Few of us live in places where the temperatures not only dip below zero, but they stay there for months. It’s therefore difficult to imagine how one might stay warm under such conditions.
It’s surprisingly easy. As they say, there’s no bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. We can help you on that front!
If you’re joining our Lapland/Finland Winter Escape in January 2025, we’ll provide you with a complete packing list. Below you’ll find details about the more important items you’ll need for the tour.
In general, you’ll need warm, moisture-wicking clothes that can be worn in layers.
UPPER BODY
Light Merino wool top – You’ll want to start with a thin, warm shirt as a base layer. A lightweight Merino wool shirt is ideal.
Heavy Merino wool top – On top of that, you’ll want to wear a warmer long-sleeve shirt. Again, Merino is best. It’s recommended that you bring at least two (one that’s 160 grams and the other a little heavier at 200 grams) so you’ll always have a dry one and you can choose the weight based on the outside temperature.
Fleece jacket – A mid- to heavy-weight fleece jacket can be worn over your base layer(s) while you’re outside and will help keep you warm in the cabin as well.
Windproof/waterproof shell jacket – This is something you’ll wear on active days, when we’re snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, for example. It will be worn over your base layer(s), and you’ll need it to be a little roomy so you can freely move your arms during activities.
Puffy coat – You’ll want to keep this with you in your backpack when we’re out and about during our activities. When we stop for a hot drink or bite to eat, you may want to put it on then.
LOWER BODY
Thermal tights – Just like your base layer on top, your long underwear should be Merino wool or similar to keep you warm. These should also be moisture-wicking.
Waterproof pants – A pair of waterproof pants is recommended during our activities. These will be worn over your thermal tights. These will keep you dry from the snow and protected from the wind.
Padded pants – Waterproof, padded pants are a heavier weight option to wear over your thermal tights. Many people find these preferable over the waterproof pants mentioned above. But for some, they might be too warm for active days.
EXTREMITIES
HANDS
Heavy mittens – You’ll want a pair of heavy, waterproof shell mittens. Note that you CAN wear fingered gloves, but your hands will stay much warmer in mittens where your fingers stay warm together.
Glove liners – Underneath your heavy gloves, a pair of Merino wool liner gloves is recommended. These will help keep your hands warm.
Warm socks – It’s advised to bring at least two pairs of thick, wool hiking socks to keep your feet warm. The second pair is a backup in case your first pair gets wet.
Liner socks – It’s best to bring two pairs of liner socks. You’ll only be wearing one at a time under your heavier socks, but the second pair is a backup if one pair gets wet.
Shoes/boots – We’ll provide you with a pair of warm outdoor boots (many people know these as “wellies”) for the week. These will be large, insulated boots that you’ll want to wear most every day you step out of the lodge.
The shoes/boots you’ll want to bring yourself are for Helsinki, your roundtrip flights from Helsinki to Kittilä, and the occasional time you leave the lodge and don’t want to wear the clunkier wellies.
Your shoes/boots will need to be Gore-Tex and very warm. Consider something like the LOWA Evo Ice boots. These are currently on sale at Backcountry (with limited sizes) but the new style will be available through LOWA in the fall of 2024.
Chemical warmers – Chemical hand and toe warmers are a must for added warmth to your hands and toes.
HEAD
Buff – This is a cloth tube that is worn over your head and sits on your neck. While there are many ways to wear it (i.e., it could be pulled over your head for warmth), these are generally made of thin cloth and are best for providing some added protection around your neck.
Balaclava – This wool or neoprene headpiece is worn over your head and covers everything but your eyes. It’s a great all-in-one item that will protect your neck, face and head from the cold and wind.
Wool hat – A warm wool or fleece hat with a windproof underlayer (an added piece of cloth that will protect your head) is advised against the cold and wind.
Ski goggles – These are, simply put, fancy sunglasses. 😁 What makes them special is that they have side covers that provide added protection from the sun (which can be quite strong) and the reflective snow. NOTE that some people who wear corrective glasses found that their goggles fogged up on occasion. For this reason, consider contact lenses, if possible.
Sunglasses/glacier glasses – You might also consider bringing a pair of sunglasses or glacier glasses (which have protection on the sides) for further protection from the sun and the reflecting snow.
ACCESSORIES
Water bottle – Please bring a refillable water bottle with you. Bottled water won’t be provided as tap water will be perfectly suitable to bring with you during activities and while we’re at the lodge.
Thermos – You’ll want a small thermos with you during our activities for hot water, coffee, tea or soup. This bit of warmth will make all the difference on a cold day.
Backpack – You’ll need a 15 – 25L backpack for carrying items during our activities. The bag should be big enough to accommodate snacks, a water bottle, a thermos, camera/phone and outer layers should you take them off during activities.
Dry bag for backpack OR waterproof covering – It’s very important to keep the items in your backpack dry. You can do so by keeping the items in a dry bag that goes inside the backpack or you can use a waterproof covering on the outside. Both work well, but items will be more accessible if they are in the dry bag rather than underneath the covering.
Headlamp – Most of our activities take place during the day when the sun will be up over the horizon, but it will be dark much of our time in Lapland. You’ll therefor want to keep a headlamp in your pack at all times for added light.