Finland & Lapland Packing List: Gear for Your Winter Adventure
Planning a winter trip to Finland but unsure about what you need? It's completely understandable, given the numerous beautiful places to explore and the unusually cold temperatures. With so much to discover, it can be challenging to know what to pack.
That's why our concise Finland packing list provides all the essential information on what you need for your winter journey to Finland, without overburdening yourself.
Table of Contents
1. What's the Real Winter Chill in Lapland?
Lapland's winter is a blend of frosty enchantment and abundant snowfall! During the polar nights from December to mid-January, temperatures can plummet to a bone-chilling -40°C in extreme cases. Thanks to the dry climate, however, the cold is more bearable compared to other regions. Nonetheless, staying warm is essential, so make sure to pack suitable clothing!
Having ventured to Finnish Lapland at the close of January, we experienced temperatures dipping as low as -20°C on the coldest days, while the milder days hovered around a comparatively "warmer" -6°C.
By the way, from November through April, Lapland is blanketed in snow!
To give you a clearer idea of the average daytime temperatures in Lapland during the winter months, we've included a climate table for the period from November to April.
Month | Temperature |
November | -10°C to -4°C |
December | -15°C to -5°C |
January | -17°C to -8°C |
February | -17°C to -8°C |
March | -13°C to -3°C |
April | -5°C to 5°C |
2. Lapland Prep: Essential Travel Information in Advance
Before we dive into our packing list, we want to provide you with some crucial information for your journey, ensuring you're perfectly prepared for your snowy adventure.
Travel Documents and Currency
Finnish Lapland is part of the EU, so your ID card is sufficient for entry. Additionally, Euros are accepted throughout Lapland, eliminating the need for currency exchange and saving you on exchange fees. Card payments are widely accepted, so we recommend not carrying too much cash. If you plan to ride a snowmobile, you'll need a driver's license.
Here's a summary of the key documents:
ID card or passport
Wallet
Debit card
Credit card
Health insurance card / travel insurance
Cash
International driver's license
Luggage Allowance & Weight Limits
If you're likely to fly with the airline Finnair to Lapland, you'll have the option to bring 23kg of checked baggage. As winter clothing takes up quite a bit of space, we strongly recommend utilizing this option. For a one-week stay, a large suitcase for two people might be sufficient.
In addition to checked baggage, you can also bring carry-on luggage. This can weigh up to 8kg and should not exceed the maximum dimensions of 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm. We always carry our photography equipment in our carry-on, and you can find how we pack it below.
Renting Equipment on Site
In Lapland, you have the option to rent winter equipment locally. For excursions such as snowmobiling, this is often included in the price. If you plan to do multiple activities with one provider, you can usually borrow the equipment for the entire duration of your stay at no extra cost. The equipment typically includes a snowsuit, warm shoes, and mittens.
However, the bulky snowsuits can limit your mobility, so we strongly recommend bringing your own winter clothing as well.
3. Lapland Packing List: Winter Wardrobe Essentials
In the chilly landscapes of Lapland, having the right clothing is an absolute must. That's why these clothing items should be non-negotiable in your suitcase!
Warm winter jacket or coat
Ski pants / Snow pants / Thermal hiking pants (for ladies / gents)
Wool sweater
Jeans
Sweatpants
Underwear
Optional: Swimwear
Pajamas
Warm socks
Wool socks (wear these as extra pair of socks when you plan to stay longer outside)
Beanie
Choosing the Perfect Jacket for Lapland
In our opinion, the ideal jacket for Lapland should be wind-resistant, waterproof, and well-insulated.
A hood is a bonus for added cold protection. Ensure that your jacket allows enough space for layering underneath.
If your base layers provide sufficient warmth, you may not need to invest in a specific jacket for this trip.
Selecting the Right Snow Pants for Lapland
A pair of snow pants can make a significant difference in Lapland, so be sure to include them in your gear. We recommend these thermal pants, for example.
Essential Functional Underwear
Also crucial: thermal underwear. For our Lapland adventure, we opted for slightly warmer functional underwear, choosing this set.
Which Gloves are Best for Lapland?
To keep your hands warm for extended periods, bring suitable gloves. While local organizers often provide warm mittens, they limit your mobility. Mittens make it challenging to operate your phone or camera.
For this reason, we each brought along these gloves and were highly satisfied. With warm hands and the necessary flexibility, they proved to be the perfect choice. An alternative to those are these gloves which are windproof and water-repellent.
4. Shoes and Socks for Lapland: Keeping Your Feet Warm in the Arctic
In the icy realms of Lapland, warm feet are an absolute necessity. That's why when it comes to choosing your footwear and socks, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.
