Frozen Fashion: How to dress for winter in Lapland!

Dressing appropriately for Lapland, during the cold seasons, is crucial to stay comfortable and safe in extreme weather conditions. Lapland, located in the northern part of Scandinavia, experiences very cold temperatures in winter. Here are some tips on how to dress in Lapland:

The Basics of Layering

Layering in an outdoor enthusiast best friend. The most important thing is to choose the most suitable clothes for yourself, which can be combined to create various outfit combinations.

By layering clothes, the outfit can easily be adjusted according to the day, trip, purpose, and weather. Each layer has its function. The three basic layers are: the base layer, mid-layer, and outer layer.

The base layer is worn directly against the skin. The function of the base layer is to move moisture towards the outer layers. When the base layer remains dry, it is warm. Merino wool transmits moisture efficiently and also feels warm when slightly moist. Therefore, it is advisable to invest 100% in merino wool

The mid layer is worn over the base layer. A good mid-layer traps as much air as possible, creating a warm insulating layer between the base layer and the outer layer. It should be thin but warm, breathable, and flexible

The outer layer the topmost layer of layering is wind and water-resistant.

Avoid cotton as cotton dries slowly and is a very cold material when wet.

Headgear:

Winter Hat: A warm, insulated hat that covers your ears is crucial to prevent heat loss.

Neck Gaiter or Scarf: Protect your neck and face from the cold winds with a thick neck gaiter or scarf.

Hand Protection:

Insulated Gloves or Mittens: Choose waterproof and insulated gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm. Consider bringing an extra pair in case one gets wet. My best recommendations are: Outdoor Research Stormtracker, Hestra Army Leather Gore-Tex, and Black Diamond Guide Gloves.

Footwear:

Look for boots that are specifically designed for winter use with insulation to keep your feet warm. Thinsulate, PrimaLoft, and other synthetic insulating materials are commonly used. Choose a boot with a waterproof and breathable membrane, such as Gore-Tex, to keep your feet dry from external moisture while allowing sweat to escape.

Wool Socks: Wear merino wool socks to keep your feet dry and warm.

Merino - Nature's innovation

Merino wool is a natural innovation that works in both chilling cold and scorching heat.

Its fiber is long, elastic, and significantly thinner than traditional sheep wool. Merino wool is the most powerful fiber in the world's warming air. Even a thin layer of merino warms more effectively than the thickest artificial fiber.

The ingenious merino wool fiber also responds to body temperature. As the skin heats up, the moisture bonded to the garment is released to cool the microclimate between the body and the knit. It always feels dry. This is due to the feature of the merino wool moves moisture away from the skin, after which the steam evaporates into the air.

Merino wool fiber can absorb 30% of its weight with moisture, and the knit still feels a touch of touch. Antibacterial is another superior sample of force, why merino wool is such a stunning material. This feature refers to the way Merino wool is cleaning itself. Merino fiber reacts with oxygen, evaporating the odor molecules.

Source: North Outdoor

Special Considerations for Activities:

Winter Activities: If you plan on engaging in activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, or skiing, make sure your clothing is suitable for those activities.

Northern Lights Viewing: If you're hoping to see the Northern Lights, consider bringing extra warm clothing as you may be standing outside for an extended period.

Remember, conditions can vary, so it's essential to check the weather forecast and adjust your clothing accordingly. Being well-prepared will help you enjoy the stunning landscapes of Lapland comfortably.

Pro tip: https://www.partioaitta.fi/ is an expert serving outdoor activities and camping.