What to pack

h A head torch is essential for walking safely through dark forests at night in areas where there are unlikely to be any streetlights. It is also helpful to wear one when adjusting camera and tripod settings h Operators will provide thermal suits and boots but it’s still worth having your own warm footwear. Sorel has a range of waterproof snow boots suited to lower temperatures. The Caribou boot, above, is a good choice (£165; sorelfootwear.co.uk) h The long exposures required to photograph the aurora borealis mean a tripod is necessary to avoid blur. Buy a carbon fibre model to reduce weight in your luggage h Allowing air to circulate, mittens are the best way to keep hands warm – but they can prove cumbersome when taking photographs or using your phone. The Sealskinz waterproof sporting glove, below, can be pinned back to expose the thumb and index finger for using touchscreens

(from £42; amazon.co.uk)