The Arctic Circle Trail runs 160 km from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut, crossing tundra, river valleys, and rocky passes. Weather can shift from 25°C sun to near-freezing rain in hours. This article provides two packing lists: an ultralight version (base weight under 10 kg) for experienced hikers who want to move fast, and a comfort version (base weight 12–15 kg) for those who prefer more gear, amenities, and margin for error. Both lists assume you use the trail huts and carry all food for 7–10 days. Prices are in DKK and refer to items available in Greenland or easily ordered online.

Why Two Lists?

The ultralight version prioritises minimising weight to reduce fatigue and increase daily distance. It uses a frameless pack, a tarp or bivvy, and a minimalist cook system. The comfort version includes a framed pack, a freestanding tent, a thicker sleeping pad, and a stove with a windscreen. Both lists are realistic for the ACT: no list includes an ice axe or crampons (trail is snow-free July–September), and both assume you can resupply in Kangerlussuaq before starting and finish in Sisimiut where you can buy fresh food.

Core Principles for Both Versions

  • Waterproofing: The ACT is wet. Every list must include a dry bag or pack liner (e.g., 2-oz nylofume bag, 30 DKK).
  • Insect protection: Mosquitoes are intense in July. A head net (40 DKK) and permethrin-treated clothing are essential.
  • Navigation: The trail is marked with cairns, but fog can reduce visibility. A map (1:100,000, 150 DKK from Sisimiut Tourist Office) and compass (Silva Ranger, 350 DKK) are non-negotiable.
  • Repair kit: Duct tape (20 DKK), small sewing kit (30 DKK), and a patch kit for sleeping pad (50 DKK).

Ultralight Version (Base Weight < 10 kg)

This list targets a total pack weight (with 7 days of food and 1 L water) of about 12 kg. It sacrifices some comfort for speed. Suitable for hikers who can sleep under a tarp, eat cold meals, and wear the same clothes for days.

Shelter & Sleep System

  • Shelter: Zpacks Hexamid Solo Tarp (180 g, 2,500 DKK) or Borah Gear Bivvy (200 g, 1,200 DKK). Use trail huts in bad weather.
  • Sleeping bag: Cumulus Lite Line 400 (700 g, 2,800 DKK) or similar down bag rated to 0°C.
  • Sleeping pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (340 g, 1,800 DKK).
  • Pillow: Inflatable (60 g, 150 DKK) or stuff sack with clothes.

Backpack

  • Pack: Gossamer Gear G4-20 (450 g, 2,200 DKK) or similar frameless pack. Total capacity 40 L.
  • Pack liner: Nylofume bag (30 g, 30 DKK).

Clothing (Worn + Packed)

  • Worn: Merino wool T-shirt (200 g, 500 DKK), hiking shorts (150 g, 300 DKK), trail runners (e.g., Altra Lone Peak 6, 600 g, 1,200 DKK).
  • Packed: Rain jacket (e.g., Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite, 170 g, 300 DKK), rain pants (150 g, 250 DKK), fleece mid-layer (250 g, 400 DKK), down jacket (300 g, 1,500 DKK), spare socks (50 g, 100 DKK), hat and gloves (100 g, 200 DKK).
  • No camp shoes: Use trail runners for everything.

Cook System & Water

  • Stove: Cold soak – no stove. Use a 1 L wide-mouth jar (100 g, 30 DKK) for soaking oats, couscous, ramen.
  • Water treatment: Aquamira drops (60 g, 150 DKK) or Sawyer Squeeze (80 g, 400 DKK).
  • Water bottles: Two 1 L Smartwater bottles (40 g each, 20 DKK each).
  • Food bag: Opsak odour-proof bag (100 g, 200 DKK).

Electronics & Hygiene

  • Headlamp: Nitecore NU25 (60 g, 400 DKK).
  • Power bank: 10,000 mAh (200 g, 400 DKK).
  • Phone: Smartphone for maps/emergency (200 g).
  • Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitiser (50 g total).
  • First aid: Minimal: ibuprofen, plasters, blister treatment (100 g).

Total base weight: ~9.5 kg. Estimated cost (new): ~13,000 DKK.

Comfort Version (Base Weight 12–15 kg)

This list prioritises sleep quality, cooked meals, and weather redundancy. Total pack weight with 7 days food and 1 L water is about 17 kg. Suitable for hikers who want to enjoy camp life and have a margin for cold or wet conditions.

