Lapland Winter Packing List: The Complete Guide to Packing for an Arctic Adventure

Packing for a trip to Lapland can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to extreme cold. This Lapland winter packing list will help you prepare for the Arctic weather, ensuring you stay warm and comfortable throughout your adventure. With the right clothing and gear, you can fully enjoy everything Lapland has to offer.

From chasing the Northern Lights to dog sledding through snowy forests, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences in this winter wonderland. However, dressing appropriately is key to making the most of your trip. Layering properly and choosing the right materials will keep you warm without feeling bulky.

Whether you’re planning a Lapland winter travel experience or a cozy getaway, this guide covers all the essentials (31 of them to be exact!). From thermal layers to waterproof boots, we’ll break down exactly what to pack so you can focus on enjoying the magic of the Arctic.

What to Pack for a Trip to Lapland

So, are you ready to start your Lapland winter packing list? It can be overwhelming trying to prepare for Arctic temperatures, so we're going to walk you through all of the items that made a difference in our trip to Finland, as well as organize them by category so you don't miss a thing!

Here are some of the things we'll go over:

• Clothing: Base Layers: stay warm from the inside out
                    Mid Layers: insulation for extra warmth
                    Outer Layers: protection against wind and snow
• Footwear: keeping you feet warm and dry
• Accessories: protecting your hands, head, and neck
• Toiletries: protecting your skin & hair
• Electronics: essentials for photography and staying charged
• Other Misc Items: additional items for comfort and practicality

Lapland Winter Packing List: Clothing

The first step in packing for Lapland is to make sure you are well-dressed! Being properly prepared with quality materials and layers is key to staying warm without having to overpack for your trip.

Here are the absolute must-have items for your Lapland winter packing list when it comes to clothing.

1. Thick Jacket

A high-quality, insulated jacket is the number one essential for surviving the extreme cold of Lapland. Opt for a waterproof and windproof option to stay warm while enjoying northern lights tours or husky safaris.

I personally chose a faux-fur lined jacket with a hood, and it made all the difference in my comfort during our Arctic adventures.

2. Thermal Shirts

Layering is key in Arctic conditions, and thermal shirts provide a warm base layer. For the perfect pick, look for moisture-wicking fabrics to keep dry during winter activities in Lapland.

3. Fleece-Lined Tights

In the wintertime anywhere else around the world, my go-to bottom layer for staying comfy and warm is leggings.

But regular leggings certainly won't do the trick in the harsh cold of Lapland. So if you want to stay extra warm but still stay fashionable, then fleece-lined tights will be a true game-changer for you! They now have new ones that are skin colored so you can still wear dresses, or you can even just layer them underneath your pants for an extra layer of warmth.

Whether you're dog sledding in Lapland or strolling through Santa Claus Village, thermal layers are a must, and fleece lined tights are an absolute must for your Lapland winter packing list.

4. Snow Pants

While fleece-lined tights and leggings were an absolute life-saver for me, having snow pants are essential for combatting the wind, ice, and snow.

Waterproof and insulated snow pants will keep you dry and warm while exploring the Lapland wilderness, and are ideal for activities like skiing, snowboarding, or snowmobiling.

5. Thermal Socks

Keep your feet toasty with wool or thermal socks. The Lapland winter climate can be brutal, and proper socks will prevent frostbite when spending hours in the snow.

6. Bathing Suit

One thing you won't want to miss out on pascking for your Lapland trip is a bathing suit! Why you may ask? Well, Finland is known for its incredible sauna experiences and ice swimming, so bringing swimwear is a must!

Lapland Winter Packing List: Footwear

Did you know that the actual key to staying warm starts with your feet? You can wear a million layers, but if you don't properly protect your feet, then it means nothing.

Here are the top things to add to your Lapland winter packing list when it comes to footwear.

7. Fleece-Lined Boots

Insulated boots are a must-have for Arctic conditions. They provide warmth and protection during long walks on frozen lakes or simply walking around day and night.

I personally use Ugg boots as they keep my feet super warm, and use a size bigger than normal boots so that I can also wear thick socks comfortably.

8. Snow Boots

Fleece-lined boots are great for walking around and staying warm in general, but another essential for your Lapland winter packing list is a pair of good snow boots.

Heavy-duty snow boots with good traction are essential for safely navigating icy paths, and enjoying snow related activities.

