When planning your Rovaniemi Northern Lights Tour, packing the right gear is essential for staying warm in the Arctic conditions and making the most of your experience. This guide highlights key items you should include to be prepared for the cold and to capture the beauty of the Northern Lights.
- Layered Winter Clothing
Layering is crucial when venturing into the extreme winter conditions of Rovaniemi. Start with a moisture-wicking thermal base layer, add a mid-layer such as fleece or wool for insulation, and top it off with a waterproof and windproof jacket and pants. Wearing layers allows you to adjust your clothing depending on activity levels and weather conditions, ensuring you stay comfortable throughout your Rovaniemi Northern Tour.
Key Items:
– Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
– Fleece or wool mid-layer
– Waterproof outer shell (jacket and pants)
– Insulated down jacket (for extra warmth)
- Cold-Weather Accessories
While your body might be well insulated with layers, exposed extremities can quickly become cold. Make sure to bring thermal gloves, a warm hat that covers your ears, and a scarf or neck warmer to protect your face from biting winds during the Rovaniemi Northern Tour. Insulated, waterproof boots paired with thick, thermal socks will keep your feet dry and warm while waiting for the Northern Lights to appear.
Accessories to Pack:
– Insulated gloves or mittens
– Thermal hat or balaclava
– Scarf or neck warmer
– Waterproof boots
– Wool or thermal socks
- Camera Gear for Capturing the Northern Lights
Photographing the Northern Lights is one of the most exciting parts of any Rovaniemi Northern Lights Tour. To capture the best images, you’ll need a good camera with manual settings, a sturdy tripod, and extra batteries. Cold weather drains battery life faster, so pack multiple backups to ensure you don’t miss the magical aurora moments. A remote shutter release is also helpful for minimizing camera shake.
Essential Photography Gear:
– DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings
– Wide-angle lens with a low f-stop (f/2.8 or lower)
– Sturdy tripod
– Extra batteries (stored inside your jacket to keep warm)
– Remote shutter release
- Hand and Foot Warmers
It matters not whether you are layering up, spending many hours waiting outside as part of your Rovaniemi Northern Tour can be quite downright scorching. You need to add hand and foot warmers to your list of packing you’ll take with you, it will be a powerful addition. These heat packs can be placed inside your gloves and boots to provide extra warmth during long waits for the Northern Lights.
- Insulated Water Bottle and Snacks
Staying hydrated is just as important in cold weather as it is in warm climates. An insulated water bottle would ensure that your drink does not freeze during the tour. Some high-energy snacks – like nuts, energy bars, or chocolate – should also be taken along to keep up with the energy level in braving the winter chill. The BBQ and traditional Lappish sausage available on the tour will make for a great hot snack, but a few more snacks will be needed to keep you going until then.
- Personal Comfort Items
Offering some amenities like BBQ and glögi on its Rovaniemi Northern Lights Tour, ToTheNorth helps you feel a little warmer during your outing. However, it is always advisable to carry some comfort items with yourself, so consider coming with a small thermos of hot tea or coffee. You can also bring a blanket to sit on, especially if you need to wait for some considerable time before these auroras appear.
- Snow Gear (Optional but Recommended)
Some tours won’t provide overalls or snowshoes, but good practice is always to carry your snow gear with you. Snowshoes offer stability and ease when walking on deep snow, and insulated overalls provide additional warmth.
Optional Items:
– Snowshoes
– Insulated overalls
– Ski mask or goggles (for windy conditions)
- First Aid and Emergency Supplies
While ToTheNorth’s Rovaniemi Northern Tours are safe and guided by professionals. It’s always smart to have a basic first aid kit with band-aids, painkillers, and hand sanitizers. If you’re prone to altitude sickness or cold-related issues, pack any necessary medications.
- Travel Documents and Essentials
As with any trip, don’t forget your passport, travel insurance, and necessary identification. While not a cold-weather essential, it’s a good idea to have all your documents organized and easily accessible.
Important Travel Documents:
– Passport and visa (if required)
– Travel insurance details
– Booking confirmations for the tour
Final Thoughts
Preparing for your Rovaniemi Northern Lights Tour means packing the right gear to ensure you stay warm and comfortable in the Arctic climate. With the correct clothing, photography equipment. And other essentials, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy the adventure of chasing the Northern Lights across the wintery Lapland landscape. While the auroras may not be guaranteed, your chances of seeing them will be much better. If you’re equipped to handle the cold and take in the beauty of the night sky.
