What It’s Like to Spend Two Weeks Sailing to Norway’s North Cape

Packing List

Summers in Northern Norway are short and unpredictable, with wind, fog and rain as well as sunny days up to 25 °C. Layers are needed, ranging from a down jacket, fleece and gloves to a hat, shorts and swimming gear for the occasional cold dip.
For sailing, pack waterproof clothing, a windbreaker, good sunglasses and sunscreen (and binoculars for wildlife watching), but take your hiking boots as well to conquer the peaks on land. Camping gear might also come in handy for an inland excursion enjoying some wild camping.

Backpack: If your journey involves a mix of adventures like sailing, hiking, and camping, a well-designed backpack is key. My Osprey Kyte 66 has proven perfect; it easily accommodates camping gear, provides ample space for sailing essentials, and cleverly compresses down for easy storage on board a smaller vessel.

Camping gear: For years, my MSR Hubba Hubba tent, Vaude down sleeping bag, and Therm-a-rest sleeping pad have been my go-to setup for comfortable camping in the wild.

Rain gear: We didn’t see much rain, but Norwegian summers can be quite wet. A reliable rain jacket, like Patagonia Torrentshell, may also serve to keep you dry from the occasional spray while on the boat.

Sun protection: The strong reflections of the sun on the water necessitate high-quality sunglasses, like Vallon glacier sunglasses. The wind can also make it deceptively easy to get sunburned, so a hat and sunscreen are essential.

Hiking trousers: Quick-drying hiking trousers that allow for freedom of movement, like my Columbia Silver Ridge, prove their use both while hiking and while doing manoeuvres on the sailboat. The added benefit of converting to shorts is invaluable in Norway, where summer days can be surprisingly warm, but evenings quickly turn cool.

Source: https://www.fieldmag.com/articles/sailing-north-cape-norway