You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
as the title, of to lapland for a few long weekend so expecting it to be particularly cold. Obviously layering is the key and get provided an over suit and boots but need to aquire everything else. Budget isn't particularly an issue but by the same token the use is likely to be fairly sparce after this trip so not looking. I'm guessing decathlon or go outdoors own brand (OEX?) is the wat forward for base and mid layers ? Or is it worth spending g a little more considering the temps I may actually encounter ? Wool socks and a decent pair of insulted water proof mitts are probably also order of the day ?
At least you can cuddle a reindeer for warmth. 😊
I've got a Decathlon base layer that is just the best thing ever. I wear it at work every day in a cold workshop.
Not sure what the model is called but it's a thicker material. Got to go back soon and get some more.
One of those on first makes a huge difference.
I would probably go straight to a shop when you are there. Bound to have cheaper and better options than UK bought stuff. IANALE
You don't necessarily need to layer in a really cold place because it's always really cold not variable and sometimes rainy etc. just get one of the thick insulated jackets that they inexplicably sell in the UK.
Probably the most important things are wind resistance (which is in most of the insulated jackets) but also cover up exposed skin. I had a thing like a fleecy hood a bit like a balaclava that I used in cold weather under my non-insulated hood rather than a hat because it covered more skin.
If you're going to be outside a lot don't forget your legs. Plenty of base layer options for legs.
As you have said, layers are the key.
Good base layers, then insulation, topped off with a gortex type shell.
Salopette style trousers that cover your lower back and stomach really help.
Good boots with snow chains.
I was working in Northern Norway one winter and it's actually more comfortable when it's really cold at -10C, rather when it's hovering around freezing. Your clothing seems to work better and it's not as damp.
Baselayers, top and legs, for the win. Cheap Decathlon et al just fine, I really like my cheap Regatta merino.
Then a case of covering skin - so nice warm hat, buff, gloves etc. Maybe goggles as well.
Everything else you can use that you have.
It's 'dry' cold and so will feel warmer for a given temperature than the back of Nationwide in Swindon on a cold winter's day.
Agree w above. Different kind of cold - not damp wet breeze like in the UK
if you have layers for UK winter cycling frankly you’ll be fine and might as well save money!
if you don’t have a decent insulating coat, though, maybe this is a great time to invest! You don’t need to spend big money either - just something decently thick and warm feeling.
are you expecting rain? Different story. Bet an over shell. Again doesn’t have to be expensive.
have a great hol
edit yeah consider legs. If you will be standing around for hours outside not really moving around, get some long John type things for under nice warm insulated trousers. Same thing as standing watching your kids play football in a freezing cold field. Standing around, the cold eventually gets through because you’re not producing any heat abode baseline.
Why not look at a quality rental scheme? You can get high end products and not worry about end of life, lack of wear, and it will be way more effective than buying cheap poorer quality items. Rab launched their rental scheme last year….
Ditto the above. If you aren't likely to use it again then you may as well just hire quality gear 🤷
Like you say, Decathlon is brilliant at this sort of stuff. I've picked up some lovely and warm midlayers for a tenner, and they do a seriously warm down jacket for about a hundred quid
We had a daytrip to Lapland (don't ask) a few years ago and already had Decathlons warmest ski base layers, so just hired whatever the locals recommended.
It’s not cheaper to buy clothes in Lapland, perhaps unless you wanted fluoro-coloured workwear type of stuff.
Is your itinerary to go out in the wilds or are you at a ski resort/Santa type place where there are restaurants etc.. to shelter? Are you going to be sitting on a snowmobile (very cold) or xc skiing (warm)? It all depends…
Are you going to be sitting on a snowmobile
The snowmobile one piece suits are some of the best bits of cold weather clothing I've seen.
Depends what you are doing and where you are staying. The tourist places include big insulated suits if people are doing sit around activities like husky sledding, snowmobiles etc.
We were in more of a local outdoor place so fatbiking, snowshoeing, xc ski etc.
Some good warm boots were essential. We tried loads and really rate the MTN warehouse Snowdon boots. Lots of space for socks and quick to put on as we were often in / out in middle of night for aurora alerts. Decathlon had good cheap warm boots and cheap merino mix ski socks that were better than expensive wool ones.
Otherwise it was layers and an Alpkit 0hiro coat as wanted something that would work if wet (for future UK use).