Shelter & Sleep System

  • Shelter: Hilleberg Anjan 2 (2.2 kg, 6,500 DKK) or MSR Hubba Hubba NX (1.7 kg, 5,000 DKK). Freestanding tent for windy sites.
  • Sleeping bag: Mountain Equipment Helium 400 (800 g, 3,000 DKK) or similar down bag rated to -5°C.
  • Sleeping pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm (500 g, 2,200 DKK) plus a small foam pad (200 g, 300 DKK) for extra insulation.
  • Pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros (100 g, 250 DKK).
  • Camp chair: Optional: Helinox Chair Zero (500 g, 1,500 DKK).

Backpack

  • Pack: Osprey Exos 58 (1.2 kg, 2,500 DKK) or similar framed pack with 58 L capacity.
  • Pack liner: Heavy-duty dry bag (200 g, 200 DKK).

Clothing (Worn + Packed)

  • Worn: Merino wool long-sleeve (250 g, 600 DKK), hiking pants (300 g, 500 DKK), hiking boots (e.g., Meindl Island, 1.2 kg, 2,000 DKK).
  • Packed: Rain jacket (e.g., Arc'teryx Beta LT, 400 g, 3,500 DKK), rain pants (250 g, 1,000 DKK), fleece (300 g, 600 DKK), down jacket (400 g, 2,000 DKK), spare baselayer (200 g, 400 DKK), spare socks (100 g, 150 DKK), camp shoes (300 g, 300 DKK), hat, gloves, buff (150 g total).
  • Extra: Permethrin-treated clothing for mosquitoes.

Cook System & Water

  • Stove: MSR PocketRocket Deluxe (100 g, 800 DKK) with 4 oz isobutane canister (200 g, 100 DKK).
  • Pot: MSR Titan Kettle 1.1 L (150 g, 600 DKK).
  • Mug & spoon: Titanium mug (100 g, 300 DKK), long spoon (20 g, 50 DKK).
  • Water treatment: Katadyn BeFree 1 L (100 g, 500 DKK).
  • Water bottles: Two 1 L Nalgene (180 g each, 150 DKK each).
  • Food bag: Opsak plus a separate bag for trash.

Electronics & Hygiene

  • Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot 400 (100 g, 600 DKK).
  • Power bank: 20,000 mAh (400 g, 600 DKK).
  • Phone & camera: Smartphone plus a small point-and-shoot (300 g).
  • Toiletries: Full kit: toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, towel (200 g), sunscreen, insect repellent.
  • First aid: Comprehensive: bandages, antiseptic, painkillers, antihistamines, blister kit, tape (300 g).
  • Repair kit: Duct tape, sewing kit, pad patch, stove maintenance (200 g).
  • Extra: Book or Kindle (200 g).

Total base weight: ~14 kg. Estimated cost (new): ~28,000 DKK.

Food Planning for Both Versions

Plan for 2,500–3,500 kcal per day. Typical 7-day food weight: 5–7 kg. Buy most items in Kangerlussuaq or bring from home. The Brugseni in Sisimiut has limited backpacking food; stock up in Kangerlussuaq's Pilersuisoq (open daily). Recommended foods:

  • Instant oats, couscous, pasta, ramen, instant mashed potatoes.
  • Nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, energy bars, cheese, salami.
  • Powdered milk, olive oil, electrolyte powders.
  • Freeze-dried meals (e.g., Real Turmat, 100–150 DKK each) – available at Pilersuisoq.

Where to Buy Gear in Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq

Both towns have limited outdoor gear. In Sisimiut, Polar Sport (Aqqusinersuaq 10) sells basic camping supplies: gas canisters (100 DKK), insect repellent (80 DKK), and some clothing. In Kangerlussuaq, the Kangerlussuaq Tourist Shop sells maps (150 DKK), gas, and a few freeze-dried meals. For specialised ultralight gear, order online before your trip. The flight to Sisimiut via Air Greenland allows 20 kg checked luggage; excess costs 50 DKK/kg.

Gear Weight Comparison Table

ItemUltralight (g)Comfort (g)Difference (g)
Pack4501,200+750
Shelter3801,900+1,520
Sleeping bag700800+100
Sleeping pad340700+360
Stove & pot0450+450
Clothing (packed)1,2002,200+1,000
Electronics460900+440
Other5001,200+700
Base weight~9,500~14,000+4,500

Final Tips for the Arctic Circle Trail

  • Start early in the day to avoid afternoon rain. The trail is easy to follow, but river crossings can be tricky after rain.
  • Huts are basic: wooden bunks, no cooking equipment, no water. Bring your own stove or cold-soak.
  • Mosquitoes peak in July. A head net and long sleeves are worth the weight.
  • Resupply: no shops on trail. Carry all food from Kangerlussuaq or cache at the midway hut (Café Tupilak, open July–August, sells snacks and hot drinks).
  • Check the hut-to-hut guide for hut locations and distances.

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