Kit Advice
Being Prepared for Polar training course
Winter travel rewards good preparation. The better your systems are before you arrive, the more you can focus on the journey itself: moving well, looking after yourself, and learning from the environment around you.
For our winter expeditions, equipment is not about having the newest or most expensive kit. It is about having the right kit, knowing how it works, and understanding why each item matters. Boots, layering, gloves, sleeping systems, stoves, pulks, tents and small personal systems all make a real difference when you are cold, tired, or trying to get camp set up in poor weather.
This video gives an overview of the equipment and preparation needed for winter expedition travel. It is designed to help you understand what to bring, how to think about your kit choices, and how to arrive ready to take part properly from day one.
We will cover the key personal items you need, the common mistakes people make, and the systems that help keep you warm, organised and efficient in winter conditions. Some of this kit will feel very specific, but once you start using it properly, it quickly becomes clear why it matters.
Polar Training Course Kit List
Beitostølen in winter gives us a cold, practical environment to learn the core skills needed for Nordic ski expeditions. This kit list is designed for winter travel with skis, pulks, tents, stoves, and cold-weather camp routines.
Every item on this list plays an important role in the safety and smooth running of the course. Good kit, packed well, helps you stay warm, manage yourself properly, and learn the systems we use on longer polar and Arctic expeditions.
Nordur provides the main group expedition equipment, including tents, pulks, stoves, fuel, group safety equipment, communications, and first aid kit. You are responsible for your personal clothing, sleeping system and other items listed below.
Any items available to rent through Nordur are underlined and marked with a star. Rental prices can be found in the bottom right-hand side of the drop-down menu for each relevant item.
We will go through all kit on arrival and complete a final kit check before heading out.
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Pulk, Harness and rigid or roped system.
Avalanche Transceiver and batteries.
Snow shovel.
Avalanche Probe.
Hilleberg Keron 3 gt polar tent with snow pegs (per tent team)
MSR XGK liquid expedition Stove , Artic pump, flint and steel, windproof matches, maintenance kit and fuel.
Heat mat stove platform system
Tent brush
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Windproof and waterproof over-mittens/Gloves (medium weight) - £20
Windproof and waterproof over-mittens/Gloves (heavy weight) £30
Heavy Down filled jacket - £50
4 season sleeping bag sleeping bag and liner (rated to minimum -15 comfort rating) includes 35l Ortlieb heavy duty drybag. - £60
Full-Length Mat/Thermarest - £30
Cross country skiing setup - Boots, Skis, skins and poles with snow baskets - £120
Arctic Bedding bag - £30
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* 4 season sleeping bag sleeping bag and liner (rated to minimum -15 comfort rating.)
* Full-Length Mat/Thermarest (Neo air or Exped equivalent would be ideal - this will be vital for keeping you
warm at night as we will be sleeping on the snow.)1 litre Thermos Flask + 2 Litre drinking bottle, (Nalgene etc) camping mug and 2 sporks (preferably the
titanium ones that don’t snap in the cold.)Head torch (new batteries) and 3 x spare batteries this must be bright enough for you to walk comfortably
for several hours in the dark.Basic First Aid Kit including: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers,
plasters and blister treatment, and rehydration salts (Dioralyte), antibacterial hand wash.Sun protection factor 30 minimum (including total bloc for lips Factor 50 minimum)
Wash bag/toiletries & small towel ( Keep this to bare minimum - face wipes are ideal for washing)
“Pee Bottle” (one of the Nalgene bottles above will be used for this preferably a red one, with tape so you can feel its not your drinking bottle in the dark)
Book/Kindle & IPod/Music player
* Cross country skiing setup - Boots, Skis, skins and poles with snow baskets.
Gaiters
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Technical walking socks 2/3 pairs (variety is key - liners, light hikers, summit socks for specific conditions)
Slippers (for use in the tents) down or synthetic hut booties are ideal. (not essential you can just use a thick pair of socks)
Synthetic or fleece Gilet
100g fleece ideally with hood
Softshell jacket with hood or light synthetic/down
Winter walking trousers soft shells or salopettes.
Long johns (thermal full length underwear) & thermal base layer shirts (2 short sleeve, 1 long sleeve)
* Heavy Down filled jacket or very heavyweight synthetic jacket.
Waterproof jacket with hood and waterproof over-trousers (Must have full length zip)
Sunhat & warm hat.Balaclava or facemask (Balaclava is essential)
A buff could be used instead of a face mask, providing this is a system that has been used and worked for you before.
Eyewear- ski goggles and sunglasses (Category 3/4) both will be required.
Lightweight thermal gloves (Rab Powerstretch)
* Windproof and waterproof over-mittens/Gloves (Medium weight)
* Waterproof mittens/gloves (Heavy weight) if in doubt go warmer.
