Arctic Circle Trail packing list: all you need for this remote trek

Camping and trekking equipment

• 1 x backpack (50l+) – read our guide on how to choose a backpack
• 1 x lightweight backpacking tent or shelter (I recommend a Zpacks Duplex)
• 1 x camping pad
• 1 x camping pillow (optional)
• 1 x sleeping bag (four-season; rated to -7°C)
• 1 x trekking poles
• 1 x gaiters
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Waterproof liners/dry sacks
• Whistle
• Spare bootlaces
• Paper maps (Kangerlussuaq, Pingu & Sisimiut)
• Compass
• Guidebook

Clothing

• 1 x hiking boots (worn frequently beforehand)
• 1 x comfortable shoes/sandals (for wearing around camp)
• 1 x sock shoes (optional – great for river crossings)
• 2-3 x breathable underwear
• 2-3 x thick trekking socks
• 2 x liner socks (optional)
• 1 x base layer bottoms
• 2 x base tops
• 2 x hiking trousers/zip-offs
• 1 x fleece or warm jacket
• 1 x light down jacket
• 1 x waterproof jacket/shell
• 1 x waterproof trousers
• 1 x cap or sunhat
• 1 x neck buff
• 1 x beanie or warm hat
• 1 x sunglasses
• 1 x pair of warm gloves (ideally waterproof/mountaineering)
• Sleepwear (optional – I just wore thermal underwear with a base layer)
• Eye mask
• Mosquito head net

Food and cooking equipment

What to eat on the trail very much depends on personal preference. Below is my Arctic Circle Trail trekking diet. I’m always conscious of the weight on my back, so am happy to go without any luxuries when I trek. I met some trekkers on the trail who carried a dehydrated meal for lunch and dinner and even some who packed a dessert for every meal!

You could consider taking some fresh items to consume during the first couple of days but personally, I think it’s better to focus on shelf-stable food which will keep for the entirety of the trek.

Most trekkers take between seven and 10 days to complete the trail. I packed for eight days of trekking with a few extra snacks such as cereal bars and my favourite vegan products in case I needed an additional day. Other than the specialist dehydrated meals, most of my food supply was inexpensive and easy to find at local grocery stores.

• 8 x breakfasts: coffee, protein bar, cereal/yoghurt bar
• 8x lunches: protein bar, cereal/yoghurt bar and black tea
• 8 x dinners: dehydrated trekking meal, chocolate bar and hot drink
• Snacks: I snacked between meals on a homemade trail mix of nuts, dried fruit and chocolate as well as berries I picked along the trail.

Take a look at our favourite backpacking food.

• 1 x camping stove
• 1 x camping gas (can be bought in Kangerlussuaq or Sisimiut)
• Lighters or waterproof matches
• 1 x saucepan
• 1 x spork (or cutlery)
• 1 x mug
• 1 x bowl or plate (optional – I ate my meals out of the packaging)
• 1 x 1lt Nalgene water bottle

There are wild berries growing along the trail – the slightly sour crowberry and the tastier Arctic blueberry – with which I supplemented my trekking diet. There are also wild mushrooms along the trail which I saw regularly but never ate although they are perfectly edible.

Toiletries and medication

Every trekker should carry a personal first aid kit on them at all times. Only use biodegradable toiletries in the wild.

• Sunscreen (SPF 40+)
• Lip balm (SPF 30+)
• Insect repellent
• Soap (biodegradable)
• Lightweight travel towel
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Roll-on deodorant
• Toilet roll/tissue
• Antibacterial wipes (biodegradable)
• Hand sanitiser
• Imodium (or similar diarrhoea medication)
• Ibuprofen
• Paracetamol
• Antiseptic cream
• Plasters/Band-Aid
• Compeed (blister treatment)
• Any additional prescription drugs you may be taking

Electronics

These are all optional, but trekkers should carefully consider carrying a satellite phone.

• Smartphone and charger (doubled as an alarm clock)
• Powerbank
• Solar panel
• USB and power cables
• DSLR camera with spare batteries (optional)
• Lightweight mini-tripod
• Head torch (depends on when you’re travelling – I didn’t take one as it was Arctic summer and never got dark!)
• Satellite phone

Finally, don’t forget about insurance. I bought mine from TrueTraveller. For the Arctic Circle Trail, you’ll need the Extreme Adventure Pack.