What to Pack for Svalbard? A Practical Spitsbergen Packing List. MEN OF SEA GUIDE – part 02
Good equipment does not mean you need to buy expensive polar expedition clothing.
For Svalbard, three things matter most:
layers, protection from wind and water, and good footwear.
These are what make the difference between feeling comfortable and feeling cold during hiking, sailing, Zodiac landings or wildlife watching.
On our Men of Sea expeditions, we do not require participants to buy professional offshore sailing gear or expensive technical clothing. It is much more important to choose a few practical items that can be combined into a flexible layering system.
The best approach is simple:
dress in layers.
1. Start with good thermal underwear
A good base layer is essential.
The best options are:
- merino wool,
- quality synthetic technical fabrics,
- or a combination of both.
For a week-long trip, we recommend bringing at least two sets consisting of a long-sleeve thermal top and thermal leggings.
Cotton is less suitable as a base layer because once it becomes damp, it dries slowly and can make you feel cold.
2. Your second layer: fleece, softshell or wool
The next layer should keep you warm.
Good options include:
a fleece jacket, softshell, technical mid-layer or wool sweater.
Do not rely on one extremely thick jacket.
Several thinner layers are much more practical. While hiking, you can remove one layer, and during a stop near a glacier you can quickly put it back on.
3. A lightweight down or synthetic insulated jacket
We strongly recommend bringing a lightweight down jacket or a synthetic insulated jacket.
It does not have to be heavy.
Ideally, it should pack down easily into your backpack and provide quick extra warmth during:
- breaks,
- evenings,
- time on deck,
- wildlife watching,
- glacier stops.
This is one of the most useful pieces of clothing you can bring to Svalbard.
4. A waterproof and windproof outer jacket
Wind is extremely important in Svalbard.
Your outer layer should therefore be:
waterproof, windproof and equipped with a good hood.
A membrane shell jacket works very well.
It does not need to be heavily insulated. The layers underneath provide warmth, while the outer jacket protects you from rain, spray and wind.
5. What trousers should you pack?
The most practical combination is:
trekking trousers + lightweight waterproof and windproof overtrousers.
Insulated trekking trousers are useful in colder months, but in summer a flexible two-layer system often works better.
Waterproof trousers are particularly useful:
- on a Zodiac,
- during wet landings,
- in rain,
- in strong wind,
- during long periods on deck.
6. Good hiking boots – one of the most important items
This is not where you should try to save money.
We recommend:
warm, waterproof hiking boots that support the ankle.
They can be membrane hiking boots or good leather trekking boots.
Most importantly, they should already be broken in before the trip.
Do not arrive in Svalbard with brand-new boots straight from the box.
The terrain can be:
- rocky,
- wet,
- muddy,
- uneven,
- slippery in places.
Good boots are one of the most important parts of your Svalbard packing list.
7. Insulated foam boots for landings
This is one item we particularly recommend for people joining yacht expeditions.
Lightweight insulated foam boots, such as Lemigo-type boots, work extremely well for landings.
They are:
- light,
- warm,
- waterproof,
- practical when stepping out of a Zodiac onto a wet beach.
However:
rubber boots do not replace hiking boots.
Hiking boots are for walking and trekking. Foam boots are excellent for landings, wet beaches and shorter walks.
8. Warm socks – preferably wool
Bring several pairs of warm socks.
The best choice is usually:
wool or merino wool socks.
For colder conditions, a thinner sock combined with a thicker wool sock can work well.
Make sure your boots are not too tight.
9. Hat, buff and two pairs of gloves
Yes, you need a hat and gloves even in summer.
We recommend:
a warm hat,
a buff or neck gaiter,
two pairs of gloves.
Ideally:
- one thinner pair with good grip,
- one warmer and more wind-resistant pair.
This is very practical. If one pair gets wet, you still have a dry backup.
10. Sunglasses and sun protection
This is often underestimated.
In summer, the sun may remain above the horizon 24 hours a day, while light reflects from:
- ice,
- snow,
- water.
