Chasing the Northern Lights (and Experiencing Northern Cold Firsthand)

Hi! I’m Liz, and I work on the marketing team here at Aurora Heat. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories for a conference on AI, and to experience northern winter for the first time.

Even though I’m Canadian, I had never been up north before. Living in Vancouver, our winters are pretty mild. The coldest it usually gets is around 2°C, and this past year we didn’t even have snow stick around.

I’ve always loved using my Aurora Heat wrist warmers at home, especially while working or reading, but I knew this trip would be a completely different kind of cold.

And it definitely was.

Packing for -30°C

Before leaving, I found myself wondering what you even wear in -30°C.

After some quick research, one thing became clear. Layers are essential. So I packed as many as I could into my carry-on and tried to find a balance between staying comfortable in Vancouver and being prepared for the moment I stepped off the plane in Yellowknife.

It’s safe to say I still underestimated it.

My First Step Into Northern Cold

The moment I arrived, I understood what people mean when they describe the cold as “biting.”

It’s not just cold. It’s sharp. Any exposed skin feels it instantly, and even breathing in through your nose has a sting to it.

I quickly made my way inside, layered up, and prepared myself for the days ahead.

Learning Firsthand How to Stay Warm

One of the most special parts of this trip was getting to spend time with Brenda, Aurora Heat’s founder, who was also in Yellowknife. She brought along a few additional warmers for me to try in the conditions they are truly designed for.

Experiencing them there, where this knowledge and craftsmanship comes from, gave me a whole new appreciation for what we do.

Aurora Heat warmers are handmade in the Northwest Territories using ethically sourced beaver fur, rooted in generations of northern knowledge. Instead of creating artificial heat, they work by trapping and circulating your natural body warmth, something I came to really understand on this trip.

Foot Warmers: Finding the Right Fit

The first thing I learned was that fit matters.

I had originally chosen a larger size for my foot warmers, thinking it would provide more warmth. But I quickly realized that a snug fit is what makes them effective. The larger size didn’t sit as closely against my feet, while the smaller size felt much more comfortable and kept my toes noticeably warmer.

Breast Warmers: A New Favourite

These were a completely new experience for me, and easily one of the most impactful.

They are small, soft circles that sit inside your bra, right against your skin. They are incredibly lightweight and don’t affect fit, but they add a layer of warmth right at your core.

I wore them one evening while we went out to look for the Northern Lights, when temperatures were at their lowest. Even while spending extended time outside and taking photos with bare hands, I felt consistently warm.

Hand Warmers: Comfort in the Cold

I also used the classic hand warmers inside my mittens, and they made a huge difference.

My hands stayed warm throughout, and even after taking my gloves off briefly to use my phone, the warmth returned quickly once I put them back on.

There is also something uniquely comforting about the softness of the fur against your hands in such extreme cold. It is a small detail, but one you really notice.

A New Perspective

This trip gave me a deeper understanding of something we often talk about at Aurora Heat.

In milder climates like Vancouver, our warmers can feel like a cozy addition to your day.

In the North, they are essential.

Being in Yellowknife, meeting people, and experiencing the climate firsthand made it clear why traditional materials and techniques have been relied on for generations. It is not just about comfort. It is about practicality, sustainability, and using what works.

Final Thoughts

I am so grateful I had the chance to experience northern winter in this way, not just as a visitor, but as someone who gets to be part of Aurora Heat.

It completely changed how I think about staying warm. It is not about adding more layers. It is about choosing the right ones.

If you have ever experienced true northern cold, you will understand exactly what I mean.

And if you haven’t yet, I highly recommend it, with the right gear of course.

🤍Liz