If you're planning to visit Lapland during winter, it's crucial to be prepared for the extreme weather conditions you may encounter. Keep in mind that this region experiences temperatures ranging from -5°C to -40°C, so it's important not to underestimate the cold and to prepare adequately. In this article, we'll provide you with tips on how to dress appropriately to stay warm and comfortable during your Arctic adventure.
THE 3-LAYER SYSTEM*: The key to staying comfortable without losing heat or protection from the cold is to wear 3 layers. Using too many layers without knowledge can hinder breathability, restrict movement, and remove all the warm air trapped inside the jacket.
Start with a thermal base layer that keeps your body dry and warm. If you're not engaging in activities like ice climbing or strenuous hiking, and you don't tend to sweat excessively, opt for thermal shirts that fit snugly against your body and retain heat. It's unnecessary to wear highly technical mountain or ski shirts, as these are designed for those specific sports and promote breathability, which can make them too thin to provide adequate warmth. Important: Layering two thermal shirts on top of each other is ineffective because the second shirt, not snug against the body, won't provide warmth. It will only hinder breathability and might cause sweating with minimal movement, leading to subsequent chilliness. Instead, it's better to wear a thicker second layer or an auxiliary layer*, which we'll explain further later on.
As an intermediate layer, add an insulating layer such as a wool sweater or fleece. This layer allows you to adjust warmth by choosing a thinner layer for milder climates or a thicker layer for colder ones. *Auxiliary intermediate layer: In some tours like snowmobile rides, companies provide a winter jumpsuit (similar to a ski suit) that doesn't accommodate wearing additional coats over it. These jumpsuits are not very thick, so if the second layer you wear is light, you might feel a bit cold due to the speed. We recommend carrying a thin down jacket or quilted jacket to wear underneath the jumpsuit. This auxiliary layer is particularly useful for sudden drops in temperature, where the mercury can plummet to around -30°C.
Finally, the outer layer is responsible for shielding us from external elements. It should be windproof and waterproof, such as an insulated coat or jacket, to protect you from adverse weather conditions. The longer the coat, the better it will protect and retain warmth inside. Ski jackets, for example, are designed to withstand elements like snow, water, and wind, though not all are very thick. It's important to verify their temperature rating, considering that these ratings are often based on skiing activities where the person is continuously moving.
TROUSERS: Always wear thermal leggings underneath to prevent direct contact of your skin with the pants (which are exposed to outside temperatures). If you already have ski or snowboard pants, they will suffice for your trip. However, like with the coat, keep in mind they won't fit under a winter jumpsuit. In that case, you can wear just the thermal leggings underneath the jumpsuit. Another option we recommend is using snow hiking pants, which are typically water-resistant, dense, and lined with a soft material inside to prevent temperature transfer to your legs. These pants can fit under a jumpsuit. (It's important to note that the more technical snow hiking pants are, the thinner they tend to be. They're designed for intense hiking where less warmth and more breathability are needed.)
PROTECT YOUR EXTREMITIES:
Hands and feet are the areas that cool down the fastest in extreme temperatures. Make sure to wear thick gloves or mittens and wool socks or thermal materials to keep your hands and feet warm.
Our recommendation is to always use liner gloves, thin wool gloves, or fleece liners snug against your hands with mittens on top. Thick gloves can separate your fingers, making them cool faster and harder to warm up.
Regarding socks, the same principle applies as with thermal shirts. It's not useful to wear two pairs of thick socks as this can restrict circulation and hinder breathability, which can be dangerous if your feet sweat excessively and the socks don't breathe properly (like some ski socks). Moisture inside the boot can freeze once you stop moving and your feet cool down.
If you choose to wear two pairs of socks, we recommend wearing thin, non-cotton socks that breathe well underneath thicker socks, preferably wool. Also, consider bringing hand warmers and thermal insoles for added comfort.
COVER YOUR HEAD AND NECK: The head and neck are sensitive to cold. Use a wool hat or scarf to cover your head and ears. You can also opt for a neck gaiter or balaclava to protect your neck and face from the wind and low temperatures.
APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR: Choose waterproof boots with good thermal insulation and non-slip soles for walking on snow and ice. Ensure they are spacious enough to accommodate thick socks and keep your feet warm and dry. Opting for a size larger than your usual size is sufficient; the extra space inside the boot creates an air pocket that acts as an additional insulator.
IMPORTANT: It's important to note that the danger in these places isn't necessarily getting your feet wet, as dry snow is common in very low temperatures (it doesn't clump or wet the foot). The crucial aspect of footwear for these temperatures is thermal insulation. Footwear without adequate thermal insulation, such as sneakers, can render you unable to engage in any activity as the cold will penetrate the footwear quickly. Additionally, if they are not high enough, snow may get inside the pants and shoes, causing discomfort or even wetness.
Ideally, choose waterproof or water-resistant boots with double thermal linings inside to provide sufficient insulation.
EYE PROTECTION: The sun's reflection on snow can be intense, so it's important to protect your eyes with UV-protective sunglasses. Opt for quality sunglasses with dark lenses to prevent glare and shield your eyes from harmful rays. During Christmas time, sunlight is very scarce in northern regions; the sun doesn't rise much and remains like a prolonged sunset. However, as the spring months approach, the sun gains strength and can become more bothersome.
CONCLUSION: Dressing appropriately for Lapland is essential to fully enjoy this wonderful region. Remember to layer effectively rather than excessively to improve mobility and breathability, protect your extremities, cover your head and neck, wear suitable footwear, and shield your eyes. These preparations will ensure you stay comfortable and safe while experiencing the beauty of Lapland.
With this clothing guide, you'll be ready to face the Arctic cold and fully enjoy your experience in Lapland!