In the vast and unforgiving Arctic, where temperatures can drop to a bone-chilling -50°C (-58°F) or lower, the right clothing isn’t just about comfort—it’s about survival.
Without proper preparation, you face serious risks like frostbite, dehydration and even hypothermia. conditions that can be severe and even life-threatening.
For centuries, Arctic communities have relied on ingenious natural materials to create garments that provide the warmth and functionality needed to survive and even thrive in such extreme conditions. These traditional methods have stood the test of time and are still in use today. At the same time, modern innovations, like synthetic fibres, have introduced lighter, more versatile options that make Arctic exploration more accessible than ever.
Drawing from my own experience guiding groups through this region, I’ve put together this summary to help you prepare for your own Arctic adventures. Whether you're planning your first Arctic adventure or seeking tips to refine your setup, this is what has worked for me—and what’s readily available to help you stay safe, warm, and ready to explore the this unique land.
Understanding Heat Loss
To appreciate the importance of proper Arctic clothing, it’s essential to understand how the body loses heat and how each clothing layers counteract these challenges.
The human body is constantly losing heat to the atmosphere through a process called radiation. In milder climates, this heat loss often goes unnoticed. However, in very cold conditions, this loss becomes significant. While radiation cannot be stopped, clothing helps slow it down by trapping warm air close to the skin, creating a barrier to reduce this inevitable loss.
Another major mode of heat loss is conduction. When your body comes into contact with a colder object heat transfers from the warmer surface (your body) to the colder one. Similarly, moving fluids such as wind or water accelerate heat loss through convection. For instance, wind strips away the warm air trapped between your clothing layers, a phenomenon called wind chill, which can make temperatures feel far colder than they are. Proper Arctic clothing mitigates these effects by combining windproof outer layers with insulating gloves, boots, and other essential gear.
The Dangers of Cold Injuries
Failing to take precautions against heat loss can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening injuries. Frostbite, caused by the freezing of the skin and underlying tissues, most often affects extremities like fingers, toes, ears, and the nose, where blood flow is naturally reduced to prioritize vital organs. Even mild frostbite can render your hands unusable, preventing you from performing critical tasks such as lighting a fire or preparing a shelter. In more severe cases, frostbite can cause permanent damage, leading to the loss of extremities or other tissues.
Hypothermia is the most serious risk, occurring when the body’s core temperature drops below 35°C (95°F). This condition leads to symptoms like confusion, loss of coordination, and eventually unconsciousness if untreated. Milder forms of cold injuries, such as frostnip, can cause pain and numbness but leave no permanent damage if addressed promptly.
Understanding how heat loss occurs and wearing appropriate clothing are essential to minimizing these risks and ensuring your safety in extreme environments.
Clothing Layer System
The Base Layer
The base layer is your first line of defense against the cold. It should fit snugly against the body and allow moisture to be drawn away from the skin, a process known as wicking. This helps keep you dry, which is essential for maintaining warmth.
Merino Wool: With a fabric weight of around 200g/m², merino wool is an excellent choice for base layers. It provides warmth, breathability, and natural antibacterial properties that help reduce odor, making it perfect for extended wilderness trips.
Synthetic Options: Fishnet-style base layers feature an open-grid structure that enhances sweat evaporation, making them ideal for high-intensity activities. However, they can feel colder when stationary due to the open design. To address this, pairing fishnet layers with a lightweight closed weave additional layer is a practical solution, offering versatility to adapt to different levels of activity.
Loop and stitch design merino wool base layer from the Woolpower 200 series. 
Synthetic fish-net style base layer from Brynje of Norway paired with a light weight fleece from Swazi
The Mid Layer
The mid layer provides essential insulation between your base and outer layers.
Upper Body Mid Layer
For the top, merino wool or fleece mid layers are ideal. These materials provide excellent warmth and breathability. Your mid layer should feel like double the thickness of your base layer. My preferred choice is merino wool with zip-neck design allowing for easy ventilation, while a longer cut ensures coverage, preventing gaps and drafts during movement.
Lower Body Mid Layer
For lower-body, the choice of mid layer depends on the weather, your planned activity, and the level of exertion. Options include:
Merino Wool or Fleece Long Johns: These are full-length layers similar to your typical base layer however, just like for the top, offer double the warmth.
Puffer Shorts with Side Zips: Lightweight insulated shorts offer flexibility and are highly functional for activities like skiing, where you may need to quickly add or remove a layer. They can be worn over easily without taking off your boots and trousers. While they don’t provide as much warmth as full-length options, they are perfect for high-intensity activities that involve intermittent stops, offering targeted insulation without overheating.
The Outer Layer: Shielding Against Wind and Snow
The outer layer is your primary defense against wind chill and snow, ensuring your inner layers remain protected and functional. It creates a vital barrier against the Arctic environment while allowing moisture to escape, helping you stay warm and dry.
For the upper body, tightly woven cotton smocks, such as those made from Ventile, are an excellent choice. These smocks are durable, breathable, and resistant to sparks, making them ideal for bushcraft and wilderness travel. Key features to look for in a smock are deep frontal pockets and a spacious hood
For the lower body, poly-cotton trousers are my garment of choice. These are hard wearing and quick drying. A very important feature in the arcitc.
When selecting trousers, prioritize features like side pockets placed for easy access, especially useful while seated on a snowmobile and reinforced fabric in the knees and seat for added longevity during prolonged outdoor use.
