Packing for a week in the Arctic Circle is like playing a game of “how many layers can I wear and still move?” If you’re here reading this, chances are you haven’t had to pack for a winter adventure where you’ll be spending a lot of time outside braving sub-zero temperatures before. I’ve been there! I was clueless about what to pack for my first trip to northern Sweden and Finland and, predictably, I ended up bringing way too much (two checked suitcases and a carry on thank you very much) and yet I still found myself missing some winter necessities. A handy winter packing list like this one would have made all the difference.
Whether you’re heading to Iceland or Norway to chase the Northern Lights, prepping for a husky sledding adventure in northern Finland, or you’ve booked a stay at the IceHotel in northern Sweden, I’ve got you covered—literally! I’ve created this winter travel packing list to make sure you’re warm, stylish, and ready for anything the Arctic weather throws at you, without having to haul around additional unnecessary luggage.
A few assumptions: This winter trip packing list assumes that you won’t have access to laundry facilities on your trip. This winter packing list also assumes that you’ll be spending time outside in Arctic temps for activities like snowshoeing, dogsledding, skiing, chasing Northern Lights, etc. The recommended number of items are for a 1 week (7 full day) winter trip. This is meant to be a winter packing list for Europe, but will also work for any other destination where there will be lots of snow and freezing temperatures.
And a note on fashion: in the cold winter months in places like Iceland and Lapland (northern Norway, Sweden, and Finland), or Greenland no one – I repeat: no one – will bat an eye if you walk into a fine dining restaurant wearing giant winter boots and nice-ish casual clothes. (Been there, done that. It was fine.) The focus is squarely on staying warm. Of course, no one will judge you if you want to dress up, but casual is perfectly acceptable.
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Table of Contents
Clothing Basics
Base Layers
The secret to staying warm in Arctic temps is layering. Start with high-quality thin base layer tops and bottoms. Merino wool or synthetic blends are your best friends here.
How Many: 7 thermal tops and 7 thermal leggings—one set per day.
Mid Layers
Insulation is key! Lightweight down, fleece, or wool pullovers and zip-ups will trap heat without making you feel like the Michelin Man.
How Many: 4 mid-layer tops and 2-4 mid-layer bottoms (depending on your plans).
Casual Pants
For those non-adventure days, fleece-lined pants or leggings with your base and mid-layer tops will keep you warm and comfy. Perfect for indoor lounging or exploring town.
How Many: 2 pairs.
Nice-ish Outfits
Even in the Arctic, you might want to look presentable for dinner or a night out.
How Many: 1-2 nice-ish tops, 1-2 nice-ish bottoms, depending on your plans.
Underwear
Moisture-wicking undies are key. Cold butt? No thanks!
How Many: 7 pairs of warm, moisture-wicking underwear (merino wool is a great option)
For ladies: 3-4 bras
Thermal Socks
Thermal socks, preferably wool, are non-negotiable. Wet or cold feet can ruin your day faster than anything.
How Many: 4-7 pairs of thick wool socks (depending on your appetite for re-wearing socks).
Sleepwear
Warm pajamas are essential for those chilly Arctic nights. Fleece or flannel PJs will make all the difference when it’s freezing outside.
How Many: 2 sets of warm pajamas.
Casual Footwear
Comfortable shoes or slippers are nice to have for wearing in your room or around your hotel after a day out in the snow. You’ll most likely be living in your winter boots if you’re leaving your hotel.
How Many: 1 pair is plenty.
Toiletries for Winter Travel
Body Moisturizer & Lip Balm
Arctic air is very dry, and your skin and lips will need all the hydration they can get.
Sunscreen
Yes, you can absolutely get sunburned in the Arctic especially when the sun is reflecting off the snow (ask me how I know…).
Travel-sized Essentials
The basics: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, mouthwash, brush/comb, shampoo, conditioner, hairspray/gel, face wash, face cream, soap—you know the drill.
Medication
Pack enough of any prescription medication for the duration of your trip plus 2-3 extra days in case of unexpected travel delays.
Bring some OTC pain and cold medicine (e.g., ibuprofen, cough drops, decongestant etc.) just in case. Obviously no one plans to get sick on vacation, but it can happen, especially in colder months. There’s nothing worse than having a miserable head cold and finding out you can’t get certain decongestants that are OTC in the US, but require a prescription in other countries (I’m looking at you, France).
Any winter vacation packing list wouldn’t be complete without this key gear to keep you cozy and safe in sub-zero temperatures. If you’re heading to the Arctic in winter, these are non-negotiable.
Insulated Waterproof Snow Pants
Pro tip: Look for pants with reinforced knees and seat areas—they’ll hold up better against the elements. Ski pants work well if you have them. 1 pair is plenty.
Waterproof Winter Boots
Pro Tip: Choose boots with a higher cut to keep snow out, though if you’re headed to Lapland, be prepared for the snow to be so deep in places that no boot is high enough (which is why I also recommend gaiters depending on what you’ll be doing). I wore Salomon winter hiking boots and these tall gaiters my first time in Lapland and even in extremely deep snow, that combo plus snow pants kept my feet and legs toasty and dry.
