SVALBARD – PACKING LIST
Please note that:
- Mandatory to bring
- Recommended to bring
- Everything listed needs to fit inside the duffel bag. Nothing should be hanging out of it. Note that you will be aboard a sailboat and sometimes it can be a bit of humidity outside.
- Your luggage should not weigh more than 15kg/33lbs. Planes flying to Longyearbyen are not necessarily big and could impose restrictions on size your baggage if it exceeds weight limits.
- Hiking temperatures around 0ºC to 10ºC / 32ºF to 50ºF. Night temperatures around 0ºC / 32ºF.
- You will not be carrying food, except your lunch for each day, bring a lightweight lunchbox for this purpose.
- Although the guide has a first-aid kit, each traveler must carry what they consider necessary depending on personal pathologies, needs, risks, etc.
- Drones are completely forbidden in our hiking trips unless the opposite is stated by Amarok Adventures ehf.
- You should only bring what you are going to use. The space on the boat is very limited.
The Svalbard Hike & Sail expedition is a challenging Arctic adventure through a remote archipelago of towering glaciers, rugged mountain peaks and spectacular fjords, where freezing temperatures, unpredictable weather and snow-covered terrain demand careful preparation. Hiking across wild Arctic landscapes, exploring isolated shorelines and encountering wildlife in one of the world’s most remote wildernesses call for reliable outdoor gear and thoughtful planning. This packing list draws on the equipment we use and recommend for our guided Svalbard Hike & Sail expedition.
The quantities listed for certain items serve as indicative and recommended amounts according to our lead guides.
Personal Gear
CARRIED INDIVIDUALLY
Important!
You need to have room in your backpack for all this gear.
- A 40 to 60L duffel bag or backpack for carrying all your luggage.
Suitcases are not welcome on our trips. - A 20 to 30L daypack with rain cover.
You can also bring a smaller size as long as it fits everything inside. Please make sure to have enough room carrying your gear. - You do not need sleeping bag or sleeping mat.
The sailboat has bed linen & mattresses. - Waterproof butt pad.
- Waterproof / drybag for your clothes (at least 1 pcs).
- Waterproof hiking boots (1 pair).
- 1st layer: Merino base layer (1-2 pcs).
- 2nd layer: Hoody fleece jacket (1-2 pcs).
- 3rd layer: Down or fiber jacket (1 pcs).
- GoreTex jacket & pants (1 pcs each).
- Warm hiking pants (1 pcs).
- Short sleeve t-shirts (2-3 pcs).
- Long sleeve t-shirts (1-2 pcs).
- Underwear & hiking socks (wool highly recommended).
- Snow gaiters.
- Warm beanie (1 pcs) & cap (1 pcs).
- Waterproof gloves/mittens.
- Hiking buff & bandana.
- Boat shoes.
Warm & comfy boat shoes, as inside the boat we have a “no
outdoor shoes” policy. Crocs are a great option. - Swimsuit. (Only in case you dare to try the Polar plunge).
- Personal toiletries & personal first-aid kit.
- Seasickness medication or patches.
Even the toughest sailors can get seasick, and it often strikes when you least expect it. We
recommend bringing some with you, even if you think you won’t need it. - Sunscreen & sunglasses.
- Photo camera, phone, batteries & power bank.
There are electric outlets in the sailboat for recharging your devices. - Hiking poles (for river crossing).
- Water bottle or thermo bottle.
We do not recommend water bladders as they freeze. - Earplugs for a nice sleep in the boat.
- Lunchbox / tupperware to carry your food for each day.
You’ll need to carry your lunch & snacks each day, so bringing a
lightweight lunchbox is recommended.
Other gear
RECOMMENDED TO BE CARRIED PER PERSON
Not necessary to bring, but might come handy.
- Heat pads & warmers.
- Imodium – Loperamide.
- Oral antibiotic for chest infection.
- Topical antibiotic cream for skin infection.
Want to see what this gear looks like in action?
Read our 2027 Hike & Sail in Svalbard for a day-by-day look at the expedition.
Last updated: October 2026
Gear requirements can change between expedition seasons. Confirm the current packing list before departure.
Join us next summer for a SVALBARD HIKE & SAIL expedition
Venture into the frozen wilderness of Svalbard, where jagged Arctic peaks and remote fjords reveal the untamed beauty of the High Arctic.
