What to pack for an Arctic orca trip
Cold is entirely manageable with the right kit. Most bad surprises come down to hands, and to what you wear under the drysuit.
People often imagine you need polar expedition gear. In reality the essentials fit in one bag, and the most expensive technical equipment is provided.
What is provided, so you need not buy it
- The drysuit, rated for water at 3–6 °C
- Mask and snorkel
- Fins
There is no need to invest in snorkelling gear before you come: what we provide is suited to cold water, which holiday equipment is not. What else is included is set out on the trip page.
Under the drysuit: where comfort is decided
A drysuit does not insulate by itself: it keeps water out, but what you wear underneath is what keeps you warm. That is what makes entering the water comfortable or not.
- Warm thermal base layers, top and bottom, in merino wool or synthetic
- A thin second layer if you feel the cold
- Warm socks, wool for preference
- No cotton: once damp it cools you instead of warming you
On deck: that is where you get cold
Oddly enough, you are rarely cold in the water. It is waiting on deck, with wind and damp, that tests you.
- A windproof, waterproof jacket over a fleece or light down layer
- Warm windproof trousers
- A hat covering the ears, and a neck gaiter
- Two pairs of gloves: one always ends up wet
- Warm waterproof boots with grippy soles, not too tight — a compressed foot is a cold foot
The mistakes we see most often
- Bringing only one pair of gloves
- Buying boots in your exact size, with no room for thick socks
- Forgetting a towel and dry spare clothes for the way back
- Underestimating seasickness: if you are prone to it, bring a remedy and take it before departure, not once on board
Photo and video in deep cold
Light is low throughout the season: bring a camera that copes well at high ISO, and accept grain rather than blur.
- Spare batteries kept warm against your body: cold cuts their life sharply
- A waterproof housing if you film in the water
- A microfibre cloth — salt spray gets everywhere
- A dry bag to protect gear while under way
The rest
Swimwear, towel, toiletries, and a plug adapter if your devices have a three-pin Swiss plug — Norway uses standard European sockets. And something for the long evenings: night falls early, and that is a good part of the charm.
Tempted by the trip?
The full trip is described on the trip page, and dates are set with you.