Arctic Photo Tour Clothing

Traveling in the Arctic

Group size is limited to 8 participants. This enables effective use of space appropriate for accessing and photographing in the Arctic region, which requires reliable four wheel drive vehicles. Due to the size of the state of Alaska, lengthy travel time in a vehicle is unavoidable. For this reason, two vehicles will be used, (a guide and 3 or 5 participants per vehicle) providing each participant a window seat (which rolls down or slides open) in order to optimize photographic opportunities along the way. The additional unused space provides adequate room for all necessary winter gear and camera equipment.

Suggested clothing & packing recommendations for the Arctic

It is important to be conscious of space and pack efficiently, since winter clothing is bulky. Temperatures in the Arctic in October can be cold. This has obvious implications on the human body, but on camera gear as well. The Brooks mountain range separates the interior from the Arctic Coastal Plains, and the climate north of the Brooks (just 65 miles north of Wiseman) can be dramatically colder. It is always prudent to have plenty of warm clothes and necessary gear suited for these conditions. Typically when photographing, we remain near the vehicle in order to warm ourselves and our equipment if necessary.If you have any specific questions, please call Hugh or Patrick and we can further advise you on your inquiry.

We usually dress for two conditions:

  1. Moderate daytime temps between 15-30 degrees (lighter weight jackets and coats and gloves)
  2. Colder/windy conditions (heavier parkas mitts and boots)

Clothing

  • COTTON KILLS! Cotton clothing for a first layer is NOT recommended for warmth. Blue jeans are not recommended. Instead we recommend merino wool, smart wool, or capilene for first layer--this really makes a big difference.
  • Outer Jacket: a good windproof shell jacket that has room for a down sweater or fleece underneath.
  • Large down (or other synthetic loft) parka or jacket and stuff sack for saving space in bag
  • Lightweight down jacket or down sweater, or similar synthetic
  • Fleece sweater or lightweight jacket
  • Long-sleeved shirts: 2 shirts
  • Long pants: one casual pair for inside, one heavier pair for outings (not blue jeans)
  • Windproof and/or insulated over pants like snow pants, or woollies.
  • Winter snow boots: Warm comfortable boots like Sorrels, good for snowy conditions and insulation (Boots should not fit tight and toes should wiggle freely with a pair of wool socks on. (Hiking boots are not sufficient for cold temps often encountered).
  • Long underwear: both tops and bottoms at least 2 sets Capilene or lightweight merino wool recommended (not cotton)
  • Warm windproof hat
  • Warm Gloves and mittens (Hugh and I use both gloves and mittens depending on the temperature)
  • Face and neck muffler or balaclava
  • Liner gloves: fleece or thin merino wool work great (these should not fit super tight, it restricts insulation in the fingers)
  • Comfortable shoes: at least one pair of walking shoes (for casual wear, inside accommodations, light hiking boots can serve a dual purpose and can sometimes be worn during the day if temperatures are warm and snow conditions minimal).
  • Sunglasses
  • Binoculars
  • Extra pair of prescription glasses
  • Extra batteries
  • Extra memory cards and storage space for images (This is important, on every trip, someone runs out of storage space!)
  • Any personal medication you deem essential. (Consult your physician.)