Our Svalbard Packing List – What We'd Pack Today After Our Arctic Expedition
- Anna & Tom
- Jul 30
- 5 min read
Svalbard – it sounds like endless ice landscapes, fierce winds, a rich past, and a kind of magic you can’t quite describe. We spent 7 days on an expedition ship, went on multiple shore landings, zodiac rides, and kayak trips, and spent two days exploring Longyearbyen.
This trip was definitely one of the most intense adventures we've ever had. But here’s the truth: without the right preparation and gear, we would’ve been totally lost.
That’s why we’re sharing our complete Svalbard packing list, based on real travel experience. It’ll help you make sure you don’t forget anything important.
You’ll also find a bunch of helpful links to products we use ourselves or can truly recommend – so you’re all set for your Arctic adventure.
Table of Contents
1. Svalbard – A Journey to the Arctic
Svalbard, also known as Spitzbergen, lies way up north in the Arctic Ocean between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Politically, it belongs to Norway – but geographically, you’re basically at the end of the world. Longyearbyen is the northernmost town on Earth with actual infrastructure.
You can reach Svalbard easily by plane, usually via Oslo or Tromsø.
Depending on the season, Svalbard can hit you with extreme conditions:In winter (polar night: October to May), temperatures range from -5°C to -20°C, but it can get even colder.
In summer (midnight sun: June to September), it’s around 0 to 10°C – but the wind can make it feel much colder.
Whether you're chasing the northern lights in winter or going for a summer expedition: Arctic conditions apply – which means your packing list matters. A lot.
We visited in June–July on an expedition ship.
2. Important Documents & Travel Essentials
Before you even start packing, make sure you have all your documents sorted. If you lose something here, it’s not easy to replace it.
Here’s what you should keep handy:
Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Flight tickets, hotel & tour confirmations (digital and printed)
Credit card & cash (Norwegian Krone – though nearly everything in Longyearbyen is cashless)
International health insurance that covers polar regions
Driver’s license (if you plan to rent a car or snowmobile)
Emergency contacts & insurance details
Waterproof document pouch* – trust us, you want your papers dry
3. Clothing – Layering Is Key in Svalbard
If we learned one thing in Svalbard: the weather does whatever it wants. One minute you’re freezing on deck, the next the sun is warming your back. Layering is your best friend!
Hier unsere Packliste für Kleidung auf Spitzbergen:
Base layer (thermal underwear):
7 pairs of merino socks*
Mid layer (for warmth):
Outer layer (weather protection):
Accessories:
Other clothing onboard:
Pajamas
Underwear
Jeans
Lightweight sweaters
4. Shoes & Accessories for the Arctic
Svalbard without good shoes? Bad idea. Trails can be icy, muddy, or rocky – and cold feet will ruin your mood fast.
Our must-haves:
Sneakers
Optional: waterproof, insulated winter boots with grip for men / women*
Slippers or indoor shoes (outdoor shoes aren't allowed indoors – even on the ship! Ours had a “closed shoe only” rule, so our slides didn’t work and we had to wear sneakers inside)
Rubber boots with hiking soles* (these were provided by our expedition team – check if yours are too!)
High-quality UV-protective sunglasses with wind shield* (snow and ice reflect like crazy)
5. Tech Gear & Camera Equipment
Svalbard is an absolute dream for photographers – but the cold can drain your batteries quickly. So bring extras and keep them charged!
Our gear list:
Mirrorless or DSLR camera
Telephoto lens for wildlife (reindeer, polar foxes, maybe even polar bears)
Action cam* for the real adventures
Binoculars (great for spotting animals from the ship or shore)
Waterproof dry bag* for your gear
6. Toiletries & Personal Items
The Arctic air is super dry and your skin will feel it. So bring a little skincare and a basic travel pharmacy.
What we packed:
Lip balm & hand cream (for dry, cold air)
High SPF sunscreen (yes, even in winter!)
Toothbrush, toothpaste & basic hygiene stuff
Shampoo & shower gel (travel size)
Blister plasters
7. Snacks & Travel Food
Food in Svalbard is pricey – so having a few snacks in your bag is smart. On the expedition ship, though, we were well-fed.
Our go-to snacks:
Granola or protein bars
Reusable water bottle* – there are plenty of refill stations, even on the expedition ship and in accommodations
8. Extras & Useful Add-ons
Here are a few random things that turned out to be super handy:
Don’t forget:
Travel journal* or notebook (you’ll want to remember this trip)
Earplugs & sleep mask (hello, 24-hour daylight in summer!)
Packing cubes & drybags (great for organizing and zodiac landings)
Seasickness meds* or patches* (we didn’t use them, but many fellow passengers did – next time, we’ll bring them too)
9. What We Didn’t Actually Need
Most of the things on this list, we’d pack again. But a few items didn’t make the cut for a second trip:
Power bank – there were enough outlets in our cabin for all our gear
“Real” hiking boots – we used either rubber boots (from the ship) or our sneakers/light hikers
Books – brought one, didn’t touch it. Too much to see and do!
Rain jacket – a regular rain jacket isn’t warm enough. Better go for a waterproof winter jacket
Our Personal Tip:
Don’t overpack – but don’t skimp on quality. Good, functional clothing is key. Merino wool, windproof jackets, and waterproof layers are absolutely essential for your Svalbard trip.
*This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, it won’t cost you more – but it helps support our work. Thanks for that!
