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Arctic Circle Trail packing list

This list is based on trekkers being entirely self-sufficient on the Arctic Circle Trail, meaning they must carry all their camping and sleeping gear and food supplies. Some items might be optional – electronics and toiletries for example – but the majority are essential unless otherwise stated.

Camping and trekking equipment

Clothing

• 1 x hiking boots (worn frequently prior to departure)
• 1 x comfortable shoes/sandals (for wearing around camp)
• 1 x sock shoes (optional – great for river crossings)
• 3-4 x breathable underwear
• 3-4 x thick trekking socks
• 2 x liner socks (optional)
• 1 x thermal underwear
• 2 x hiking trousers / zip-offs
• 2 x base layers
• 2 x short-sleeve mid-layers
• 1 x long-sleeve outer layer
• 1 x fleece or warm 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…