High Gaiters (optional)
If you’re planning to snowshoe through deep snow, high gaiters are essential. They prevent snow from getting into your boots and keep your lower legs dry. Look for waterproof and adjustable gaiters that fit snugly over your boots and pants.
Both are essential for different reasons. Sunglasses protect your eyes from the blinding glare of the sun on the snow, while ski goggles are a must when that freezing wind kicks up. Bring both if you can.
Pro Tip: Choose polarized sunglasses for better visibility and ski goggles with anti-fog lenses to keep your vision clear.
These add an extra layer of warmth under heavier gloves without the bulk. They’re also handy if you need to remove your heavier gloves to do something like manage zippers, cameras, etc. so you won’t have to expose your bare hands to the cold. 1 pair is plenty.
Insulated Gloves or Mittens
Frostbite will ruin your trip.
I’ve used these Dakine Sequoia GoreTex ski mittens for several winter trips and highly recommend them. They come with touchscreen friendly glove liners, they’re waterproof, have a rubberized grip, they have a zip pocket for hand warmers, and will keep your hands nice and toasty.
A wool or fleece hat is an Arctic travel necessity. A warm hat with your jacket hood over it will keep your noggin toasty in sub-zero temps.
Neck Gaiter and/or Balaclava and Scarf
A scarf alone might not cut it when the Arctic wind picks up. When the wind is howling, a balaclava or neck gaiter will cover your face and keep you protected from the elements. Look for fleece lined options.
Icy sidewalks can be treacherous, even in winter boots, and removable cleats like these give you extra traction to prevent slips. They’re small, won’t take up valuable space in your luggage, and can be the difference between a mildly sprained knee and no sprained knee (that’s a story for another post…).
These are the unsung heroes of your winter travel packing list.
Portable Charger
Your phone’s battery won’t last long in the cold, and you’ll want it charged for photos, maps, and staying connected.
Lightweight Daypack
For daily excursions, you’ll need a place to stash your gear. A small, waterproof daypack is perfect for holding snacks, hand warmers, and that extra pair of gloves.
Insulated Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is just as important in the cold as it is in the heat. Bring an insulated water bottle to keep your drinks from freezing
Pro Tip: If you don’t have an insulated water bottle, fill yours with warm water before heading out—it’ll stay liquid longer.
Cold weather drains batteries much more quickly, so bring extras.
Pro Tip: Store spare batteries close to your body to keep them warm.
Compact Tripod
If you’re planning to photograph the Northern Lights, a tripod is a necessity.
Essentials For Any Destination
Important Documents/Information
Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months after your travel dates.
Boarding Pass(es)
Visa (if required)
Generally speaking, US citizens do not need a visa to travel to Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, or Greenland for short term stays.
Beginning in early 2025 (supposedly), US citizens traveling to Europe will need to apply online for a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) pass. Implementation of this system has been pushed back for years, but when it does start, it should be a straightforward quick online application and approval process for a small fee.
Drivers License or ID Card
Good to have even if you’re not planning to drive in a situation where you need to leave an ID (e.g. for an audioguide at a museum). Safer than turning over your passport.
Travel Insurance Information (policy number, emergency numbers)
1-2 Credit Cards Without International Transaction Fees; 1 ATM/Debit Card
Don’t throw the entire contents of your wallet in your bag. Bring 1 or 2 credit cards that have no international transaction fees.
There’s usually no reason to exchange cash before you leave. You’ll get the best exchange rates at bank ATMs at your destination.
Hard Copy of Emergency Contact Numbers
In case you lose your phone; I don’t know about you, but I don’t know anyone’s phone number by heart anymore.
Copies of Credit Cards and Passport (in case you lose them)
Pre-Booked Accommodation and Transportation Confirmation Information (hard or digital copies)
Electronics
Plug Adapter
Iceland, Norway (including Svalbard), Sweden, and Finland all use plug Type C and Type F.
Greenland uses plug Types C, E, F, and K.
Pro tip: buy a multi-country plug adapter that also has a few USB ports rather than individual adapters. I have this Ceptics multi adapter and it’s been a solid workhorse for international travel.
Charging Cords for your devices (phone, iPad, Kindle, headphones, etc.)
Local SIM or eSIM
International roaming data, even on a “day plan” can add up really quickly; getting a local SIM or eSIM through a company like Airalo is the way to go.
Packing a basic nylon or mesh laundry bag is a game changer. Great for suitcase organization and to isolate dirty clothes from clean ones.
First Aid Kit
It’s always useful to have some bandaids and antibacterial ointment on hand, just in case.
Nail Clippers and Nail File
These come in handy more often than you’d think.
Sanitizing Wipes/Sanitizing Gel
Ward off any winter cold germs in advance.
Shout Wipes
Always good to have on hand when traveling and at home.
Small Packets of Laundry Detergent
Sometimes sink laundry is necessary even when you didn’t plan for it.
Blister Bandaids
Nothing will ruin a trip like blisters.
