How To Camp In Arctic Conditions

Living on the ice isn’t just about surviving’s about adapting, managing your environment, and thriving in extreme conditions. Let’s break it down.

 

Moisture Management: The Key to Survival

Managing moisture is critical out here. Whether it’s your sweat during travel or condensation inside your tent, keeping dry ensures you stay warm.

Ventilation is Vital: Keep your layers breathable while travelling. Overheating leads to sweating, which later freezes.

Smart Layering: Dress comfortably for the day, removing layers when hot and adding them when you cool down.

Setting Up Camp: A Fortress Against the Elements

 

1. Choose the Right Tent:

I swear by Hilleberg tents for their durability in extreme storms. Other options like Helsport or The North Face work well in Alpine environments, but Hilleberg has my loyalty for polar conditions.

2. Tent Setup Tips:

Snow Flaps: These help secure the tent and keep snow out but often require custom stitching.

Peg Patience: Place snow pegs and let them set for 10 minutes before tightening guy lines. Rushing this will only pull them out.

Orientation: Face your tent longitudinally into the prevailing wind. Build a snow wall close to the upwind side to deflect snow over the tent, not onto it.

 

Tent Life: Order in Chaos

Inside the tent, order is everything. In polar regions, whether you’re facing constant daylight or periods of darkness, organization saves lives.

Be Ready for Emergencies: Know exactly where your bear spray, flare, or other safety gear is.

Designate Zones: Keep your kitchen, food, and electronics separate and organized.

Protect Electronics: Store devices in dry bags to avoid moisture damage. Moisture can freeze inside circuits, rendering them useless.

Sleeping Setup: Use a Zmat, an insulated air mattress, and one or two sleeping bags depending on the temperature.

 

Cooking in the Tent: Safety First

Using a stove inside a tent is risky but often necessary in polar environments. Here’s how to do it safely:

Ventilation Saves Lives: Always have airflow. Create a hole about the size of a human head on the upwind side and a larger one on the downwind side to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Flame Management:

Prime your MSR stove (my top choice) and monitor the flame. A blue flame is ideal; yellow flames signal an oxygen issue or a dirty stove.

Protect the tent ceiling from heat by waving a board or hand over the flame during ignition.

 

Comfort in the Uncomfortable

Living on the ice doesn’t have to be pure misery. With proper management, you can make harsh conditions tolerable.

Keep gear organised to avoid unnecessary stress.

Use the tent vestibule for items that attract moisture, like harnesses or sleeping bags, until they’re needed.

Manage your environment to dry clothing and stay comfortable without compromising safety.

 

Final Thoughts

Camping in the Arctic, Antarctic, or high Alpine regions is a test of preparation and resilience. It’s uncomfortable by nature, but with good systems in place, it becomes manageable, even enjoyable.

 

 

 

Not sure what gear you need for your next adventure? Chat with our friendly team of Outdoor Gear Specialists in-store or online today, and don’t forget to share your adventures with us on Instagram by tagging @wildearthaustralia in your next post.