Synthetic shell fabrics, like Gore-Tex, are unsuitable for Arctic bushcraft. They are prone to damage from sparks, lack adequate breathability, and can trap moisture, making them impractical for the dry cold of most Arctic environments.
The Parka: The “Mothership” of Arctic Clothing
Often referred to as the "mothership" the parka is the ultimate insulating layer, designed to be worn on top of all others during periods of inactivity. Its primary purpose is to provide maximum warmth and protection from the cold, especially when stationary.
Fit and Features: The parka should be long enough to cover the bottom, have large frontal pokects and a spacious hood with a fur trim to shield against wind.
Materials:
Down parkas are lightweight and provide very good insulation but are more fragile and can be easily damaged.
Wool anoraks, while heavier, are more robust and resistant to sparks or abrasion.
When selecting a parka, balance warmth, durability, and weight based on your activity level and the need for portability. I suggest going one or two sizes larger than your usual size to ensure it can comfortably fit over all your layers without restricting movement.
Head and Neck Protection: Guarding Against the Elements
Head and neck protection is critical in Arctic conditions, as these areas are often exposed and vulnerable to heat loss.
Head: A wool beanie combined with a warm, insulated trapper hat is ideal for most conditions. Seal-skin trapper hats lined with fox fur are exceptionally warm and commonly used by reindeer herders, but they are very expensive and difficult to source. Synthetic alternatives offer similar protection at a more accessible price point.
Neck: A thick tubular scarf, often referred to as a "Buff," provides warmth without the bulk of a traditional scarf. Buffs are practical for Arctic conditions, but thin mountaineering buffs are sometimes too light for such extreme environments. If using a thin buff, you should pair it with a lightweight balaclava for extra warmth and protection.
Gloves: Essential Protection for Your Hands
In the Arctic, gloves are not just a piece of clothing—they are a lifeline. Maintaining full use of your hands is critical for survival. A well-structured glove layering system ensures your hands remain warm, functional, and protected in any condition:
Wool Liner Gloves (Five-Finger): These thin gloves are the first layer and should always be worn. They provide a basic barrier against the cold and allow for precise tasks, such as adjusting ski a binding or tying a fish hook.
Work Gloves (Five-Finger): When performing rugged tasks like gathering firewood or using cutting tools, a pair of durable work gloves worn over the liners offers protection and grip while maintaining dexterity.
Insulated Mitts: For situations where warmth takes priority over dexterity such as skiing, insulated mittens are the only choice. By keeping fingers together, they allow them to share warmth and drastically reduce heat loss. Wear these over the wool liners for optimal insulation.
To preserve their insulating properties, always dry your gloves and mittens thoroughly at the end of the day.
Your hands are among the most vulnerable parts of your body in Arctic conditions, but with this layering system, you can ensure they stay warm, functional, and protected.
Footwear: Keeping Your Feet Warm and Dry
Since your feet are always in contact with the ground, proper footwear is essential for maintaining warmth and preventing frostbite. A common practice among Arctic guides is to wear two pairs of socks: a thin, wicking liner sock to draw moisture away from the skin, paired with a looser, thicker mountaineering sock for insulation. This layering system ensures your feet stay dry and warm even in extreme conditions. One year, I worked with a colleague who swore by wearing three layers of socks! While it worked for her, most of us stick to two to avoid compressing circulation.
Boots designed for Arctic use are typically wider allowing for better circulation. Many Arctic boots feature detachable wool liners, which can be removed and dried at the end of the day, a critical feature on multi-day trips.
The choice of boot material is personal and each option has its advantages and drawbacks. In my experience, rubber boots offer superior protection compared to leather or canvas. Rubber prevents ice and water from sticking to the surface and since waterproof they provide protection against lake overflow, a common hazard in Arctic conditions especially when ice fishing.
When selecting boots, it’s wise to go up one size to ensure the two-sock system fits comfortably without compressing your feet and restricting circulation.
Extra Layers
Extra layers provide the flexibility needed to adapt to changing conditions. In extreme cold, consider bringing a second mid-layer, such as a thick Norwegian wool sweater or a synthetic puffer jacket and insulated "softie" trousers, to boost insulation and keep you warm.
For wet or slushy conditions, lightweight waterproof top and bottom layers are essential. These prevent snowmelt from soaking your inner layers, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable. Such layers are typically compact and easy to carry, making them a practical addition to your kit.
In late winter or above the tree line, UV-protective sunglasses or goggles become crucial. Snow reflects sunlight intensely, increasing the risk of snow blindness. Investing in high-quality eyewear will help protect your vision in these conditions.
Conclusion
Your clothing system in the Arctic is deeply personal, it needs to work for you, adapting to your specific needs, activity levels, and preferences. Among all aspects of Arctic wilderness travel, your clothing is perhaps the most critical.
One of the most vital skills in Arctic travel is managing moisture. Overheating and sweating can leave you damp and cold later, so learning to adjust layers proactively is essential to staying dry and warm throughout the day. Equally important is drying your layers at the end of each day. This can be done effectively beside the warmth of a wood-burning stove in a hot tent or, when above the treeline, between a two-layer sleeping system.
When done correctly, Arctic travel can be incredibly rewarding. The stark beauty of the frozen wilderness, the silence of snow-covered landscapes, and the sense of self-sufficiency that comes with mastering these conditions make it a truly transformative experience. With the right preparation and mindset, the Arctic reveals itself not just as a place of survival, but as one of unparalleled natural beauty and wonder.
Just packing my bag as I read this. Really useful info thanks.