How to Dress in Lapland

The weather in Lapland varies greatly from month to month. Don’t be afraid of the weather, though, as properly dressing is the most important way to ensure that your nature experience will be the most enjoyable and fun as possible.

IN THE SUMMER
In Lapland, there could be cold days when temperatures are closer to 0° C, even in June. In this instance, the warm layer under your water and wind resistant clothing will not be too much for conditions. Summer is also the season of insects so clothing with long sleeves and long leg pants are the best choices. In addition, insect repellents and net-covered hats can be used to provide additional protection from insects. Your shoes or boots should be sturdy and water-resistant. Rubber boots are a fine option,  especially during springtime or in the autumn.

IN THE WINTER
The trick to being comfortable during northern winters is to dress using a system of layers. Each layer has its own function and purpose, so for different layers we will have different kinds of clothes and fabrics.

Base layer keeps you warm and dry
This is the layer that is in direct contact with your skin.  Its primary function is to keep you dry no matter what you are doing, be it just standing or moving. Normally, it is tight-fitting and can be made of different materials such as merino wool or synthetic fibres.  Base layers are also made in a variety of different thicknesses. Thicker is normally the warmer.

Mid Layer keeps you nice and warm
The mid layer should keep you dry and serves to move moisture away from your body, while also providing insulation, as well.  The best fabrics for mid layers would be wool and fleece. If you are planning to be a bit more active, it would be best to choose fleece over wool as the possibility of sweating and becoming cold becomes higher.

Outer layer protects you against the elements
Outer layers are all about protecting yourself from the elements and windproof fabrics and materials are excellent at providing this necessary protection during the winter months. Down jackets and jackets filled with synthetic fibres are good options too. For trousers, ski pants work well.
To properly protect your hands, you can use silk gloves as base layer and winter mittens on the top. Remember, mittens are warmer than the gloves.

Cold feet can ruin your outdoor experience, so proper foot care is essential. You can again use a double layer system to help keep your tootsies warm. Cotton socks stay wet and can make your feet cold, so synthetic fibres are a great base layer, while wool socks are good as a second layer. Your footwear should be at least one size too big. If your feet feel tight inside of the shoes, you will feel cold soon.

Do not forget to cover your head! You will be losing heat through your head if you don’t keep it warm, so always wear a hat when you are outdoors.