Winter Packing List for Lapland: What You Really Need

In addition to travel documents, plane tickets, and the usual travel essentials, here are my gear recommendations for Lapland in winter:

Base layers

• Thermal underwear – 2 sets: Breathable, moisture-wicking. Made of polypropylene or merino wool; contains no cotton.
• Merinowool knee-high socks – 3–4 pairs: A wet pair takes 1–2 days to dry. If you’ll be outside for an extended period: wear two pairs one on top of the other.
• Fleece sweaters and jackets: Quick-drying, lightweight, breathable. Medium warmth.

External protection

• Waterproof outer jacket: Windproof and waterproof—the most important layer. Waterproof, not just water-resistant.
• Thermal boots: Insulated, waterproof, with a distinctive sole pattern. Best worn without laces—you’ll be slipping them on and off a lot.
• Snow spikes: For safe walking on icy paths. Please remove them before entering indoor areas.

Head, Neck & Hands

• Hat: Well-insulated, completely covers the forehead and ears.
• Loop scarf: Can be pulled over the mouth and nose. Fleece is preferred.
• Gloves: Waterproof, well-insulated. Ideal: thin gloves + thick mittens over them. Tip: Models with a touchscreen-compatible index finger save you from having to take them off all the time to use your smartphone.

Extras

• Headlamp: During the Arctic winter, it’s dark even during the day. Your hands stay free—essential for outdoor activities.
• Thermopad (rechargeable): A small hand warmer that works instantly. Highly recommended for waiting for the Northern Lights at night.
• Sunglasses: The low winter sun reflects strongly off the snow. This is also relevant in January.
• Power bank: Batteries drain quickly in cold weather. Carry it close to your body in an inside pocket.
• Reflectors or flashing lights for children : If all the children are wearing the same resort thermal suit, a personal reflector makes it easier to spot them quickly.

Clothing for Arctic Temperatures: What Matters

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.” This German saying is particularly true for a Northern Lights trip to Lapland.

You may already own some great Polar clothing—especially if you’re an outdoor enthusiast or enjoy skiing or snowboarding. Today’s lightweight, high-tech fabrics ensure that layers are less bulky.

Simply layering up in thick clothes isn't enough, though. It depends on what you're planning to do, how much you'll be moving around, and how much body heat you naturally generate.

At temperatures between -10° and -30°C, comfort depends on maintaining a balanced body temperature. The real challenge lies in the constant shift between very different conditions:

• You step outside from the warmth of your chalet’s fireplace (about 20°C) into temperatures ranging from -10° to -20°C—a temperature difference of up to 40°.
• On husky tours and snowmobile rides through Arctic forests and across the fells, an icy wind blows in your face.
• When you go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, the exercise will quickly warm you up.
• In the evening, you stand out in the cold, waiting for the Northern Lights.
• And then the Finnish sauna, followed by a dip in the ice hole and a hot jacuzzi.

When you book our travel packages, a set of thermal clothing is often already included—your hosts will provide you with the perfect set for the duration of your stay. Please ask about this when booking.