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The right clothing and equipment can make the difference between a good and bad experience in the Arctic Circle. Bringing quality cold weather clothing is the most important step to having a comfortable, warm trip to Swedish Lapland.
Packing for the Arctic Circle can be intimidating, but it’s actually easier than you might think! All you need to remember is that warm and dry go hand in hand. Keep your eye out for wool and synthetic, moisture-wicking underlayers, and then add a windproof, waterproof outer layer to stay warm and toasty.
We are located in Abisko and Kiruna, 200 km above the arctic circle, in Swedish Lapland. Winters in Swedish Lapland are long and cold, and in a very dry climate. Most winters we have a full snow cover from the end of October until the beginning of May.
During the coldest period in December, January and February, we expect temperatures between -15° to -25°C (5° to -13°F) but it may drop to -40°C (-40°F).
While our tours include snowsuits, it’s important to pack appropriate underlayers on the tour. For the rest of your trip, you’ll want to make sure that you are well equipped to stay warm for your whole visit.
Dressing in warm, comfortable clothing is so important to enjoying your stay in Swedish Lapland. As you pack, consider how long you will stay, what activities you will want to take part in, and what your space availability is like in your suitcases. Most importantly, pack layers of windproof and waterproof clothing to protect your body from the wind, ice and snow.
When thinking of fabrics, we recommend wearing 100% merino wool or synthetic (polypropylene) inner layers closest to your body. Wool or synthetic fibers retain body heat far better, key for staying warm in the Arctic.
Lastly, always layer your clothing, so that you can easily regulate your temperature by removing or adding a layer of clothes. Several thin layers are better than few thick layers, which may cause you to sweat. Your sweat will make for a cold feeling and once you get wet, your body will lose its natural warmth. As we like to say, ‘dress like an onion’.
Base and middle layers are key to staying warm when you’re in the Arctic, as they trap air close to your body and hold in its natural warmth. On top of one or two base layers, add a sweater or fleece layer, and as your outer layer, choose a wind- and waterproof jacket.
While keeping your core body temperature stable is important for your health and comfort, don’t forget about your head and hands. These exposed areas are vulnerable to becoming wind-chapped or frostbitten if you don’t take care of them.
We also recommend bringing lotion or vaseline to protect your hands from windburn, as well as sunscreen to protect your face.
We will make sure you stay warm on your tour! Our tours include snowsuits. The snowsuits will be worn as an extra-layer on top of your winter clothes and will give you more protection from wind and snow.
Here are some budget-friendly places to get winter clothes.
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