Quite normal to wonder how to dress during winter in Lapland since the temperatures can go down to -30°C (-22°F). One of the most important things to keep in mind is that the cold is dry, which means that humidity doesn’t infiltrate the clothes. Therefore, the feeling of the -10°C itself is not the same in European countries (such as France or England), and here in Rovaniemi. However, wearing the right winter clothes in Lapland is really important.
A word about winter clothes in Lapland
Though we can provide overalls made to keep you warm in cold winters, and winter boots ; we still recommend you to take suitable clothes with you. The golden rule you should respect is : it is more comfortable, and easier to take off a piece of clothes if you feel too warm during a safari, and we can’t add any clothes during tours. It means that it is better to wear “too many” clothes than not enough. Remember also not to be too tight in your clothes or boots : air is a natural isolator ! Keeping some space between your different clothes will help to keep you warm and dry during your snowmobile or husky tours for example.
The “3 layers rule” to properly dress during winter in Lapland
- The first must be warm but breathable : recommended materials such as wool or synthetic.
- The second will keep you warm, so you have to think according to the activities planned for the day. If you are going to a snowshoeing hike or a cross-country ski hike, then you need something rather breathable like a fleece. But if you are going for a snowmobile tour or dog sledding or reindeer safari, choose synthetic windproof clothing.
- The last layer will be the extreme cold suit that we provide, but during your walks in Rovaniemi, a ski jacket will be enough.
For trousers, jeans are banned : they are too thin, not warm enough, and they freeze fast. A ski trouser is perfect to walk around. Also, you can wear leggings, you will feel comfortable and warm : many different ones exist, some are comfortable made of synthetic fabrics, but you can also find some with fleece lining.
Finally, keep in mind that the parts of the human body feeling cold first are the ends (feet, hands, ears…). We recommend wearing woolen socks and avoid the cotton. You can make layers with socks, but maximum two (more would not help, and make you feel cold). For your hands, we recommend mittens rather than gloves, because the fingers help keep each other warm (if you already have extreme cold gloves, you can take it).
Remember also to have several hats, to change if the first one is wet.
PACKING FOR A TRIP TO LAPLAND
To conclude, here are the essential elements to keep in mind when you pack your case to visit Finnish Lapland during winter :
- Choose materials such as wool and synthetic,
- It is always better to have more clothes than not enough,
- Dress according to the day’s activities.
WHERE TO RENT EQUIPMENT FOR EXTREME COLD IN ROVANIEMI ?
To conclude, If you believe that you will not have enough equipment or if you need to lighten your case, we do rent thermal equipment.
