Arctic Circle Trail | EQUIPMENT
Here is the list of gear we would pack for hiking the Arctic Circle Trail. We’ll keep updating it on a yearly basis, based on our growing knowledge and experiences on different trails.
❗ Recommendation:
We advise to carefully plan your equipment list for hiking this trail. Keep in mind… a too heavy and bulky backpack would increase your effort while hiking and would make the trail experience less enjoyable.
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ACT Gear List
This gear list was created using Lighterpack.
The last category block, called “Trail-Specific Gear”, lists all additional items that are trail dependent. Out of these items, the ones we would recommend for hiking the Arctic Circle Trail are discussed further down below, in the Trail-Specific Gear section.
⛺ Camping Gear:
If you choose not to camp and always sleep inside the huts, you can simply ignore the gear listed under “Shelter” and the sleeping pads under “Sleeping”.
📅 Weather and Temperatures:
We hiked this trail in September. Your gear list can of course change depending on the period you are planning to go. We advise to check the weather forecast and temperatures when planning this adventure.
💥 Hike Your Own Hike:
Use this gear list for inspiration, but don’t take it as the one and only way to go! “Gear” is a very subjective topic, as every hiker is different and therefore has different needs while on trail. We too are still inside an endless learning phase… so find what suits you best and HYOH!
Trail-Specific Gear
☂️ These are the items from the category “Trail-Specific Gear” that we would carry on the ACT.
Tent II: although we are in love with our Zpacks Duplex (Tent I), we would bring a slightly more resistant tent for the chilly nights in Greenland, as the temperatures often drop below 0 °C at night. A Big Agnes Tiger Wall tent could be a better choice!
Sitting Pad: if you are not bringing any foldable pad (like the one listed under “Sleeping”), we advise to bring at least a sitting pad… you’ll never regret this choice during breaks!
Boots: we recommend to wear mountain boots, since the terrain can be very wet and muddy.
Fleece: for cold days.
Thermal Shirt (heavy): extra warm layer for cold evenings.
Thermal Pants: extra warm layer for cold evenings.
Long Pants: for hiking, instead of shorts and wind pants.
Rain Pants: for rainy days.
Gloves (heavy): for cold days.
Beanie: for cold days.
Mosquito Net: in case of mosquitoes or midges.
Additional Notes
Shelter: if you choose not to camp and sleep inside the huts, you can simply ignore the gear listed under this category, hence reducing the weight of your pack.
Sleeping and Cooking systems: even if you are planning to sleep inside the huts along the trail, you’ll need to carry your own sleeping bag and cooking equipment.
Camp Shoes: we advise to bring camp shoes which can also be used to safely cross rivers (for example Crocs or Teva sandals).
Electronics: we advise to switch off your phone, as there is no reception along the ACT. Moreover, charging your phone would consume a lot of battery on your powerbank, which needs to stay charged for more important devices, like a GPS! A GPS device is a must, due to the remoteness of the trail.
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