How to Stay Warm in Lapland During Winter
Traveling to Lapland in winter presents a unique challenge: extreme cold. Temperatures can plummet to -30°C (-22°F) or lower, so proper preparation is essential to enjoy your winter vacation fully.
In this guide, we share the clothing, tips, and gadgets that kept us warm during our trip to Lapland, along with things we would bring next time.
The Right Clothing for Winter in Lapland
The key to staying warm is layering. Dressing in layers allows you to adapt to changing temperatures and activities. While you'll appreciate every extra layer outdoors, you'll be glad to shed some clothing when you step into cozy restaurants or after long hikes.
Essential Clothing Items for Lapland
Thermal Underwear: This is the foundation for every day. Good thermal underwear keeps you warm and wicks moisture away. Bring multiple sets, depending on the length of your trip, and ensure they're specifically designed for cold weather. Click for our recommendation for men / females
Fleece and Wool Sweaters: For your middle layer, opt for fleece or wool sweaters. These materials are excellent at retaining heat while remaining breathable. Click for our recommendation for men / females
Ski Pants or Thermal Hiking Pants: These protect your legs from wind and cold. Look for waterproof options that don’t restrict movement like these: men / females.
Warm Winter Jacket: Choose an insulated, windproof, and waterproof jacket with a hood for optimal protection, like these for men / females.
Snow Pants: Snow pants are crucial for outdoor activities like dog sledding or snowmobiling. Most activity providers in Lapland will supply these, but check in advance.
Warm Socks: Go for thick wool or thermal socks, and layer them for extreme cold. For very low temperatures, we used a combination of hiking socks underneath and wool socks on top.
Protecting Hands, Feet, and Head
Hands, feet, and the head are most vulnerable to the cold, so extra care is needed.
Mittens Over Gloves: Mittens are warmer than gloves because your fingers share body heat. If you need finger mobility (e.g., for photography), look for mittens with removable finger covers.
Insulated Winter Boots: Choose waterproof, insulated boots with thick soles and room for layered socks like these ones for men / females. Buy one size larger to accommodate thick socks.
Hats and Balaclavas: A warm hat and a balaclava or neck warmer are essential. A balaclava will protect your face from icy winds—a must-have for your Lapland packing list.
Gadgets to Keep You Warm in Lapland
Besides the right clothing, certain gadgets can significantly improve your comfort in the cold.
Heated Insoles: Perfect for keeping your feet warm during extended outdoor activities, such as waiting for the Northern Lights. We didn’t bring heated insoles on our trip but quickly regretted it. Fellow travelers highly recommended them for their effectiveness.
Hand Warmers: Portable hand warmers are a lifesaver, especially during activities that require frequent hand use. Both disposable and reusable options are available, and they’re small enough to carry in your pockets or gloves.
Cold Weather Cream: Protect your skin with creams specifically designed for cold climates. These creams contain no water, preventing freezing, which can damage your skin. Always opt for a water-free formula to safeguard your face and hands, e.g. like this one.
More Tips for Staying Warm in Lapland
Contact Lenses Over Glasses:Glasses tend to fog up or freeze in extreme cold, making contact lenses a more practical choice.
Avoid Sweating:Adjust your clothing layers to prevent sweating, as damp clothing cools down much faster than dry layers.
Stay Active:Movement generates body heat, so keep moving when you feel cold. Activities like light exercises or short walks can make a big difference.
More Inspiration for Your Lapland Vacation:
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