What to pack forSvalbard
in November
21° / 14°F
15 days of rain or snow this month. Sunset around null.Typical November, from ten years of weather
15 days
of rain or snow this month
sunset
Type C/F
plugs
0 of 71 packed
Before you go
None of these fit in a bag. Sort them first and the packing gets easy.
Passport valid past your dates
Svalbard wants 3 months left on a passport past November. Check the expiry date now.
Travel insurance
Most home health plans stop at the border. A quote takes two minutes.
eSIM
An eSIM works the moment the phone is switched on in Svalbard, with no SIM counter to find.
Copies of your documents
Photograph your passport, cards, and insurance. Email them to yourself. Ten seconds now saves a very bad afternoon.
Trail app
Download your trails before you lose signal.
The essentials
Tick the box when it is in the bag
What to wear
Gloves
Don't have one? Check these out.
Forclaz MT100 Fleece Gloves$5 was $7.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Forclaz Adult MT500 Touchscreen Stretch Backpacking Gloves$20 was $29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Teca Fleece Gloves$12 was $30 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiWarm hat (beanie)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Waterproof insulated gloves
Don't have one? Check these out.
Insulated winter boots
Don't have one? Check these out.
Forsake Rosie Winter Boot - Women's$69.98 was $140 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Men's SH100 Warm Waterproof Snow Boots$25 was $49.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Quechua Women's SH100 Warm Waterproof Mid Snow Boots$25 was $49.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaMerino base layer top
Wear one, dry one. Cotton stays wet all week here.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Insulated puffy (down or synthetic)
Lows around 14°F. Goes under the shell when the wind picks up.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickSimond Men's Xplore Hooded Down Jacket$119 at DecathlonShop at Decathlon
Hybrid WINDSTOPPER Lightweight Puffy Jacket - Men's$196 was $280 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Fuego Down Jacket - Men's$108 was $270 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Insulated Puffy Parka Jacket - Women's$152 was $379 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comHeavy insulated parka
Highs below freezing. A puffy alone won't do it.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Outdoor Research Super Alpine Down Parka - Women's$335 was $479 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Calidez Down Parka - Men's$200 was $400 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Helly Hansen Winter Bliss Down Parka - Women's$213 was $425 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Alivio Down Parka - Women's$140 was $350 at CotopaxiShop at CotopaxiBalaclava
Don't have one? Check these out.
The North Face Freedom Fleece Balaclava Peak Purple, L/XL$40 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
The North Face Freedom Fleece Balaclava TNF$40 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comThermal socks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Quechua SH500 Merino Wool Winter Mid Socks$20 was $29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Quechua SH500 Mid 2-Pair Winter Hiking Warm Socks$15 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Women's Revolution$32.95 at SockwellShop at SockwellNeck gaiter / buff
Don't have one? Check these out.
Turtle Fur Micro Fur Fleece Totally Tubular Neck Gaiter$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Simond Trek 500 Merino Wool Multi-Position Hiking Neck Gaiter$17 was $24.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Buff x National Parks Coolnet UV Neck Gaiter Great Smoky$24.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comMerino base layer bottoms
For the mornings and the nights.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Intraknit All-Season Merino Base Layer Bottom - Men's$125 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Bottom - Women's$100 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comBeach and water
Snorkel set
Don't have one? Check these out.
Waterproof dry bag 10–20L
Don't have one? Check these out.
Goforth 10.5L Dry Bag$177 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Herschel Supply Dry Bag Backpack 32L Vermillion$130 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
ALPS Mountaineering Vapor 16 Dry Bag$17.49 was $24.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comMoney and documents
AirTag / tracker for bags
Don't have one? Check these out.
Power and phone
Plug adapter, Type C or F
Svalbard uses Type C or F sockets. An adapter with USB-C ports charges several things from one outlet.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickGlobal Travel AdapterSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador Global Travel Adapter Forget-Me-Not$38.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Global Travel Adapter USB 30W$40 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
Global Travel Adapter Micro$25 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekPower bank 10k–20k mAh
Don't have one? Check these out.
REI members usually get 10% back on full-price gear. Membership is $30, once. How it works
Headlamp
Dark by . Every campsite chore after that is a two-hands job.
Don't have one? Check these out.
VPN
Hotel and cafe wifi is shared with everyone else in the building. A VPN keeps your banking and email to yourself.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Multi-port USB-C charger (GaN)
One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak Design
Lizard Skins Charger Evo Lock-On Grips Electric$24.58 was $33.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Charger Evo Lock-On Grips$27.19 was $33.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comBags
Carry-on suitcase (hard shell)
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.
Dry bags
For the passport, the chargers, and the one dry pair of socks.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Tuff Sack 5-55L Dry Bag$79.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Vapor 16 Dry Bag$17.49 was $24.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Packs Wildwater 15L Dry Bag Tunnel Vision$24.75 was $45 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comCarry-on backpack (35–45L)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador 45L Global Travel PackSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador SEG 45See price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Pacsafe Go Carry-On 44L Backpack Jet$180 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Packs Archeon 30L Backpack$132 was $265 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comDaypack (15–25L)
Packing cubes
Don't have one? Check these out.
Laundry bag / travel detergent
Don't have one? Check these out.
Checked luggage / rolling duffel
Don't have one? Check these out.
Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler XT 90L Wheeled Duffel Bag Midnight$349 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
No Matter What 90L Duffel Bag (Discontinued)$96.75 was $129 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekBuy it used: REI Re/Supply sells gear like this for less. See used gear
Bugs and health
DEET or picaridin repellent
Don't have one? Check these out.
Adventure Medical Ben's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent Pump$1.92 was $2.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Ben's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent$1.92 was $2.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comTravel first aid kit
Permethrin-treated clothing spray
Treat the clothes once and it lasts weeks.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sun and heat
Polarized sunglasses
Don't have one? Check these out.
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Oval Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$171 was $244 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Zeal Isabelle Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$67.03 was $149 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Smith Era ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$113 was $189 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Knockaround Junipers Polarized Sunglasses - Women's$17.50 was $35 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comReef-safe sunscreen
Some islands fine you for the regular stuff.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Working on the road
Noise-cancelling headphones
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sony WH-1000XM4C Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Black (M4 2nd Gen)$300 at SonyShop at SonySleep
Packable blanket
Lows around 14°F. One blanket that packs small covers the car, the campsite and the beach at sunset.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickOriginal Puffy Blanket - Seascape$99.95 at rumplShop at rumpl
Rumpl Original Puffy Solid 2-Person Blanket Seascape$200 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Original Puffy Solid 2-Person Blanket$200 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Rumpl Original Puffy Fade 1-Person Blanket Blue Ridge Fade$100 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comWater and food
Reusable water bottle
Don't have one? Check these out.
Nice to have
You could skip every one of these
What to wear
Waterproof boot spray
Don't have one? Check these out.
Nikwax Fabric & Leather Spray On Footwear Treatment$12.55 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof DUO-Pack Spray$18.85 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comSarong / light cover-up
Doubles as a towel, a scarf, and a cover-up where one's expected.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Gaiters
Don't have one? Check these out.
Ferrosi Trail Gaiters$59.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters II Pewter$38.50 was $55 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Trail High Gaiters$44.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comMoney and documents
Passport holder
Don't have one? Check these out.
Luggage locks (TSA)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Power and phone
Language app
A few phrases go a long way. Ten minutes a day before you leave is plenty.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Short cables (USB-C)
Don't have one? Check these out.
USB-C CableSee price at Peak DesignShop at Peak Design
USB-C to C Cable, Paracord wrapped, 3 ft PD enabled$27.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comBags
Compression sacks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Compression Stuff Sack$37.46 was $49.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil 8L Compression Sack Atoll$39.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Sea To Summit Lightweight 8L Compression Sack Surf$34.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comToiletry bag (hanging)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Bugs and health
Sunburn-safe insect bite relief
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sleep
Travel pillow
Don't have one? Check these out.
Hand warmers
Don't have one? Check these out.
Smartwool Isto Hand Warmer - Women's$35 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comThe basics
You own most of these. We are just making sure they make it in.
What to wear
Everyday pants
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickWild Rye Emmett Overalls$123 at Wild RyeShop at Wild Rye
Forclaz Men's Travel 100 Cargo Pants$45 was $59.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Ambato Wide Leg Everyday Pant - Women's$38 was $95 at CotopaxiShop at Cotopaxi
Quechua Men's NH100 Hiking Pants$20 was $29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaThe basics
Pen (customs forms)
Copy of passport
Small lock
Don't have one? Check these out.
Kryptoflex Cable Lock$29.95 at Thousand HelmetsShop at Thousand Helmets
Pacsafe Prosafe 800 Combination Cable Padlock$18.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
3 Dial Travel Sentry Combination Lock$13 at SamsoniteShop at SamsoniteEarbuds
Don't have one? Check these out.
Nail clippers
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sewing kit / safety pins
Sleepwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Pendleton Pajama Set - Women's$74.63 was $99.50 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas - Men's$89.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Classic Lounge Shirt - Women's$22.73 was $64.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Sundays Lounge Shirt - Men's$27.98 was $69.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comReusable shopping bag
Don't have one? Check these out.
Toiletries kit
Don't have one? Check these out.
Pelican DK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Pack-It Hanging Toiletry Bag$40 at Eagle Creek15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
Toiletry Kit Daylite Hanging$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Packs Toiletry Kit Daylite Hanging Night Shift$29.95 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comTravel-size toothpaste + brush
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Toothbrush Caps 2-PackSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador Refillable Toothpaste TubesSee price at Matador15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comMedications + prescriptions
Chargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Solar String Color + Phone Charger$68.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignShop at Peak Design
Trio Lantern + Phone Charger$79.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Charger Evo Single Compound Grips$10.12 was $10.99 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.comUnderwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Everyday Merino Thong Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Everyday Merino Bikini Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comShop at Backcountry.com
Simond Trek 500 Merino Wool Backpacking Underwear Women's$29.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon AmericaSocks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickSockwell Men's Ranger Merino Socks$25.95 at SockwellShop at Sockwell
Kiprun Run 500 Thin No-Show Socks 2-Pack$9.99 at Decathlon AmericaShop at Decathlon America
Sockwell Women's Undercover Socks$17.95 at SockwellShop at Sockwell
Womens Featherweight Fancy 3-Pack$98.85 at SockwellShop at SockwellTake this list with you
Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.









