Edit: these are the current version of the good cheap part wool sock I think.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/ski-socks-100-jqt-23/_/R-p-342953?mc=8801859&c=blue
As per the above , but inland in Finland it can be quite a bit nippier than -10.. what do you own now? If they're providing boots, good, ditto oversuit.
Do you own decent ski socks? Thin and thick merino, if you don't , they won't be wasted.
Get underwear you like. I'd go merino as it's better to use for multiple days. Get in the UK, get something you like, and it won't be cheaper there.
Gloves - You might want one pair of waterproof ski mitts, but you might well need something more dextrous, and rather than faff around with a wet pair, take a couple of pairs. I've got a whole heap of gloves
Hats and buffs, obvious
Fleece as an extra layer between the thermal and insulating layer. Grid fleeces are very good for this. I like Patagonia R1's, other options exist
Down jacket, or synthetic , your choice.
What will you be doing? Work or holiday?
Fleecy base layer stuff from Decathlon. Those one-piece suits you get in your package deal are amazing things, as are the snow boots.
Anyone suggesting you’ll get cheap gear in Lapland obviously hasn’t been there😁
Minus 27c was the coldest we saw when we went last December. Balaclavas would be a smart purchase. If you do any husky sledding , wear extra layers and socks as you’ll get cold quickly just sitting in the sled.
I personally would not go for a fleecy warm base layer. Whilst the outside is cold, the interior of buildings is usually the same temperature as you'd expect at home so you end up boiling to death when you go for lunch unless you strip naked and change.
OP did not specify if they're just wandering about casually or doing an expedition.
I would probably go straight to a shop when you are there. Bound to have cheaper and better options than UK bought stuff. IANALE
That's the standard advice for people moving to Sweden.
The sports store own brand cold weather gear is really good, it has to be. And it's usually around half the price of the not actually that good UK Highstreet brands. My first winter jacket was comparable in spec to my then nearly new snowboarding jacket that had cost me nearly 400 quid, the Swedish one cost me not much over 100 quid. Now use it for garden stuff in the winter. Still fairly waterproof and warm except for the taped holes and it's nearly 20 years old.
Obv. if you're looking at proper expedition type outdoor gear, you'll not have much difference, except it'll be 3-4 times the price!
I know when our testers go up to Rovaniemi for winter testing they regularly see -30. And daytime highs of -20.
trip is family one to see Santa, there is reindeer and snowmobiling as part of it though. sorry should have specified that un the OP.
😂 so not a few long weekends then...
Check with the people organising stuff then. I know for reindeer and snowmobile stuff they almost always offer proper "artic explorer" overalls for tourists. Locals are expected to have their own.
Other than that a big winter jacket and an extra, decent base layer/fleece gilet for underneath. Get some wind /waterproof overtrousers as well. They'll do unless you're likely to be standing around outside for hours.
Also, keep checking yr.no to see what the accurate weather conditions are likely to be, it's generally the best one in the Nordics.
Depending when you actually go, the weather could be wildly different. This week last year I had 40-50cm of snow and drove to work in -15.
Today it's 10 degrees and I'm going out on the bike soon. Winter tyres might go on tomorrow if I can be bothered.
Really depends if you’re being active or not - if XC ski or fatbike you can get away with decent thermals and a relatively light fleece-lined wind proof outer layer. However, even then you need properly insulated boots and gloves/mitts. Standing on frozen ice, rivers and lakes and you can really feel the cold through your feet. Once you stop, snowmobiling or dog sledding then time for the insulated jacket and trousers. When you get below -25C it is very dry and the air can sting your nostrils so a balaclava or buff can help. A few layers and adjusting them to suit activity or conditions as it can get quite warm with bright sunshine reflecting of the snow, but very cold in the shadows. Don’t forget sun cream, sunglasses and lip balm.
just get one of the thick insulated jackets that they inexplicably sell in the UK.
Because it gets cold here? Pretty much every winter I get into the minus teens and I am in the south of Scotland?
That's plenty cold enough for the thick insulated jackets?
I'd opt for a down suit.
Layering is ok but you need to add or remove layers depending on how hot/cold you are feeling and that might just not be convenient. Fancy stripping off the outers in the freezing rain to add another layer 😕
mert, yes seems I got stuck between a few days and a long weekend.
T-shirt.
