To enjoy your time in Tromsø as much as possible, we recommend you choose function over fashion.
Shoes: Try to wear loose-fitting enclosed shoes, we’d suggest bringing crampons or purchasing them locally when you arrive as often the city centre is very icy and windy!
Base layer: This layer needs to be wool (merino wool is best) and not synthetic, it might be itchy but you’ll get used to it pretty quickly! Ensure your socks are the thickest loose-fitting merino wool socks you can find.
Mid-layers: to be fleecy or wool with plenty of breathing room
Top layers: Down jacket and a softshell over the top.
Tips:
1. Layers are key because they may be +2 degrees in the city and -10 degrees just outside the city center.
2. A softshell over the top keeps the harsh arctic wind out and your body heat in
3. It is friction that warms the air up. This means the layers need to be loose fitting with air moving between them
4. If you remain motionless, no matter how good your equipment is, you will still be ice cold. Move your body, your hands, and keep wiggling your toes!
5. Keeping warm can also be a mind over matter! If you tell yourself you are cold you will experience this feeling more, if you move about and trust that you are safe and secure and soon will be warm, you will warm up faster.
6. Safety first – wear your crampons!
On the Aurora Hunt*, we will provide you with a coverall-style thermal suit that will help to protect you from the wind and help you stay warmer.
If you are feeling excessively cold at any point during a tour please communicate this very clearly with your guide for them to help offer a solution.
*Please note that we do not offer thermal suits on Express Aurora Hunt (4 hours)
Check out our blog post with more tips on how to stay warm in the Arctic.