The start of any trip begins at home with packing and a trip to the arctic regions and Lapland brings with it a special set of requirements. 

A set of swimming trunks and flip flops is great for your pool side all inclusive package but if you’re heading to Lapland you will need to pack a few more things. 

It can be pretty daunting to think about what to wear when the outside temperatures can reach up to minus 25 but with the aid of this blog to ease the stress and guide you through by the time you come to pack you will be done in no time and be assured you have all the right things and none of the wrong things in your case, Afterall weight saving is important, right? 

Underwear 

This is one thing you dont have to worry about. With all the right clothing on top of your underwear you will not need to consider anything else other than your regular underpants. So you can take them off the lst. 

Socks

The feet can be one of the first things you notice when your outdoors. WIth only your footwear selection over the top of them socks are an invaluable thing to get right, They key world here is wool. Cotton socks, no matter how thick, do not have the same properties that come with woolen socks. Wool has thermoregulatory properties and so thick natural wool socks are the best thing you can have on your feet. 

Base Layers 

Base layer trousers and a top are essential for being in the cold climates. In this case they can be made from synthetic materials but make sure they are specifically designed as thermal base layers. A Thick coat and ski trousers can provide great insulation from the cold but with a set of base layer clothing you will be assured to stay warm, 

Jumpers and Trousers

It is a similar tale here as it was with socks. Try to avoid cotton especially for trousers. Jeans for example do not provide any sustainable warmth if you are outdoors for long periods. With a good set of ski trousers over the top a set of tracksuit trousers layered over your base layer can be okay. If the temperatures are not too cold (-1 – -10) you may only need your base layer and ski trousers especially if you are undertaking physical activities. However this does not apply if you are stationary for long periods. Riding snowmobiles or taking a husky ride for example. 

Gloves 

Mittens are better than gloves in really cold conditions as it allows your fingers to warm as one and not individually, However a good pair of gloves or mittens from a quality manufacturer will be invaluable to keeping you warm. In this case it is true that you pay for quality. 

Snood 

Sometimes overlooked a snoood is a very useful and versatile piece of clothing you should definitely have in your case. Worn around the neck they can provide warth to the neck and also then be pulled up around and over the mouth should you need it, This is especially relevant when on a snowmobile of on a husky ride, WInd chill can increase the sensation of cold quite dramatically and protecting yourself from this can be the difference from having the time of your life or the day from hell. . 

Shoes 

I will get straight to the point. Boots, boots and more boots. As with gloves a good quality pair of snow boots should be your only option. Fleece lined, waterproof and with enough height to stop snow creeping over the tops is a must. When snow gets inside your boots and melts it is not a pleasant experience if you’re a long way from home. 

Coats and snow suits 

A thick winter jacket and trousers are also essential. Often you can buy these as a set specifically meant for winter. I would recommend a puffer jacket style as these are good and thick and provide even insulation. Also look for coats with sleeves you can tighten over your gloves, Keeping the cold air ans the snow out from your sleeves is important. 

The same goes for the trousers. Specifically for winter and with an inner eöasticated inner you can foldover your boots to seal in the warmth and leep snow out. 

Hats 

Last but by no means least is the hat, Again the same with socks. Your only thought should be towards wool. The hat should be large enough to cover the ears or have specific ear coverings as part of the design. 

The only exception to this is in the case of wearing a helmet. A thick woolen hat will often not fit over a helmet so if you are wearing one you should have a thin beanie stye hat should you want to wear something to cover the ears