Been near Tromso in -25. Millets long johns, normal walking trousers, berghaus water proofs, 2 pairs of socks (thin paid plus a thicker pair) and wool lined rubber boots kept my lowers warm. Top half is was layers again, base, light fleece, heavy fleece, isulated jacket plus my big hard shell goretex jacket. Obviously hat (which covers your ears), shemagh, thin silk running gloves, thick gloves over top and I was fine.
Only thing I wish I had was some hand warmer things in my pockets. I was taking pictures of the lights so kept having to take the big gloves off to adjust the camera and wish I had some hand warm things.
If you plan on taking some pictures of northern lights a tripod is a must. Plus an extra battery for your camera depending on how long you want to be out for. (Keep the extra battery inside your jacket to keep it warm.)
Have a fab trip!
BRYNJE WOOL THERMO LIGHT T-SHIRT
Best base layer I own, use it throughout winter here in England as it is both warm and breathable, and I forget I am wearing it other than being supremely comfortable in fluctuating cold temperatures outside
Lots of brands with similar ‘mesh vest’ designs if a cheaper option to clothe all the family is required
A Skoda Octavia Est with heated seats?
Because it gets cold here?
Only in a few select locations. The shelves in Cardiff are full of massive parkas and people buy and wear them, I've no idea how they survive.
I would probably go straight to a shop when you are there. Bound to have cheaper and better options than UK bought stuff.
Hah!
Having said that, Reima clothing is great, especially for kids.
I would expect/hope the snowmobile place to provide you with a full length suit. It is very cold on those rides without them.
Super tip for users of yr.no... it is very good BUT the wind speed values aren't measured the same as on the BBC for example.
On the BBC weather 9 m/sec means the speed of gusts and isn't too bad.
On yr 9 m/sec (medium breeze hah!) means the wind speed between gusts and will be a lot windier than you veer imagine :-).
I’m a big fan of Paramo’s Torres.
Not only is it freakishly warm, but does the important thing of wicking any moisture to the outside if the garment.
Anecdotally, it can dry out your skin so effectively as to feel like sunburn.
T-shirt.
Only in Newcastle after a long evening on the beer....
Companies doing snowmobile and reindeer rides will provide you warm snowmobile suit, warm boots, mittens and possibly even a hat. Long underwear, even cotton is fine if you are there only for a few hours. Fleece midlayer or just your regular clothes as midlayer as you will shed the outer layer when you get inside as the suits are really warm. <br />If you are on your own without rented gear I’d go to big shops on either end of the town or Intersport in the centre and buy reasonably priced insulated pants, jacket, gloves and headwear from shops own brand. Good warm footwear is not cheap though. <br />No need for Gore tex outer layers if you are not heading to open fells further in the north.
Did the santa trip to rovaneimi a few years ago. Stayed for 3 nights. Went with TUI. They provided insulated overalls and snow boots and mittens. All we needed was a baselayer underneath. Was plenty warm enough. It must have been a mild period when we were there as I remember wandering about one day with my overall partially unzipped with the sleeves tied around my waist, just a merino baselayer on top. The night time snowmobile tour was cold though. Needed some cheap fleece midllayers and a warm hat.
We went on a 5 day husky trip last year. Temps hovered between -5 and -20. In the sunshine, being active I was in a thin fleece on top. But they gave us all the clothes we would need. I just wore light joggers and base layer/fleece under snow mobile kit.
Otherwise, have a look at cheap skiing kit - decathlon, dare 2 be. Then you can layer up with leggings underneath, base layers and fleeces. Most of it you probably already have, just might be the outer layers. If you need to buy stuff, at least layering up means you've got jackets for UK winter.
Here's the advice we got which is based on them providing you stuff.
i am doing a fatbike event in Norway in january.
there is a list of mandatory equipment including clothes that needs to be carried, for emergency.
Decathlon down coat and some down trousers from sportspursuits are very very warm.
for riding, manmade base layers, top and bottom. decathlon walking trousers, alpkit fleece jersey, paramo jacket.
keen arctic boots with wool socks, marmott gloves, wool beanie. pogies on bike. keela waterproofs as back up.
i love the cold.
Isn't the Torres just a.n.other belay jacket, and a bit at the lightweight end for -25 and some wind.
Paramo is great in UK mugg, but being 'wet and warm' is a bit trickier at -25, plus the Nikwaxing freezes
We were in nellim a while back at around -20.
The biggest issues i had were hands and face. The cold was so dry that everything you went outside it made me cough.
