Many adventurers want to travel to the far north. It’s a frozen wilderness of epic proportions, with massive opportunities for adventure the size of Asia. But if you decide to travel there, you’ll need to be prepared. It’s not for the faint of heart. Here’s how to deal with the extremes of cold you can find there: 

 

Be Aware Of The Wind Chill Factor

Just as you need to keep an eye on humidity in the tropics, you need to watch out for the wind chill factor in the far north. It can make temperatures feel even lower than they are, turning days from cold to downright unpleasant. 

The wind chill comes from the fact that blowing wind wicks sweat from the body and pushes warm pockets of air out of gaps in clothing. Eventually, this effect can cause you to cool down and make it harder for you to make progress, even if you are quite well-equipped. 

The solution to this problem is to wear wind-proof outers. These block the travel of wind, allowing insulation on inner layers to do their work. 

Look For Shelter

If the wind chill is really bad, then sometimes, you will need to seek shelter. In places like the Arctic north of the treeline, there isn’t much in the way of natural shelter. But you can take tents and windbreaks with you to hide away from the storm until it passes. 

 

Bring Proper Nutrition With You

Bringing proper nutrition with you and fuel is also essential for a warm and happier Arctic expedition. Calories are what your body burns to keep warm while heating them also increases the value of the food (because it adds temperature through conventional means). 

Soups, stews, and warm broths are excellent for Arctic travel. But anything you eat should have sufficient calories for long days spent walking through the wilderness. Don’t rely on wood if you’re heading to the far north, You won’t always be able to find it. 

Find Suitable Clothing

Sometimes your own clothing can work. But if you want to be on the safe side, you’ll need to buy products from professional manufacturers who understand how to create suitable clothing, such as Fair Isle knitting. The primary challenge is to use layers. If you can keep warm air trapped, that’s the key to stopping your core temperature from falling too much. 

 

Use Heat Sources

Chemical hand warmers are an excellent option to bring with you if you feel yourself starting to get cold. These don’t require any form of combustion and instead, warm up because of a chemical reaction that takes place when you break the seal. Stoves are also essential, but you will need to bring gas with you. You can use these pieces of equipment to heat food and drinks, keeping them warm and nourishing.

Consider Waterproofing

Lastly, it is well worthwhile considering waterproofing and investing in staying dry. Invest in vented tents that can allow moisture to evaporate and use waterproof bags to combat water ingress into your luggage.