The Ideal Winter Shoes
When selecting your winter shoes, prioritize those with a thick sole. Additionally, they should be waterproof and ideally insulated. When making a purchase, be sure to go up a size to allow room for 1-2 pairs of thick socks. We recommend these winter shoes, for instance.
Tip: Insulating your feet is crucial for staying warm in the frigid Lapland temperatures. Don't skimp on the thickness of your socks and choose ones made for extreme cold.
Socks Matter
Investing in high-quality, warm socks is just as important as choosing the right shoes. Look for thermal or wool socks that provide insulation and moisture-wicking properties. For Lapland, consider these cozy options.
Pro Tip: Bring extra pairs of socks, especially if you plan on partaking in activities where your feet may get wet. Dry feet are happy feet!
Remember, your feet are your mode of transportation in this winter wonderland, so ensuring they stay warm and dry is key to a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
5. Lapland Packing List: Personal Care Essentials
When it comes to our personal care items, we make a conscious effort to prioritize compactness, lightweight options, and minimal (plastic) packaging. In the detailed breakdown below, discover all the crucial items that shouldn't be left behind on your Lapland adventure:
Toiletry Bag
Shampoo, shower gel, and conditioner
Deodorant
Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
Cotton swabs
Hairbrush
Hair ties
Makeup
Lip care
Razor
Tweezers
Tampons, sanitary pads
Face cream / Cold protection cream
Body lotion
Tissues
Pro Tip: Embrace travel-sized versions of your toiletries for a space-saving and lightweight solution in your luggage.
Did you know? In the winter months in Finland, you can confidently forgo makeup. For example, mascara doesn't quite handle the cold as you might be used to in regular temperatures and can be more of a hassle.
6. Photography Gear & Tech Essentials for Lapland
Capturing your dream vacation in Lapland is a must, so be sure to have your camera ready. Here, you'll find this and other technical essentials for your holiday:
By the way, if you're curious about the detailed breakdown of our camera gear, you can find it here.
7. Lapland Packing List: Miscellaneous Essentials
For your outings, we've compiled a list of some items that can come in handy.
Spikes for slippery conditions
Packing cubes for organized packing
Tip: Try Audible free for 30 days and enjoy audiobooks during your vacation or on your journey.
8. Tips to Combat the Cold in Lapland
To ensure you can relish the winter wonders of Lapland outdoors without freezing, here are our top tips for battling the cold:
Layer Up: Embrace the Onion Look - Layer your clothing, for instance, wear two pairs of socks on top of each other.
Opt for Contacts: In freezing temperatures, glasses can fog up and the lenses freeze. To avoid this, consider using contact lenses.
Heated Insoles: Definitely a must for next time! Feet tend to get cold quickly, especially when spending evenings outdoors chasing the Northern Lights. We received recommendations for these heated insoles.
Hand Warmers: The counterpart to heated insoles - hand warmers. Alternatively, there are pocket heaters that keep hands warm without any scent. They use lighter fluid and are reusable.
Power Bank: Smartphones drain faster in extreme cold, so having a power bank is crucial. We used this one.
Cold Protection Cream: If you want to shield your skin from the cold, a cold protection cream is a great idea. Make sure it doesn't contain water. Avoid using regular face cream before going outside, as the water content could have the opposite effect.
Balaclava: An absolute game-changer - a balaclava not only keeps a part of your face warm but also ensures you're snug from head to neck. We had this balaclava with us during our Lapland trip and highly recommend it.
9. Safeguarding: Retrieving Your (Hand) Luggage
You probably remember the old luggage tags where you wrote your name and address in case your baggage went missing. Today, this process is incredibly easy with a QR code that you can stick to your luggage, only requiring a quick scan.
The advantage is that your name and address are not publicly visible, and you can be contacted anonymously.
These QR code stickers can also be used for various valuables, such as your AirPods, providing an added layer of security.
10. Tips for a Pleasant Flight
Since most of us don't fly in First or Business Class, a longer flight in Economy Class can quickly become a bit uncomfortable. That's why we're here to guide you on how to make your flight as relaxed and comfortable as possible! In this blog article you can find our best tips for a pleasant flight!
Now that you know what you need for a winter vacation in Lapland, all that's left is to book your ticket, pack your suitcase, and off you go! You can find affordable flights on weg.de, by the way.
If you're looking for more inspiration for your vacation in Finnish Lapland, these articles can surely help!
Would you like more insights into our travels? Check out our Instagram channels tom_rbg_ and anna_mser! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the routes through these channels!
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