The travel kit list: Arctic adventure gear for winter 2021

Suit up with specialist gear and ensure you’ve got the right accessories before heading into the harshest conditions.

By Rob Stewart
Published 27 Nov 2021, 06:05 GMT, Updated 10 Dec 2021, 11:51 GMT
From left to right: Shackleton Pilot All-Conditions Parka; Keen Revel IV Mid Polar Winter Boots; Garmin Montana 700.

From left to right: Shackleton Pilot Parka; Keen Revel IV Mid Polar Winter Boots; Garmin Montana 700.

Photograph by National Geographic Traveller (UK)

1. Shackleton Pilot All-Conditions Parka

British brand Shackleton makes serious adventure clothing packed full of Italian style. Its new parka is filled with 800 grams of down and a three-layer Sympatex outer, helping the waterproof and breathable coat keep you warm down to -25C. The hood, lined with ultra-fine Merino wool, has a detachable, synthetic fur trim. £1,295. shackleton.com

2. Keen Revel IV Mid Polar Winter Boots

Combining the agility of lightweight hiking shoes with the warmth of a down jacket, Keen’s new versatile boots, with 200 grams of insulation, keep feet comfortable down to -32C — ideal for hiking through snow and ice in wilderness regions or slushy town centre streets. The soles’ multidirectional lugs provide exceptional traction on the slipperiest surfaces, while the Keen.Dry outer membrane is waterproof and breathable. £145. keenfootwear.co

3. Garmin Montana 700

With expedition battery life of up to 330 hours, this waterproof, handheld GPS mapping device can help explorers find the right path on any adventure where charging is an issue. Satellite map imagery can be pre-downloaded if not using in a live GPS mode and the 700 model can be connected to a smartphone device to help create and alter maps on the go. £529.99. garmin.com

From left to right: Mizu D7 Bottle; Montane Alpine Resolve Waterproof Jacket; Reusch Volcano Pro GTX Mitten.

Photograph by National Geographic Traveller (UK)

4. Mizu D7 Bottle

There’s nothing like drinking a cup of steaming hot chocolate after hours trekking through Arctic snow and having the D7, 640 ML bottle from Mizu, founded by Finnish snowboarder Jussi Oksanen, will ensure it stays warm. The brand’s most insulated bottle comes with copper lining and a vacuum sealed cap that efficiently retains heat more than most other containers. Comes in a larger D10 size too. €44.95 (£38). mizulife.eu

5. Montane Alpine Resolve Waterproof Jacket

In cold climates, staying warm means staying dry, and layering with a waterproof, breathable outer shell is often the best way to manage body temperature. The Gore-Tex Pro material used by Montane on this jacket is made with a 100% recycled nylon face. It’s the most waterproof and breathable fabric the brand has produced and is designed for serious forays into the harshest environments. £360. montane.com

6. Reusch Volcano Pro GTX Mitten

These extremely warm mittens from glove specialist Reusch promise to keep the cold at bay in the very harshest weather. They’re packed full of PrimaLoft Gold Down Blend insulation and have a Gore-Tex membrane that’s waterproof and breathable. Other features include sheepskin palms and Intelligent Heating Pockets. £200. ellis-brigham.com

From left to right: Darn Tough Mountain Socks; RAB Expedition 8000 Salopettes; Arc’teryx Rush SK 42 backpack. 

Photograph by National Geographic Traveller (UK)

7. Darn Tough Mountain Sock Over-The-Calf Extra Cushion

When the going gets tough, these Darn Tough socks get going. Don’t compromise on what could end up being your most important piece of kit — frostbite was never meant to be fun. Designed for extreme weather, these highly breathable socks will be your best friend when the temperature gauge drops below -20C. Made with 73% Merino wool, 25% nylon and 2% Lycra for warmth and comfort. £30. trekitt.co.uk

8. RAB Expedition 8000 Salopettes

Hand filled with 322 grams (medium size) of goose down in Derbyshire but made for the most extreme cold weather on the planet, these salopettes from mountain brand Rab look and feel like the warmest trousers on earth. The waterproof and breathable Pertex outer fabric keeps moisture out — too warm for hiking in the Dales, but perfect for birdwatching in the Arctic. £350. rab.equipment

9. Arc’teryx Rush SK 42

If you’re hiking, snowshoeing or ski touring in cold climates, then this large, 42-litre backpack from Canadian brand Arc’teryx is designed to carry ski equipment on the outside and keep your stuff dry on the inside during extended wilderness tours. It’s lightweight and highly durable, with high-tenacity nylon and ‘Ripstop’ fabric offering an exceptional degree of weather protection, even in damp conditions. £210. arcteryx.com

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