Bring:
good sunglasses,
SPF 30–50 sunscreen,
lip balm with sun protection.
After several hours outdoors, your eyes can become tired surprisingly quickly.
Good polarised sunglasses are especially useful during glacier trekking and while sailing in bright conditions because they can make it easier to see ice and surface details on the water.
11. Microspikes
Microspikes take very little space and can be extremely useful.
During our expeditions, we sometimes hike on or near glaciers, where additional grip may be needed.
For this type of activity, you usually do not need full mountaineering crampons.
Simple, lightweight microspikes can be sufficient for easy walking on icy surfaces when the route and guide allow it.
They can also be useful around Longyearbyen when roads and paths are icy.
12. A small daypack
A large suitcase is not enough.
For everyday excursions, bring a small backpack of around 20–30 litres.
It should have enough space for:
- an extra layer,
- jacket,
- gloves,
- water or a thermos,
- camera,
- sunglasses,
- personal items.
A rain cover is useful.
13. A dry bag
A small waterproof dry bag is one of the most practical things you can bring to Svalbard.
It can protect:
- your phone,
- documents,
- camera,
- power bank,
- small electronics.
It is especially useful during Zodiac trips and wet landings.
14. Thermos or insulated travel mug
Optional, but extremely useful.
A warm drink can make a big difference during a cold hike, a glacier stop or long periods outside.
A small thermos or sealed insulated mug is ideal.
It is also useful while sailing and during navigation watches on a yacht.
15. Crocs, sandals or indoor shoes
On a yacht, lightweight indoor footwear is very practical.
Bring:
Crocs, sandals or another light pair of indoor shoes.
They are useful:
- in the shower,
- below deck,
- in hotels and guesthouses.
In many places in Longyearbyen, it is customary to remove outdoor shoes after entering the building.
16. Comfortable clothes for evenings
Not everything needs to be technical.
Bring:
- normal underwear,
- comfortable tracksuit trousers,
- T-shirts,
- something comfortable for the evening.
After a full day outside, it is nice to change into something dry and comfortable.
These clothes can also work as sleepwear.
17. Towel and toiletries
Bring:
a towel,
basic toiletries,
face and lip cream,
wet wipes.
Cold, wind and dry Arctic air can dry out your skin quickly.
18. Documents and payment
We recommend travelling with:
a valid passport,
a payment card.
Card payments are extremely common in Svalbard.
It is also sensible to keep a copy of your travel documents on your phone or in secure cloud storage.
Depending on your nationality and route, an ID card may sometimes be sufficient for parts of the journey, but in our experience a passport can make airline and airport formalities easier.
If you travel with both documents, keep them in separate places.
19. Medication and seasickness
If you take regular medication, bring enough for the whole journey and keep it in your hand luggage.
If you are prone to seasickness, bring a medicine that you already know works for you.
In Norway, Postafen is commonly available over the counter.
For prescription medication or any medical questions, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before travelling.
On our yacht there is a first-aid kit, but every participant should bring their own personal medication.
20. Camera, phone, electronics and useful apps
Svalbard is one of those places where you may find yourself taking photographs every day.
Bring:
camera or phone,
chargers,
power bank,
spare batteries,
extra memory cards.
A pair of binoculars is also extremely useful for wildlife watching.
Batteries discharge faster in cold temperatures, so keep spares somewhere warm and accessible.
Many of our guests take thousands of photographs during an expedition, so think about how you will back up your memory cards.
Useful apps may include:
- your airline app,
- Revolut for currency payments,
- Yr for Norwegian weather forecasts,
- Ruter for public transport information in Oslo.What should you keep in your hand luggage?
21. What should you keep in your hand luggage?
This is very important.
Checked baggage can be delayed.
That is why we recommend wearing or carrying the most important items during your flight:
hiking boots,
good outdoor trousers,
fleece,
jacket,
thermal underwear,
hat,
gloves,
medication,
documents,
electronics.
This way, if your suitcase arrives a day later, you can still function normally in the Arctic.
