By Olaus Mcleod

My recent trip to Tromsø, Arctic Norway, was a pilgrimage in search of the Northern Lights. We journeyed from the mild, autumnal air of our home in Cornwall to the biting chill of Tromsø, located 350km North of the Arctic Circle. Throughout the journey, my &SONS capsule wardrobe was a constant. The clothing consistently proved its warmth, comfort, durability, versatility, and stylish practicality across all climates. This trip confirmed what I already knew: &SONS clothing is truly built to last and designed to perform.

Arriving in Tromsø, we found a stunning city nestled between snow-capped mountains and icy fjords, offering breathtaking views and a climate that truly tested my packing strategy. The challenge? Sub-zero temperatures. The solution? My trusty &SONS capsule wardrobe.

Knowing that warmth, comfort, and layering were paramount, I packed the following &SONS staples. Every piece performed fantastically, demonstrating superb durability and stylish versatility in the challenging climate.

Base Layers

Boxer Pocket T-Shirts (grey marl, black), The New Elder Henley Shirt (raw), Base Waffle Crew Necks (navy, grey marl). These formed the essential foundation of warmth. Exceptionally comfortable, they retained heat during long walks and icy activities.

Mid Layers

Off Black Sweatshirt, Drifter Wool Waistcoat (grey), Boulder Shirt (grey). Perfect for trapping warmth and adding immediate style.

Outerwear

Carver Jacket (green) and Black Gold Waxed Jacket. These provided rugged, dependable protection against the wind and cold.

Bottoms

Brandon Overdyed Jean (Black Fade). The Brandon Jeans were a rugged daily essential. The Bodhi Boardshorts were the perfect addition for my Arctic dips!

Accessories

Trucker Badge Cap (Army Green), Thompson Baker Boy Hat (grey herringbone). Crucial for retaining heat, with the Baker Boy Hat adding a touch of classic, insulated style.

The Tromsø Itinerary: Field Tested

My &SONS clothing wasn’t just worn it was tested under truly demanding Arctic conditions.

The 1200 Sherpa Steps Challenge

We tackled the treacherously icy 1,200 Sherpa Steps, constructed by artisans from Nepal, climbing the mountain opposite the city. Layered in the Base Waffle Crew Neck and Boulder Shirt, and protected by the Black Gold Jacket, my gear kept me warm while allowing me to vent and breathe as the climb intensified. The reward was unforgettable: sweeping sunset views over Tromsø’s warm, twinkling lights, framed by dramatic mountains and fjords.

City Walks and Cultural Pilgrimages

Crossing the impressive bridge and exploring the city centre, my clothing kept me comfortably insulated throughout the day. We made regular pilgrimages to local bakeries for warming coffee and cinnamon buns and, I’m slightly ashamed to admit, even the world’s northernmost McDonald’s. These moments highlighted the smart versatility of the Drifter Wool Waistcoat paired with the Boulder Shirt.

The Icy Plunge: Pust Sauna

A true highlight was visiting Pust, the floating sauna in Tromsø harbour. With views of the iconic Arctic Cathedral and snow-capped mountains beyond, each sauna session was punctuated by invigorating plunges into the icy Arctic Ocean. Here, the quick-drying, comfortable Bodhi Boardshorts proved their mettle in an entirely new kind of cold.

The Icing on the Cake: The Aurora Borealis

The ultimate bucket list moment arrived when we were stunned by the most wonderful show of the Aurora Borealis. Wrapped up and toasty in layers of &SONS clothing, I stayed out for hours, transfixed by the ever-changing dance of the Aurora -truly one of the natural wonders of our world. I will never forget this incredible experience and am eternally thankful to &SONS for keeping me in style and comfort throughout such a magical trip.

I highly recommend &SONS clothing for the everyday adventurer.