents so very warm but not so hard wearing to walk around in.

What to pack for the Arctic Circle
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Why don’t you wear jeans in Iceland?

For clothes to wear in Reykjavik or a simple walk in the town, jeans are fine, but you may find yourself getting chilly. If you are hiking, jeans can get wet and the strong winds can make them quite dangerous. A pair of thermals will work great because they are comfier and will keep you very warm. Thermal leggings are great to wear in Iceland, as they are soft and comfy but will still retain heat.

Now you’re an expert on what you should wear in Iceland and what to leave out of your suitcase, it’s time to book that trip! While you’re in Iceland, why not choose to travel at your own pace with a hire car from Iceland Car Rental?

Trousers for Arctic conditions
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How to dress for Arctic conditions?

For anyone out in the cold, it’s far better to wear LAYERS of relatively LIGHT, LOOSE, CLOTHING than one thick, heavy item. Between each layer there is trapped air which, when heated by your body, acts as an excellent insulator. Avoid tight clothing, since it leaves no room for trapped air.

WOOL and SILK are superior to cotton; because they can trap warm air. Synthetic fabrics that spring back into shape after compression are also good (i.e. polypropylene). When damp or wet, polyester is a better insulator than goose or duck down.

The temperature on board the ship is between 17°C and 25°C, so there is a big drop when we venture outside to get into the Zodiacs and travel ashore. The most important layer is the waterproof outer garment.

Each passenger aboard our polar expeditions will receive an expedition jacket when you board the ship. Designed exclusively for Aurora Expeditions, the 3-in-1 jacket offers sophisticated expedition-styling and both the inner and outer jacket include all of the important features for travelling to the polar regions, complete with an included ‘drop seat’ allowing for additional comfort when sitting in Zodiacs.

What temperature is it on an Arctic cruise?
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What temperature is it on an Arctic cruise?

In June, temperatures across most Arctic destinations average between 37°F (3° C) and 55°F (13°C). If you travel to the globe’s most northerly point on an icebreaker cruise to the North Pole, North Pole summer temperatures average 32° F (0° C). That average drops to -40°F in winter!

Visiting the Arctic in July-August. July and August are peak times to visit the Arctic due to warmer temperatures that allow for active exploration. The weather in the Arctic Circle in July ranges from 43°F (6° C) to 59°F (15°C) depending on where in the region you are traveling, while North Pole temps average 32° F (0° C).

This is the best time to visit Longyearbyen, Svalbard if you want to witness the surprising colors of the tundra.

How to dress for an Arctic cruise?
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How to dress for an Arctic cruise?

We suggest wearing three or four layers, both on top and the bottom. On top, these include a base layer of thermal underwear, a long-sleeved shirt, and a fleece, all topped off with an Arctic parka.

Leg layering should again start with long johns, followed by casual trousers, then waterproof pants as an outer shell.

What Kind of Jacket to Wear in Antarctica?. The principles of selecting a jacket for Antarctica are the same as the Arctic. Polar expedition jackets need to have thick insulation and a hood and be water repellent.

Lindblad guests receive a complimentary parka, delivered directly to the ship, for use during the expedition. For safety, our Antarctic parkas are red to be easily spotted against the snowy white landscapes.


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What To Wear On An Arctic Cruise
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Debbie Green

I am a school teacher who was bitten by the travel bug many decades ago. My husband Billy has come along for the ride and now shares my dream to travel the world with our three children.The kids Pollyanna, 13, Cooper, 12 and Tommy 9 are in love with plane trips (thank goodness) and discovering new places, experiences and of course Disneyland.

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