Pack for the season, because Svalbard’s two halves are completely different. In winter, January averages around −14°C and the focus is staying warm and windproof. In summer, July sits near +7°C and the challenge is layering for changeable weather and sleeping under a sun that never sets. In both seasons, guides supply the heavy expedition gear for activities — you bring the layers and personal items underneath.
Winter packing list
Winter runs cold and often windy, with deep darkness in the polar-night months. The goal is a warm, dry layering system under the expedition suit your guide provides.
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Insulated winter boots | Town walking and standing on snow; the cold comes up through your feet first |
| Wool base layers (top + bottom) | Wool keeps warming when damp; the foundation of staying warm |
| Insulating mid layer (fleece or down) | Traps heat between base and shell |
| Windproof shell jacket and trousers | Wind drives the real cold; a shell blocks it in town and between activities |
| Balaclava or neck gaiter | Protects the face, the most exposed skin in wind |
| Goggles | Shields eyes from wind and blowing snow on the move |
| Warm gloves and a spare pair | Wet gloves are useless; a backup keeps a day going |
| Headlamp | Essential in the dark season for moving around |
For the activities themselves, guides issue expedition suits, so you do not need to buy the heaviest outer layer.
Summer packing list
Summer is milder but unpredictable, with constant daylight. Layers and wind protection matter more than heavy insulation.
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Layered clothing (base, mid, light insulation) | Temperatures swing through the day; layers let you adjust |
| Waterproof boots | Tundra and shorelines are wet; dry feet make every day better |
| Wind shell jacket | Wind off the water is the main chill, even in July |
| Warm hat and light gloves | Useful on boats and higher ground |
| Sleep mask | The midnight sun (20 Apr–22 Aug) keeps it bright at night |
| Sunglasses and sunscreen | Long daylight and reflective water and snow |
What people forget
A few items get left behind again and again — none of them heavy, all of them missed once you are there.
- Sleep mask. With the sun up around the clock in summer, this is the most-regretted omission.
- Swimsuit. Saunas turn up at some accommodation and activities; people who pack only for cold forget one.
- Spare gloves and warm socks. Wet hands or feet end an outing early; backups save the day.
- A small daypack. For carrying layers you shed and personal items on guided days.
Pack your own base layers, footwear, and personal items well, and let the guides cover the expedition suits and safety gear. That division keeps your luggage light while leaving you properly equipped for whichever season you choose.
Quick answers
- What gear do guides provide?
- For activities, guides supply expedition suits and the heavy outer protection you need — plus safety gear and equipment for each outing. You bring your own base and mid layers, footwear for town, and personal items. The heavy specialised kit is handled for you.
- Do I really need a sleep mask in summer?
- Yes. From 20 April to 22 August the sun never sets, and it stays bright at midnight. A sleep mask makes a real difference, and many people who skip it regret it. Blackout curtains help but are not guaranteed in every room.
- Should I pack a swimsuit?
- Bring one. Some accommodation and activities include a sauna, and a swimsuit is the most commonly forgotten item for a place people associate only with cold. It weighs nothing and is easy to leave behind by accident.
Updated 6 June 2026.