I hate cold and feeling cold. So, I really double check what to pack when traveling to Lapland or any Arctic destination to secure I will be able to have a good time and not think about how cold I am. As my husband say: “There is no bad weather, only wrong clothes”.
If you are like me and don’t own lots of winter clothes, and don’t plan to be visiting winter destinations often enough to buy the needed items, there are sustainable alternatives to your pocket and the environment. You can borrow from a friend who has similar size as yourself, buy second hand or rent. If you booked a package trip, in many cases correct Arctic clothing are included and provided once you arrive. Please check with your travel agency prior buying winter gear.
The main advantages of being supplied with the right clothing are:
- You’ll save a lot of money not having to buy snow clothing – even with cheap ski-wear, you’re going to spend a few hundred Euros.
- You’ll save a lot of space in your case as you won’t need to pack bulky items.
- You will reduce the risk of paying excess baggage fees.
- You won’t have to haul all that gear from home to Lapland. Pick it up when you’re there and drop it off when you’re done. Simple.
- You don’t need to worry whether your own clothes will be warm enough or your boots grippy enough – the clothing provided is designed for Lapland’s weather.
- You’ll save space at home, too. Your minimalist home and lifestyle will thank you for this choice.
In Lapland temperatures can vary between -5C to -30C. Sometimes temperatures can vary significantly in short periods of time. Therefore, the key to know what to pack when traveling to Lapland. A good tip is to dress in layers. Around 3 layers should be fine, but it also depends on the activity you will be doing.
If you want to get inspiration on itineraries and activities for your Lapland trip, check out my post on Meeting Santa Claus. But if you prefer to buy packaged trip, check out VisitFinland website.
The list below are how to pack for a 4-night trip to Lapland, so you can adapt the numbers if you’re staying for longer or on a shorter Santa Break. If you’re not travelling with a company that provides a thermal suit, you’ll need one of these too.
Lapland packing: For kids
– Merino thermal long sleeved top (at least two)
– Merino thermal leggings (at least two)
– Fleece lined trousers, such as jogging bottoms
– Thin jumpers/hoody (to wear under ski jacket and thermal suit)
– Thicker or thermal hoody, eg a fleece or faux fur lined ones (to wear under ski jacket alone)
– Hats with ear flaps (at least two – a balaclava is also useful, especially if you know it’s going to be cold)
– Thermal gloves to wear under them (after nearly losing my daughter’s pair on day one, a back-up pair is a good plan!)
– A neck warmer – whether you call it a snood/gaiter/buff
– Thermal/ski socks (at least two pairs)
– Ordinary socks (pair for each day, ideally thick socks)
– Ski boots – optional if you’re travelling on a package, but you’ll need boots which can cope with snow as soon as you get off the plane
Lapland packing: For adults
– Merino thermal long sleeved top (at least two)
– Merino thermal leggings, or fleece lined leggings (at least two)
– Waterproof trousers or ski trousers – you can also get lined waterproof trousers, although I found ordinary ones plus thermals were fine
– Jumpers (to wear under fleece/ski jacket/thermal suit)
– Thermal or warm fleece
– Hat that covers your ears
– Thermal or ski gloves
– Silk glove liners – it’s hard to do anything wearing thick gloves, so I was forever pulling mine off. The glove liners stop your hands from freezing as you do but are more sensitive
– A neck warmer (snood/gaiter/buff)
– Thermal/ski socks (at least two pairs)
– Ordinary socks (pair for each day, ideally thick or walking socks)
– Ski boots – optional if you’re travelling on a package, but you’ll need boots which can cope with snow as soon as you get off the plane
I hope you will find the above list useful and you now know what to pack when traveling to Lapland. Have a safe and amazing trip!
