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Norway Packing List

Norwegian summers are famous for the variety of weather. From hot to cold, from sun to rain, from a breeze to a storm and even snow (depending on how high up in the mountains you are).

Especially when trekking for multiple days, the weather can change overnight, you must be prepared to handle this. We advise you to bring enough warm layers, a water/windproof jacket (ensure it is actually waterproof for hours of heavy rain), a hat (that covers the ears) and good shoes to walk in (waterproof).

In Norway, the saying goes:

‘There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing’. Here you will read what to do. Pack smart!

 
 

It’s All About the Layers

Hiking is all about that layer game.  Weather can change rapidly, so preparing with layers is essential.  Sometimes you’ll be wearing just one layer and other times you’ll be wearing everything you’ve brought! Below we’ve laid out all the layers we recommend.  

Base Layers

The number one goal here is to keep your skin dry from both sweat and external elements like rain.  For this reason we recommend non-cotton/moisture wicking clothes.  Cotton absorbs moisture and dries very slowly so it’s something we absolutely want to avoid.

  • Non-cotton underwear: The rule of thumb is to pack one more than the number of days of your trip

  • Hiking socks (2-4): Find a midweight sock that fits really well to avoid blisters.  Midweight means that there's enough padding that your foot feels comfortable, but not so much padding that it makes your boots fit unwell. Lightweight socks usually don’t have enough padding. The goal when finding the right sock is to have no movement or rubbing between your foot, sock, and boot.  This helps with blisters.  

    Pro Tip: Keeping feet dry is another key way to avoid blisters.

  • Woolen Socks (1-2): For extra warmth when not hiking

  • Leggings/long-trousers (1 for sleeping, 1- 2 for hiking): These would be your yoga pants, non-cotton base layer or shorts depending on the weather. 

    Pro Tip: Check the weather forecast for the day or ask your guide and dress accordingly.  If it's cool in the morning, but predicted to warm up as the day goes on, you might consider wearing shorts as a base layer.  As it warms up you then have the option to remove your outer layer and be comfortable in hotter weather.  

  • Non-cotton sports bra or tank top with a built in sports bra (1-2)

  • Non-cotton T-shirt or tank top (2-3): Spare shirt and shorts for use in the huts

  • Non-cotton long sleeve shirt (1-2): For colder weather

    Pro-tip: Leave an outfit for sleeping that you ONLY sleep in, including socks.  Do not hike in this set of clothes. It’s a great feeling when you can put on clean(ish), dry clothes at the end of a long day of hiking.

Mid Layer

  • Non-cotton hiking pants or joggers (2): Think of these as something you could wear over your leggings or over your shorts that's breathable.

  • Long sleeve non-cotton sun shirt or woolen shirt for warmth (1-2): We prefer a button up shirt so you can use this both as a warm layer and/or a sun cover up.

  • Fleece vest/sweater (1)

Outer Layer

  • Breathable rain jacket (1): Your rain jacket can also act as a wind breaker and is a great part of your layering system!

  • Breathable rain pants (1): We recommend pants that can go over your boots so you don’t have to take your boots off if the weather suddenly changes.

  • Lightweight rain poncho and/or backpack cover (1): We love using a rain poncho in place of a backpack cover because it prevents the rain from dripping between your back and the backpack.  This is a great way to keep both you and your backpack dry!  Rain ponchos are one of our favorite items to have while hiking as they come in handy at a pretty cheap price! We recommend one that has a hood.

  • Fleece or down jacket (1): Opt for a very thick fleece or an 800 fill down jacket or equivalent synthetic option. The thin down jackets that are packable are great option here.  These are not often worn while hiking, instead they are meant to be a warm layer to put on when you’re stopped and/or at camp during the evening. 

Hiking Boots

Waterproof boots are important for keeping feet dry and avoiding blisters.  These help to ensure you can stay on trail to preserve the environment. In cases where there might be mud or puddles on the trail you can walk through them instead of going off trail trying to avoid them.

We also recommend over ankle boots. The high ankles help keep debris out of the shoe and may add a bit of ankle support.

Try to purchase your boots in advance and do practice hikes, walks, or even just walk around your house to break them in. 

Pro Tip: Wearing them in advance can also help you discover how tight to lace them, thickness of socks, and where potential hot spots might form.

 
 

Accessories

Keep these readily available in your day pack to use as needed!

  • Sun hat: We provide a Root hat that you can clip to the outside of your backpack so you don’t necessarily need to bring one.

  • Sunglasses

  • Winter hat/beanie

  • Non-cotton gloves or mittens

  • Buff: A buff is a very versatile accessory that helps protect you from the sun, wind, and many other elements.  It can also be used as an extra warm layer for your head & ears, a neck gaiter, a pony tail holder or headband, and a face covering for very windy days. Click here to browse their website!

  • Additional Shoes (Optional): Slippers for use in the huts and consider water sandals/shoes for crossing rivers

 
 

Gear

  • Backpacking Back: we recommend 80 liters (if you do not have one, please let us know and we can rent one for you at no additional cost)

  • Hydration Pack/Bladder and/or reusable water bottle (2-3 liter capacity): A hydration bladder can be very useful as it allows you to stay hydrated throughout the hike without needing to stop. Your backpacking pack will have a spot for your hydration bladder!

  • Hiking poles, optional but recommended: Hiking poles come in handy on variable terrain and downhill hiking.  Please keep in mind that you cannot carry them onto planes (you can check them but we recommend carrying on all of your belongings.)  

    If you require hiking poles please inform your Root representative and we can reserve them at no additional cost.

  • Headlamp/small flashlight

  • Kula cloth: We love the Kula Pee Cloth to keep you fresh on the trail.  Click here to browse their website! We also will be bringing one for you!

  • Sleeping bag liner: It is obligatory in the huts (which have duvet's and pillows)

A Note About Traveling with Your Gear

We highly recommend carrying on your luggage in case of scenarios of lost or delayed luggage.

Pro-tip: Wear your gear while traveling!  Wearing your hiking boots not only saves packing space, but can also help break them in more.

Personal Items

  • ID/Passport

  • Copy of flight itinerary

  • Copy of travel insurance info

  • Some cash in smaller bills for any incidentals

  • Credit cards: We recommend using a card that has no foreign transaction fees to save money

  • Sunscreen and lip balm w/ SPF

  • Insect repellent (Deet is recommended)

  • Toiletries: Bring your preferred toiletries, below are a couple items to keep in mind

    • We recommend: Toothbrush, toothpaste and a piece of soap (Not a whole toilet bag!)

    • On Trail: Wet-wipes and or small quick-dry towel for ‘dry shower’ can be helpful (there will be no showers once you start the backpacking portion of this adventure)

    • Dry shampoo is always a good option

  • Personal/small first-aid kit: including anti-itch cream for bites, pain medications, band aids, blister care, etc

    Pro-Tip: Pack some medical tape! At the slight formation of a hot spot you can apply the medical tape to prevent it turning into a blister.  A hot spot is any spot on your foot that you can feel any type of rubbing or movement within your boot.  If left untouched these spots can turn into a blisters.

  • Prescription medications (kept in original containers)

 
 

Optional Items

  • Lightweight shoes/sandals for use at camp: We love having a lightweight shoe or sandal for after hiking.  After a long day on your feet and in hiking boots a change of shoes feels incredible.

  • Travel pillow

  • Camera (fully charged) and optional extra batteries

  • Swimsuit: There will be an opportunity in Alta for swimming

  • Notebook and pen will be provided by Root

  • Paperback or digital book for down times.  You can always download a book onto your phone to save space.