22. What should you pack for a Svalbard yacht expedition?
For a yacht expedition, there are a few additional practical considerations.
We recommend:
a soft travel bag instead of a large hard suitcase,
insulated rubber boots for landings,
Crocs or sandals below deck,
waterproof trousers,
a dry bag,
seasickness medication if needed,
an extra warm layer for time on deck.
While hiking, your body generates heat.
On deck, when you are standing still watching whales or a glacier for a long time, you can cool down very quickly.
That is why, for sailing, we recommend having one more warm layer than you would normally take on a hike.
24. Sleeping bag or bedding?
This depends on your accommodation and your tour operator.
Always check what is provided before you travel.
On Men of Sea yacht expeditions, we provide:
a fitted sheet, pillow and duvet.
Participants bring:
a sleeping bag or their own duvet cover, 120 × 200 cm.
This is specific to our expeditions and should not be treated as a general rule for all Svalbard travel.
24. What do you not need to buy?
You do not need to purchase professional expedition equipment just because you are travelling to Svalbard.
For our trips, you do not need to buy:
- expensive offshore sailing suits,
- professional polar clothing,
- rescue equipment,
- firearms,
- satellite communication equipment.
On an organised expedition, specialist safety equipment should be provided by the operator.
The most important things are:
good footwear, sensible layers, protection from wind and water, and warm accessories.
Quick Svalbard Packing List
If you only want to remember the essentials, pack:
waterproof hiking boots
insulated rubber boots for landings
2–3 thermal base-layer sets
fleece or softshell
lightweight down jacket
waterproof and windproof shell jacket
trekking trousers
waterproof overtrousers
warm socks
hat and buff
two pairs of gloves
microspikes
sunglasses
sunscreen
small daypack
dry bag
thermos
Crocs or sandals
personal medication
camera / phone / chargers / power bank
travel document and payment card
The most important rule
Svalbard does not require the most advanced equipment in the world.
It requires good preparation.
Good boots, a few well-chosen layers and protection from wind are more important than the brand name on your jacket.
FAQ
What should I wear in Svalbard?
Wear several layers: thermal underwear, a fleece or wool mid-layer, an insulated jacket and a waterproof, windproof outer shell.
What shoes do I need for Svalbard?
Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are the best general choice. For Zodiac landings, insulated waterproof rubber boots are also very useful.
Do I need a down jacket in Svalbard in summer?
Yes. Even in summer, a lightweight insulated jacket is useful during cold evenings, windy weather and long periods spent standing still.
Do I need waterproof trousers in Svalbard?
They are highly recommended, especially for Zodiac trips, wet landings, rain, strong wind and time spent on deck.
Do I need crampons in Svalbard?
Full mountaineering crampons are not normally necessary for general tourism. Lightweight microspikes may be useful for icy surfaces or easy glacier activities, depending on the route and guide.
What should I pack for a Svalbard cruise or yacht expedition?
Bring warm layered clothing, waterproof trousers, a shell jacket, hiking boots, insulated rubber boots, gloves, hat, sunglasses, a dry bag and an extra warm layer for time on deck.
Can I wear jeans in Svalbard?
Jeans are fine for Longyearbyen, restaurants and indoor use, but they are not ideal for hiking or wet outdoor activities because they dry slowly.
Do I need sunglasses in Svalbard?
Yes. Snow, ice and water reflect a lot of light, and in summer the sun can remain above the horizon all day.
What should I keep in my hand luggage when flying to Svalbard?
Keep your essential medication, documents, electronics and enough warm clothing to manage for at least one day if your checked baggage is delayed.
Men of Sea Svalbard Guide Series
Part 1 – How to Get to Svalbard
Part 2 – What to Pack for Svalbard
Part 3 – When Is the Best Time to Visit Svalbard?
Look also at:
Glacier Trekking in Svalbard
Zodiac Landings in Svalbard
Photography in Svalbard
Svalbard Yacht Expeditions
Svalbard Wildlife