Some principles for fighting the cold:
Our worst enemy: Humidity!
Paradoxically, given its geographical location, the problem in the Arctic is the excessive heat… in both winter and summer. During physical exertion, our bodies produce heat and humidity, and this is the most difficult to combat.
The 3 layers:
For clothing, the layering method is best. This involves wearing several layers of clothing, the closest to the body allowing perspiration to evaporate easily. The other layers retain heat or protect the body from external conditions. Therefore, you should wear underwear that will absorb this moisture and change it at the end of the day, even if your clothes seem dry.
- The base layer (even the skin)
It must allow perspiration to escape from the body and keep you dry; it is usually underwear. Synthetic fibers provide the best results. However, Norwegians and Icelanders use wool (especially the Ulfrotté underwear distributed in France by Pronor...).
- The intermediate layer
It traps our heat. For a long time, wool was the primary insulator. Today, fleece (a synthetic polyester fiber) is very effective. Water hardly penetrates it and it dries quickly.
- The outer layer
Its function is to protect against water, snow, and especially wind. It must be robustly constructed. It should be roomy and extend as low as possible. It must be both breathable and windproof, ideally with technical opening options for improved ventilation.
Basic rules
1. Loose-fitting clothing
Choose clothes in which you feel comfortable and do not wear them tightly fitted.
2. Insulated or waterproof clothing
Choosing the right materials, for the right diapers.
3. The extremities
A large part of the heat is lost through the head. As with the rest of the body, the 3 layers apply to the extremities: the head, the hands and the feet.
4. Getting dressed and undressed
You need to know how to put on and take off different layers of clothing depending on the situation.
5. Avoid humidity
You need to move to "create" heat, but without sweating...
- A Gore-Tex jacket and trousers or equivalent to protect against rain and wind.
- Hiking pants, more or less warm depending on your sensitivity to the cold. If your pants are also waterproof, you won't need Gore-Tex.
- A thick fleece jacket - synthetic or natural fiber
- A lightweight and compressible down jacket, for cooler evenings
- A pair of high-top, waterproof mountain boots (all leather or Gore-Tex; the terrain is rocky and sometimes wet, so good hiking boots are important).
- A pair of lightweight shoes like sneakers or sandals for evenings at camp
- A lightweight fleece
- Two long-sleeved t-shirts made of synthetic or natural fiber (merino wool or polypropylene)
- Long underwear - synthetic or natural fiber
- 4 to 5 pairs of hiking socks - synthetic or natural fiber (two pairs of merino wool for hiking, and two thicker pairs for evenings and nights)
- Personal underwear (merino wool bras are highly recommended)
- A beanie
- A Buff-type neck warmer or thicker
- A pair of gloves
- A cap
- Clothes for evenings out and for going out in town
- Travel clothes (which will remain on site during the trekking portion)
- A swimsuit and a microfiber towel (for washing in the river)
- Head mosquito net
Please note that your clothes will be repackaged before departure.