Digestive Meds
Travel can do all sorts of weird things to digestive systems; I always like to travel with a small pouch with some over the counter remedies, (e.g., Tums, Imodium, fiber pills, Pepcid, motion sickness pills) because they don’t take up a lot of space and come in handy more often that you’d think.
Ziploc Bags
These can come in handy for all sorts of things and take up almost no space. Throw one or two gallon size bags in your suitcase.
I like to pack a small pouch with flight essentials that I can pull out of my carry on and stash under the seat in front of me; that way I don’t sacrifice precious leg room to a bag full of stuff I won’t need till after I land. Note that some of these things are duplicative of items in other categories, but I’ve included them here in the interest of having everything in the kit in one place.
If you’re bringing a tablet or a laptop, download a few TV shows or movies before you leave in case the in flight entertainment system is not working. This happens more often than it should and I speak from experience when I tell you it stinks.
Travel Pillow/Neck Pillow
Here is my unsolicited advice on neck pillows: they’re generally not very comfortable or useful, so only bring one if you know you will actually use it. Otherwise it’s just a bulky, extraneous item that you’ll have to haul around for a week.
Wear or Pack Layers
Never have I ever been on a long haul flight and thought “wow, this plane is the perfect temperature.” It’s always too hot or too cold, and often both at different points in the same flight. Having layers to add or remove can make all the difference in staying comfortable for the whole flight.
Really Useful Packing Tips
Layering is Key: You can always remove a layer if you get too warm, but you can’t add what you didn’t bring!
Avoid Cotton: Wool or synthetics are your best friends in sub-zero temperatures.
Don’t Overpack!
I know this is easier said than done, but I speak from experience when I tell you that you really won’t need that fifth sweater.
Make a Detailed List: This has been my solution to my serial overpacking problem. I make a detailed list of clothing I’ll need each day depending on activities, including when I’ll re-wear things, count the number of each item I need and call it a day.
Resist Last Minute Additions: We’ve all been there. You’re completely packed and then you have a bit of a panic that you may not have everything you need and end up throwing a bunch of additional things in your suitcase at the last minute. Chances are you’ll end up lugging that stuff around without ever wearing/using it. Making a detailed list and sticking to it will help avoid this.
Don’t Pack Things You Don’t Wear At Home: This is a lesson that took me entirely too long to learn. If you don’t wear it at home, the chances that you’ll all of a sudden start wanting to wear it on your trip are close to nil.
Be Smart About What Gets Checked vs. What Goes in Your Carry On: I always pack enough in my carry on so I have enough clothing and other absolute necessities for 1-2 days if my checked bag is delayed.
Health necessities like prescription medication should always always always go in your carry on.
Pack some contingency clothing in your carry on in case your checked bag is delayed; I usually have a small packing cube in my carry on with 2 pairs of underwear and 1-2 extra outfits that I could wash and re-wear in the worst case scenario luggage delay.
Bring Bulky Winter Coats on the Plane:instead of sacrificing precious luggage space, bring your coat on the plane and shove it on top of your carry on in the overhead compartment. You don’t want to get stuck in sub-zero temps with no coat if your checked bag is delayed.
Downsize Your Toiletries:Avoid adding bulk and weight to your luggage with full size toiletries. Pack toiletries in travel containers, pack travel size toiletries, or skip packing things like shampoo and soap altogether if you’re okay using the hotel products.
Try Not To Expand Your Suitcase (Yet): If you have an expanding suitcase, try to make everything fit for your outbound journey without expanding it. This has a few benefits. First, you’ll have space if (when) your suitcase gets a bit disorganized while traveling and the clothing volume seems to expand (it makes no logical sense, yet this always seems to happen), and second, you’ll have plenty of space to pack any souvenirs you pick up on your trip.
Use Packing Cubes for Organization
Think of packing cubes as organization, not space savers. Personally, I don’t think they actually save space (even the compression cubes), but they make everything so much easier to find that I never travel without them. They are especially handy if you’re moving from hotel to hotel and don’t plan to fully unpack during your trip. Larger compression bags are better for saving space.
Pro Tip: Get a set of different color multi-size packing cubes; it will be much so easier to find what you’re looking for during your trip. (When they’re all the same color you end up opening 4 wrong ones before you find the right one.) If you already have a same-color set, label them with duct tape and a Sharpie.
Use a Compression Bag to minimize bulky winter clothing.
While I adore packing cubes for organization, compression bags are a serious game changer for bulky winter gear. I have a few different size Osprey Straightjacket compression bags and I don’t know how I ever traveled without them. They also double as great laundry bags during your trip.
Whether you’re packing for winter in the Arctic Circle or gearing up for another snowy destination, this winter packing list ensures you’ll be warm, prepared, and ready to take on any adventure that cold weather throws your way. From layering the right clothes to choosing the best winter gear, the Arctic doesn’t stand a chance against your cozy, well-packed self. No matter where your winter travels take you, may your thermals always keep you cozy, may your camera batteries always be charged, and may your hand warmers be plentiful.
Here’s to breathtaking winter views, thrilling snow adventures, and the satisfaction of knowing you packed like a pro. Happy cold weather adventures!
