Kingly is proud to introduce the “Kingly Beyond the Arctic Circle” adventure series. Illustrator Boryana Ivanova, the creative force behind our books 101 Uses of a Kingly Sock and 101 Uses of Reclaimed Denim, embarked on a daring expedition to Svalbard, with Kingly sponsoring her journey by providing sustainable, multifunctional gear. In the depths of the Arctic Circle, where freezing temperatures and harsh environments test even the most prepared travelers, repurposed socks and eco-friendly textiles became essential survival tools.
Throughout her journey, Boryana found creative ways to repurpose Kingly products, using socks as thermos insulators, hand warmers, and protective storage for delicate photo equipment. Her Arctic adventure showcased how sustainability and functionality go hand in hand—even in the most extreme environments. This collaboration aligns seamlessly with Kingly’s mission to reduce waste, repurpose materials, and develop innovative, low-impact solutions. Let’s dive into her exciting adventure:
As I reflect on the adventure we wrapped up last week, one conversation keeps coming to mind—repeatedly echoed by different people.
– Where are you traveling to?
– Svalbard.
– Why???
If I had to share two things about myself, it would be that I love Fridays and tend to make spontaneous, chaotic decisions when I’m bored. This entire adventure started because of both.
A friend dropped a simple question in one of those group chats: “Anyone up for seeing the Northern Lights?” Moments later, I was in. A new group was created, tickets were booked, and just like that, my mind was already mapping out the plan.
At first, the thought of experiencing the Polar Night in the Arctic Circle felt daunting. But with an incredible team— colleagues, friends, and my sister—by my side, the journey became unforgettable.
When I first shared my plan, Rob was the first to be excited for me. We’ve always supported each other’s bold ideas. Since Norway is a global leader in renewable energy and sustainable resource management, we thought it would be a perfect fit for our collaboration. (If you spot Kingly at an expo or fair, feel free to ask the team about the books we’ve completed together. They’ll happily share all the creative ways to repurpose old socks and denim.)
It all started with a list. The number of items kept growing day by day, and that’s when I realized I had to be more practical and focus on multipurpose items. Thankfully, I drew a lot of inspiration from one of the most rewarding projects I’ve ever worked on—The 101 Uses of a Kingly Sock.
Thermos Insulation Hack
A simple way to keep your drinks hot or cold for longer is by wrapping your thermos in a wool sock. This eco-friendly trick provides extra insulation without the need for expensive thermal covers.
Hand warmer tip
On chilly days, an easy way to warm your hands is by slipping a pair of socks over them like makeshift mittens. You can also place a small, heated rice pouch inside for extra warmth on the go.
DIY Camera Protection with Silica Gel
Sudden temperature changes can cause condensation on your camera lens, leading to fogging and potential damage. Placing silica gel packets inside your camera bag and lens cases helps absorb moisture and keep your equipment safe.
Safe Storage for Valuables
If you need a quick and soft storage solution, a sock can be surprisingly useful. Roll up coins, fragile souvenirs, or even your phone inside to prevent scratches and keep them secure.
If you’re considering an adventure like this, here are a few key lessons I’ve learned along the way:
Pick the right travel companions
Having a friend experienced in winter hiking can make all the difference. The right company will keep you safe and motivated. You get bonus points if your friends have a good sense of humour or know fun card games (In our case: “Oh hell”).
Prepare thoroughly
Research your destination, pack smart, and equip yourself with the right gear to handle extreme conditions.
Embrace the unexpected
No matter how well you plan, surprises will happen. Stay flexible and don’t let unplanned situations dampen your spirit.
Expect technical glitches
Gear malfunctions are inevitable in harsh conditions. While you can prepare for some, the key is to stay adaptable and not let it ruin the experience.
Practice before you go
Test your winter endurance with a local hike and get used to handling your camera or phone with gloves on—it’ll save you a lot of frustration later!
Plan for your dietary needs
If you have specific food preferences or restrictions, research local options to ensure you won’t struggle to find suitable meals.
Check if any Equipment is provided for Activities
If you’re booking guided experiences, confirm that the necessary winter gear is included—or bring your own to avoid surprises.
Plan Your Must-See Experiences
Research the attractions you’re interested in, check availability, opening hours, and whether bookings are required. Some of us were eager to learn about polar bears, others wanted to step into the world of their favorite book characters, and some were simply there for the adventure. A little planning ensured everyone got the experience they were looking for.
Use Smart Tools to Track the Aurora
For most of us, witnessing the Northern Lights was the ultimate goal. Since it’s a natural phenomenon, we took a strategic approach: we downloaded an app to track aurora activity, set up alerts for our location (Longyearbyen), monitored a local 360° camera, and used another app to follow aurora movement worldwide. This gave us the best chance of catching nature’s most magical light show!
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Story and photos by Boryana Ivanova, illustrator of Kingly’s 101 Uses of a Kingly Sock and 101 Uses of Repurposed Denim (below).
Stay tuned for the full 7-day adventure! Join her as she takes on the Arctic Circle, turning Kingly’s sustainable jackets, gaiters, gloves and balaclava, into essential travel gear.