My hands were the worst even with some massively warm mountain mitts (but that was on the snowmobile when i was a passenger). The only other issue was when my feet got really sweaty and the moisture froze in my boot lining. I now have vapour barrier socks to stop that.
Otherwise lots of layers and a said if you are on an organised trip then you will be provided with overalls
This appears to be the only thread where the Montane Extreme and Buffalo pile jackets are actually a justified answer! I'd love to test my new one in really cold conditions, it's bonkers warm.
The shelves in Cardiff are full of massive parkas and people buy and wear them, I’ve no idea how they survive.<br /><br />
Never ceases to amaze me, watching people wandering around wearing quilted/down jackets with hoods up, while I’m walking past them wearing shorts and a tee shirt, with possibly an old hoodie with the sleeves hacked off. 🤷🏼
Pretty sure I’ve got more than enough appropriate clothes for a trip to Scandinavia in the winter, including a couple of pairs of Danish Army combat trousers which are 3/4 lined, and lovely to wear in really cold weather. I’ve got a whole load of base layers, fleeces, down jackets and gilets up to and including a NF Nuptse jacket and gilet that I bought years ago when they first came out, thanks to a work lottery win! It would be nice to go somewhere cold enough to be able to wear the jacket!
Have been up there for work, who sent me with the whole shebang. In reality even hitting -26, the thermals never even came out of the packet and I'd have been sweating inside if they did. Wandering round I found jeans and my UK down jacket fine (with a good hat/buff/gloves), because as other have said it's super dry. Sitting on anything cold was the only time it seeped through for me, and then the big jacket and salopettes came in useful. I would just rent personally.
Wandering round I found jeans and my UK down jacket fine
Jeans are ok down to surprisingly low temps as long as they aren't wet and if it's not windy. The only time I got freeze-burned was in my crotch area when walking into moderate wind at about -10 for an hour or so in normal trousers.
This appears to be the only thread where the Montane Extreme and Buffalo pile jackets are actually a justified answer! I’d love to test my new one in really cold conditions, it’s bonkers warm.
If you're doing exercise, no matter how cold it is, you'd be too warm.
You only need thick jackets for when you're not moving.
I personally would not go for a fleecy warm base layer. Whilst the outside is cold, the interior of buildings is usually the same
Just to highlight this comment. It's easy to go over bord and if you're spending time inside as well it can get very hot quickly. Tbh if it's around -15degC it's not too hard to cope with, it is when you get -25 or -30 or so you get cold very quickly. I e of the biggest thing to sort is your feet with something loose, water proof and insulated.
Never ceases to amaze me, watching people wandering around wearing quilted/down jackets with hoods u
Even better is you see people wearing these expensive Canadian goose jackets and similar in the pissing rain.
I spent a week in Lapland with my family. I didn't buy anything new as I had all the right clothing already (as a result of being pretty outdoorsy). I wore lots of layers and tweaked depending on conditions - buffalo shirt, primaloft and down jackets, baselayers, midlayers etc
It was all organised by me so there was no tour company. We did all sorts, including snowmobiles, huskies, horse sleigh, skiing. I hired a fatbike for an afternoon too
BUT, I bought all sorts of bits for the family to keep them warm. New baselayers, couple of midlayers, but then skiing clothing like all in one suits for the kids and salopettes for the wife. I used some B1 boots on my feet but I bought Sorel boots for the family (2nd hand) which made a big difference. The other thing that helped was an electronic handwarmer, you can turn if on and off as necessary.
I spent a few nights looking for the northern lights and it was great for keeping hands (and camera battery) warm
I kept one huge belay style jacket as a spare to chuck over anyone if it got really bad, it was mostly fine. Coldest day was -26C
I popped outside in shorts and t shirt to put the rubbish out at one point, it was pretty brisk. But it's not as cold as you'd think, there was no moisture in the air and mostly very little wind
Even better is you see people wearing these expensive Canadian goose jackets and similar in the pissing rain.
They are almost a compulsory uniform for a certain demographic!
I assume 99% are knock-offs and not the real, massively over priced, deal.
As above, you wont need tour own kit if you're going out with an organised tour. You also don't want your own kit as an outer layer with sled dogs as they will crap in full flight and flick it over you as they run. 😉
See these guys for a fat bike outing: https://rolloutdoors.com/
The trail centre is great fun in deep snow! 😀