| Tips on what to pack for a trip to Svalbard, posted by real travelers and Svalbard locals. Map |
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 Svalbard packing by loisl
Just a general comment:
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If you want to do expeditions style trecking you need to plan carefully.
I do not recommend such a adventure in this very remote location without any previous expirience.
If you are not an expirienced outdoorexpert you may better go with a guided tour.
Adresses you find on the website below.
Contact me if you need some advices. Leave a Comment
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 Gear up! by Saagar
Thick, padded boots for winter use, bjekso Saami leather boots, heavy ski boots, thick woollen socks, indoor slippers.
Layered clothing: long underwear, pref. wool or polyprop, not cotton unless for sedate use, extra thick layering pants, shirts, fleece jacket and wool sweater(s), windproof shell/jacket/pants, preferably cotton/polyester mix since goretex etc stiffens.
Woollen hat that covers ears, perhaps balaclava, scarf, gloves and windproof glove shell, long or semi-long gaiters to keep drift snow out of the boots.
Anything you prefer to take care of dry skin. Ensure the lotion or cream doesn't contain any water (or buy it in Norway - skin creams here don't contain any H2O because it freezes). Something to counter blisters.
Camera and video equipment that can be used in cold climate. Reserve batteries - they will run out fast in the cold.
Your ideal film and digital memory cards, double what your estimated consumption tells you.
Any specialist gear you wish to bring. For excursions by snowmobile, dog sled etc. the organisers will provide relevant clothing extra as part of the package.
If you have, bring gun (not handgun), preferably 30.06/ 7.62mm rifle or rent locally.
Sunglasses, snow glasses.
A good book if you get stuck in your hotel room in a bad storm.
Travel insurance that covers your intended activity.
If you only want to sit in the bar and watch the snowdrifts from inside, know that dress in Svalbard is very casual. Leave a Comment
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A map is handy for all travellers to Svalbard. For trekking and expedition planning a detailed map will be necessary. The best series published covering Svalbard is by the Norwegian Polar Institue's "S100" Svalbard 1:100 000 series.
For Longyearbyen and environs get the map "Adventdalen" 1:100.000 published 2003. You can order it from the Polar Institute or buy in a biggish bookshop. Probably they will have all the maps readily available at Longyearbyen, too.
And certainly at the Polar Institute in Tromsø: Polar Environmental Centre, 9296 Tromsø. Leave a Comment Phone: +47 77750500Website: www.npolar.no Other Contact: postmottak@npolar.no
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 Good guide book by Saagar
I found this one by far the best. LP's "Arctic" is a bit "popish" and skims the surface only. Same for their Norway book. Leave a Comment Other Contact: Bradt Publications, England.
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 BYO - ego on skis by SaagarLeave a Comment
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 Gear up for adverse conditions by Saagar
Long underwear, hat, gloves, scarf any time of the year.
Hiking boots
Wind /rain proofs - shells, jackets and pants
Nothing special needed for Svalbard, except of you are out on the snow in sunny condition: sunscreen and sunglasses.
Film, film and film - and your special camera battery, which might not be available here.
High-powered rifle 7.62 mm (30.06) if leaving the settlements.
Tent, sleeping bag etc., including a military-style trip-wire warning system against polar bears if embarking on an overnight trip.
If hiking independently outside the main settlement area, and staying overnight in the wilderness, you will need insurance guarantees and permission by the local authorities. You can avoid all this by joining an organised tour. Leave a Comment
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A big suitcase and a smaller backpack for daytrips.
Dress in layers, the temperature and the weather change often on Svalbard. Avoid cotton, use only wool or synthetic. Several layers of wool and windproof outside protection may be required in any season. The windchill may exceed -40°C in winter and early spring. Protect your head and your hands. Special suits, hats, gloves and boots are usually included in the tour's price.
As always, bring any medicament you may need.
To minimize changes (especially on cold weather) use 36 exposures films and zoom lenses. Bring spare batteries (battery's life is shorter on cold weather). A tripod may be required on darkest months. Overexpose by 1 or 2 stops on white scenes, the snow will be more brighter.
Always ask to the tour operator the reccomended gear list, as it always changes depending on the type of the tour and season. Leave a Comment
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 He's got it right! by Spader
Really good footware is essential. Some recommend good boots others top gear wellies, all good as long as they are waterproof and comfortable and can resist the spiky stones Svalbard is full of. I had waterproof hikingboots that was good enough for most landings but not the really wet ones. I'd go for top nodge wellingtons!! Other than that, think: no cotton-water resistant -layer upon layer-windproof and warm. I wore old military stuff and that was great (and cheap)!
Skinlotion for hands and face, it's very dry in Svalbard and the wind gets to your skin. Also sunlotion for the senitive skin beacause your out in the sun a lot. If travelling with M/S Origo get some medicin for seasickness. Even if you have never before been seasick you most likely will have a first on Origo. It's the price you pay for beeing able to get very close to shorelines and into the packice.
A really good camera with a good zooming lens is highly recommended. You will find yourself klicking away and you will see so many amimals and birds that you really do not want to look at small black spots when you get home. Put some money on it!
Paper napkins! In and out your nose will be runny from temperature changes. Sunglasses! Protect your eyes, it's very bright in Svalbarden. Leave a Comment
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It's a good idea to pack lots of warm clothes. Make sure to take your warmest shoes and gloves as you'll need them if you stay out a lot.
You get all the warm clothes you need if you take organised daytrips with snowscooters or dog sledges. However, pay attention to your feet and wear some warm woolen socks. Pack another pair with you just in case.
The shops do sell warm clothes so we went to a sports shop there and wanted to buy the warmest gloves they have. The gloves were half a meter long (I'm not kidding), really thick, fluffy and warm.
Also take with you some slippers as people don't wear shoes inside. Instead, they are left in the lobby. Leave a Comment
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Take lip balm, with sunblock, as wind/sun makes lips very sore.
Binoculars Leave a Comment
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