Your Polar Packing List: What You Need for a Cold-Weather Adventure

Swimsuit, check. Sunscreen, check. Your cutest bathing suit, check. Packing for a warm-weather vacation where the temperatures are pleasant, and the weather is predictable can feel like a breeze. Cold-weather destinations, on the other hand, not so much. With their chilly climates and infamously dramatic ability to rain, sleet or snow at seemingly any given moment — often with a healthy side of gale force winds — preparing to visit one of Earth’s polar regions can prove to be tricky. However, as the old adage goes, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing,” and this proves to be especially true when assembling one’s cold weather packing list.

Not sure where to start? We’ve compiled a handy list of polar packing essentials you won’t want to forget.

Layers, Layers, Layers

As someone who has visited, and is now obsessed with, Iceland in the winter, I can attest to the absolute importance of wearing proper layers. As a life-long Wisconsinite, I figured the cold temperatures couldn’t be much worse than what I was already accustomed to, but other factors like Iceland’s insane winds and general wetness proved me wrong (and I was happy I came prepared!). I could feel the difference on the days I wore proper wool socks and undergarments, finding my toes and legs feeling chilly when I dared to omit them, despite being otherwise bundled in my winter boots, hat and the like. All that’s to say, don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re too tough for proper clothing, you’ll find yourself feeling much more comfortable, and in extreme cases, much safer, with it.

When it comes to layering, there are a few best practices to follow, and most people recommend wearing these three crucial layers in this order: 1) Base layer, a skin-tight layer that’s breathable and dries quickly — think wool leggings and tops; 2) Middle layer, an insulating layer that keeps you warm — think jeans or sweatpants on the bottom and a half zip hoodie or sweatshirt up top; and 3) Outer layer, a wind-resistant, waterproof layer like a winter or rain coat. As for materials, Merino wool is the big winner when it comes to socks and moisture wicking undergarments like leggings and tops. Similarly, jackets made of waterproof materials like polyethylene, Gore-Tex, nylon and polyester are all promising options.

Learn more about Polar destinations on VAX

While a waterproof, wind-resistant jacket will keep you warm and dry up top, don’t neglect your legs. Instead, keep your whole body feeling cozy by investing in a pair of snow or cold-weather pants made from the same water repelling materials. When shopping for polar-approved clothing, think waterproof everything, wind-blocking always.

Don’t Forget These Essential Layers:

• Moisture-wicking wool socks, three to four pairs minimum
• Moisture-wicking wool leggings, one to two pairs minimum
• Moisture-wicking wool top, one to two pairs minimum
• Zip-up fleece or sweatshirt, one or two options
• Emergency sweater for extra-cold days, one sweater
• Waterproof and windproof outer layer/jacket with an adjustable hood
• Wind-blocking snow pants, one pair

Fabulous Footwear

While what you wear on your body is important, perhaps the most important thing is what you wear on your feet. Warm, dry feet are happy feet, and you won’t want to be caught with a pair of frozen dogs while trying to explore your new favorite destination. Instead, pack a pair of warm, waterproof boots with a thick rubber sole to keep your feet well off the ground. Note that a shoe with a deep tread will provide the best traction, but you can also create more traction by wearing a pair of ice traction cleats like Yaktrax or Ergodyne. While your wool socks should keep your toes quite comfortable, you might want to throw in a few packs of toe warmers just to be safe.

Don’t Forget This Essential Footwear:

• Waterproof winter boots
• Ice traction cleats (optional)
• Toe warmers (optional)

Must-Have Accessories

Of course, you won’t want to be caught out in the cold without protecting your head and other extremities. In a cold-weather climate, investing in hardy accessories like quality gloves, face covers and hats prove to be a good investment. It’s never a bad idea to hide a pair of gloves or glove liners under a pair of bulky mittens, and a fleece-lined winter hat or beanie will keep you feeling comfortable even when temperatures take a dive. If the weather is expected to be especially chilly, consider purchasing a face mask or balaclava — looking like a ninja while you wear it is an added perk.

Don’t Forget These Essential Accessories:

• Gloves
• Face mask/balaclava
• Winter hat/beanie
• Hand and foot warmers

Additional Gear and Other Advice

Fairly off-the-beaten-path as far as vacation spots go, parts of polar destinations can be remote and sparsely inhabited. Because of this, it’s important to be prepared when discovering these chilly locales, especially if you’re renting a car or traveling solo. Stay safe by mapping out your route in advance and downloading an offline map just in case. Be sure to pack some snacks and have plenty of water on deck, and consider bringing a few first aid items and packing an extra battery or two for your electronic devices. On another important note, be sure to stay current with the weather, and don’t be afraid to rework your plans if it decides not to cooperate.

As far as additional gear goes, if rain is in the forecast, consider packing a few additional items like a dry bag or a water repellent backpack cover in addition to a water-resistant cell phone case/protector. Finally, if you’re going somewhere where it’s safe to drink the tap water, you can never go wrong with a reusable water bottle.

Additional Gear and More:

• Dry bag
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Cell phone protector
• Reusable water bottle
• Snacks
• First aid kit
• Offline or physical map
• Extra electronic batteries