Global Adventure Challenge Must-haves: Lessons from the Arctic Circle

When you sign up for global adventure with Rat Race, you expect a challenge. But the Arctic Circle? That’s a different beast entirely. I recently found myself navigating the frozen landscapes of Finland, Sweden, and Norway on this exact global adventure challenge, and trust me, the gear you bring can make or break your experience. Here's what I learned (and what I brought) during this wild adventure across the Arctic.

Day 1: Biking the Frozen Frontier

Day 1 of the challenge started deceptively calm: a mountain bike ride from the lodge at Kilpisjärvi down to the bottom of a lake that divides Sweden and Finland. For a moment, I thought, "This isn’t so bad." But as we rounded the lake, Mother Nature decided to crank up the difficulty. Rain showers, a strong headwind, and thick snow made the ride anything but leisurely.

Thankfully, I had my trusty Rat Race thermal jacket. This beauty kept me toasty as I hunkered down against the elements, with a Gore-Tex shell over the top to keep the worst of the wind and rain out. Sure, I eventually got soaked through—nothing short of a submarine could’ve stayed dry in that—but the jacket’s DuPont Sorona insulation dried super-fast overnight, and it was ready to go the next day. Moral of the story? When the Arctic throws a tantrum, you’ll be glad you brought the right gear.

Day 2: Skiing to Saana—Or Attempting To

Now, I’m no skier. In fact, I spent more time flat out in the snow than I care to admit. But when your global adventure challenge takes you cross-country skiing to a camp at the base of Saana, you need to keep your hands and feet warm, or you'll regret it. Enter the Rat Race over mitts. These lightweight marvels slipped over my ski gloves, keeping the moisture and wind out while trapping heat inside. I feel the cold in my hands and feet more than anywhere else, but these mitts were a game-changer. My gloves stayed dry, my hands stayed warm, and they added almost no weight to my pack. They’re the kind of kit you don’t realize you need until you’re halfway through a blizzard.

Speaking of sneaky warmth, I also had a cheeky pair of heated socks from Amazon. I set them to the lowest setting, just enough to keep my feet from turning into blocks of ice while on the bike. If you’re like me and your extremities tend to freeze, these are worth every penny.

Day 3: Snowshoeing to the Three-Country Cairn

The final day of the adventure challenge was all about snowshoeing up Saana and on to the Three-Country Cairn, where Finland, Sweden, and Norway meet. The snow was deep—so deep, in fact, that one minute you’re strolling along, and the next, you’re up to your waist in a hidden hole. It was a beautiful day, so I stashed my shell layer in my Great Glen pack, relying on my Rat Race thermal jacket to keep me dry. The DWR coating on the jacket meant the snow and moisture just rolled off, keeping me warm and comfortable.

Staying dry is the secret to staying warm under these adventure challenge conditions, and the right gear made all the difference. Whether you’re trudging through snow or fending off Arctic winds, investing in quality kit is non-negotiable.

This Global Adventure Challenge's Bottom Line

If you’re gearing up for your next global adventure challenge, especially one as demanding as the Arctic Circle, don’t skimp on your gear. From a reliable thermal jacket to heated socks that keep your toes from freezing, what you pack could be the difference between a memorable adventure and a miserable one.

Take it from me—Rat Race gear doesn’t just look the part, it plays it too. So, suit up and get ready to tackle whatever Mother Nature throws your way. Your next adventure challenge is calling!