How to stay warm for Northern Lights in Alaska?

Chances are your are going to be viewing the Northern Lights in the Winter, maybe in the Arctic. You will need to make a plan for how to stay warm. I saw the Northern Lights in Fairbanks in November 2023. Here is what I wore to stay warm in -12 degrees to watch the Northern Lights.

My main concern was going to be my feet. I had struggled to keep my feet warm, and did lots of research before this trip.

Buying the Right Size Boots is Key

I learned that the most important thing is for the boots to have some extra space. This extra space creates and “air pocket”, and this pocket of air will trap heat to help keep you warm. Also, make sure you have enough room in your boots to wiggle your toes comfortably to help with blood circulation.

Doubling up on socks is not the answer if it means your boots will be snug. Make sure you try on your boots with the socks your plan to wear.

I went to Nordstrom with two pairs of wool socks. A pair of darn tough mid crew socks, and an extra thick pair I bough in Iceland. I ended up going with the boots that fit the best with the darn tough socks. I purchased a size 9 in the Ugg Adirondack. I never wear a size 9. The size 9 fit well with wool socks, and I can wiggle my toes, and had extra space. I had gone back and forth between two sizes. Ultimately I went with the bigger ones, and I am so happy I did. Yes, they look big and long, but they do keep my feet warm.

Your Boots should be a Roomy Fit

The second tip for keeping feet warm is a pair of wool socks. I love my darn tough, but I am sure other brands are great too. Again, make sure they are not too tight and restrict blood flow (especially if you have Raynaud’s).

You need to start with warm feet to keep them warm

Before putting on your boots, put a hand warmer in your boots to warm them up. Take them out right before you are ready to put them on.

For added warmth, I used Neoprene Boot Covers with pouch for hand warmers. This added another layer between snow and boot, and helped warm the boot from the outside to keep feet warm. I definitely think they helped. I stood out in freezing cold (-12 to -5 F) for hours, and my feet stayed warm.

Use HotHands Body Warmers

Keeping your body warm is about keeping your blood warm. I put a body warmer on my chest to warm my heart. I also put body warmers near my major arteries to keep my extremities warm as well. I put warmers in my pant pockets, which were near my groin (Femoral Arteries). I put in my side cargo pockets to be near my knees. I also had hand warmers in coat pockets. I even had hand warmers in my mittens.

I struggled with keeping my hands warm as I kept taking off my mittens to take photos. I only had a very thin liner, and will absolutely have a warmer glove as a liner next time.

Keeping your head and neck warm

I purchased a Balaclava specifically for this trip. So if you do not have one, I highly recommend you buy one. I used it along with a hat, buff, and scarf. The balaclava got wet from the condensation from my breath. The Seirus Balaclava with ventilation may help that, but I don’t know if cold air will get in.

What to wear for Northern Lights Viewing in Alaska?