If you’re planning a visit to Lapland for the first time (fingers crossed for when travel resumes!), knowing what clothes to pack for summer or winter, can be a bit of a grey area. The seasons in Lapland bring beautiful but sometimes harsh weather year-round. With the abundance of outdoor activities to enjoy, dressing appropriately will enhance your experiences here.
what clothes should I pack?
Before arriving in Lapland I had not experienced temperatures below -5°c but with the optimum clothing I now love the dry, crisp air and freezing temperatures. In comparison to wet, cold winters where I grew up in London, the endless snow and -25°c is a lot more desirable. When my friends visited me the first question they would ask is “what clothes should I pack?”. I have put together my recommendations and my first advice is to empty your mind of ‘fashion clothing’, practically wins over style in this kind of climate, In Lapland, nobody is bothered if you look like Michelin Man in all your layers.
The key is, to wear layer upon layer rather than one thick layer, allowing adjustment depending on how warm or cold you like to be. It’s likely you’ll want to remove some layers inside as indoor places in Lapland are really well insulated. The layers insulate by keeping heat between the fabric, achieved by using a three part strategy: base-layer, mid-layer and outer-layer.
“Cotton is definitely a no go and although Merino garments are pricey, they will last you a lifetime.”
BASE-LAYER
Regardless of the season, start with a long sleeve top and leggings made from a moisture-wicking material that will stay dry if you sweat. These can be synthetic but try to opt for a natural fibre such as Merino wool or silk. Add a pair of liner socks, synthetic materials are good for fast drying and wool is great for insulation.
MID-LAYER
Your mid layer could be a fleece, a wool jumper or a thin insulated jacket with down or synthetic filling. For outdoor activities on an extremely cold day in the winter, I’d wear two mid-layers on my top half and add a second pair of fleece leggings. Depending on your plans, you might want to add a pair of jeans over your base layer if you don’t plan to be outside for a long period of time. A second pair of thick wool socks will complete your mid-layer, good quality ones are an investment. My favourite pair were hand knitted for me by a friend and they have seen me through the winter months to the cold summer evenings while camping.
OUTER-LAYER
Your outer-layer needs to be wind-proof and waterproof (not water resistant), most jackets will usually be both and some have added insulation. On the bottom half you’ll want a pair of shell pants made from Gore-Tex which is breathable and waterproof.
To keep your extremities covered, a beanie, a neck buff and gloves are a must. I find mittens (instead of gloves) are more insulating and animal fibres are equally as insulating as synthetic materials but perhaps not so waterproof. The neck buff will prevent neck chill and you can get creative and use it to cover your face or head if needed.
Boots will be your main choice of footwear, (perhaps go half a size up) to fit thick wool socks under so that your toes aren’t squashed which will make your feet cold. A sturdy waterproof boot with Gore-Tex and a good grip works great and your boots will take you through to summer with a pair of thinner socks.
In the summer, the layers mentioned are useful for cool weather and evenings spent in nature or on the water. For warmer days you could swap some layers for short sleeve t-shirts, shorts, sunglasses and a lighter hat.
The beauty of layering is being prepared for any weather and packing less than you think you need. I mentioned Merino wool a lot, being the best material for its versatility, insulating properties and also anti-odour properties between washes. When you do wash Merino, it will dry by the next day which is ideal for travel. Now the packing mystery is solved, get planning your trip to Lapland!
By Lucy Depardieu
