Our equipment recommendations for trips in Norway
Basic Equipment
Waterproof duffle bag:
To carry your main gear we recommend using a 110-120L duffle bag.
Daypack:
You will need to carry your own daypack on the treks. 30-40L is sufficient. We recommend Osprey daypacks.
Sleeping bag:
You will need a sleeping bag and compression sack for some of our Norway trips (please check your specific trip kit list for requirements). We recommend Mountain Hardwear or The North Face sleeping bags.
Trekking poles:
Trekking poles can reduce the impact on your joints by up to 20%. They are great for going downhill as well as up! We recommend adjustable Black Diamond or Alpkit trekking poles.
Water bottles:
Capacity to carry at least 2 litres of water. Wide-mouthed nalgene bottles are recommended.
Head
Sun hat:
Preferably wide-brimmed for protection, and with a neck cover if you aren't going to be using a neck gaiter.
Warm beanie style hat:
Go for a version of beanie that is either knitted or fleeced for extra warmth.
Neck gaiter or balaclava:
We recommend bringing a neck gaiter or bandana for warmth. The most versatile options are made by Buff or Hoo-Rag Headwear.
Sunglasses:
Choose a pair of high UV protection glasses. Julbo are a great mountain sunglass brand but any brand with high UV protection will suffice.
Headlamp:
You will need a headlamp with good light output for any late night toilet journeys and exploring. Petzl make market-leading and affordable headlamps.
Hands and Feet
Lightweight gloves:
For daily use we recommend lightweight, fleece or quick drying fabric gloves. Berghaus and The North Face make good lightweight gloves
Heavyweight mittens:
Insulated heavyweight mittens with safety straps that fit over your liner gloves to provide additional warmth and wind protection. They have to be warm and extremely weather-proof.
Socks:
3-4 pairs of outer socks and 2-3 pairs of liner socks. We also recommend bringing 1 x thick thermal socks for cold nights. Merino wool is the best material and Bridgedale or Smartwool make good trekking socks.
Training shoes:
To wear around camp after a day's trek or kayak we recommend bringing a pair of training shoes or sandals.
Trekking boots:
We recommend using a mid-weight trekking boots with good ankle support. Recommended brands include: Salomon, Scarpa, Hi-Tec and Merrell.
Gaiters:
Help keep your trousers clean in wet and muddy conditions.
Upper Body
Thermal base layer:
2 x thermal base layer, ideally made from merino wool. No cotton. Recommended brand is Icebreaker.
Long sleeved shirt:
Go for a light or medium weight, moisture wicking long sleeve shirt (x2). Icebreaker, Berghaus and Under Armour make great breathable trekking shirts.
Fleece or Soft shell jacket:
A mid-weight polartec fleece jacket is ideal. Berghaus, Helly Hansen and The North Face all make great fleeces.
Hard shell outer jacket:
A water/windproof hard shell outer jacket to protect you from the elements. Goretex material is best. Recommended brands include The North Face, Arc'teryx, Berghaus and Mountain Hardwear
Insulated jacket:
A good quality and warm down or primaloft jacket is required for the cold nights. Recommended brands include The North Face, Rab, Arc'Teryx and Mountain Hardwear
Legs
Base layer:
'Lightweight' or 'silk weight' base layer for your legs. Merino wool is preferable. Recommended brand is Icebreaker
Trekking trousers:
Light or medium weight (x1) trekking trousers. Convertible trousers are an option. Recommended brands include Craghoppers and Columbia
Hard shell trousers:
To protect yourself from the elements you need a good pair of waterproof / windproof hard shell trousers. Ideally Goretex. Patagonia, The North Face and Arc'teryx make good outer trousers
Odds and Sods
Toothbrush and toothpaste:
Ideally travel size
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer:
Staying clean in the wilderness can be challenging. Wet wipes and hand sanitizer are a huge help.
Personal medicines and medical kit:
We recommend bringing Paracetamol and Imodium at a minimum.
Pee bottle (optional):
Useful for late night toilet needs when it is freezing outside.
Ear plugs:
For light sleepers. Snoring can be pretty bad in camp.
Personal snacks:
Boiled sweets, nuts, energy bars and dried fruit are all a good shout.
Dry bag:
Only required if your main duffle bag or rucksack is not waterproof. Sturdy rubble sacks will also help to keep your kit dry.
Camera and spare batteries:
Unless you are a keen photographer we recommend taking a good quality and lightweight point and shoot camera like the Panasonic Lumix.
Plug adapter:
A plug adapter for charging your devices in the hotels before and after the trip. See Norway Travel Guide for information on which plug to get.