When looking for a proper pair of snow boots, we recommend searching for something rated for at least -20°C/-4°F.

9. Flip Flops

While it may sound strange, flip-flops are actually essential for visiting Lapland. They are great for indoor use at hotels, but are also ideal for saunas and Arctic spa experiences. 

Many traditional Finnish sauna experiences require you to walk outside before entering, and also many have ice ponds that you'll need footwear to reach, and something you can slip on and off quickly.

We always use Havaiana flip flops Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting.

10. Slippers

Keep your feet cozy indoors with warm slippers. After a long day in the snow, nothing beats slipping into soft, insulated footwear inside your Lapland cabin.

Lapland Winter Packing List: Accessories

Now that you have your clothing covered on your Lapland winter packing list, let's get to the accessories! 

While clothing is the basic layer for keeping you warm, accessories are key to holding in any small amount of warmth you'll have.

11. Hat

A thick, insulated hat is non-negotiable when visiting Lapland. Look for a design that covers your ears for full protection against Lapland’s subzero temperatures.

12. Ear Muffs

Protect your ears from the freezing wind with a good pair of ear muffs. They’re a great addition to your Lapland winter wardrobe, especially if you prefer not to wear hats.

I chose to get fake fur ear muffs, as they are a nice warm (but also fashionable) option for covering your ears.

13. Fur Head Band

A stylish yet practical way to keep your ears warm, investing in a fur head band is the perfect addition to keeping warm while embracing the Arctic fashion scene.

Please don't purchase REAL fur, but a synthetic alternative instead. This will be much more ethical, as well as affordable.

14. Gloves

Other than your feet, keeping your hands warm is key to holding the warmth inside your body.

Invest in insulated, waterproof gloves to keep your hands warm during outdoor adventures in Lapland. For extra warmth, consider wearing glove liners underneath.

15. Scarves

A thick, windproof scarf is essential for keeping the cold out and trapping warmth. Whether you're exploring Santa Claus Village or riding a snowmobile, it’s a must-have.

Lapland Winter Packing List: Toiletries

Now that you're ready to layer up for your trip, it's time for the next part of your Lapland winter packing list - the essential toiletries to remember to bring.

During your travels you'll obviously want to bring the basics such as your toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and shower essentials, but we're going to share a few things not to forget, particular for visiting Lapland in the winter.

16. Chapstick

The cold, dry air in Lapland can cause chapped lips quickly. A good chapstick with SPF will protect against both the freezing wind and sun glare from the snow.

17. Lotion

Hydrating lotion is crucial for preventing dry skin in the Arctic climate. The combination of cold air and indoor heating can be harsh, so keep your skin moisturized during your Lapland adventure.

We recommend buying refillable travel containers for your liquids, and filling up one of them with a deep-moisturizing lotion to keep with you during the day.

18. Coconut Oil

Other than your skin and lips, something that will suffer a bit from the cold will be your hair. With low temperatures your hair may get particularly static. My little trick is to put a tiny bit of coconut oil on my hands and spread it throughout my strands, and put a bit extra on the ends.

Lapland Winter Packing List: Electronics

Now that you know what to wear and how to protect your skin while in Lapland, let's go to the next part of our Lapland winter packing last (our favorite!) - what electronics to bring with you on your Arctic adventures.

19. Camera

Lapland is such a magical place, and when you look back on your trip you'll want to have your photos and videos represent the incredible feelings you had during your travels.

Having a good camera is key to a Lapland winter packing list, especially so you can properly adjust to the dark skies and capture the Northern Lights at their best.

The camera we use is the Sony Alpha 7Riii, and we highly recommend it for those looking for an exceptional camera without an outrageous price. We actually are paying for ours via Best Buy's program of 12 interest-fee payments so we didn't have to make such a big purchase up front, and it's been worth every penny. 

20. Standard Lens

A day in Lapland consists of exploring vast wilderness, cozy cottages, and a variety of activities. In order to capture a lot at once, you'll want to have a versatile lens that can zoom in and out when you need at any given notice.

We used the Sony GM 24-70 FE 2.8 as our everyday lens, and highly recommend it for anyone who shoots with a Sony camera.

21. Wide Lens 

Lapland has so many cute and cozy buildings, especially in places like Santa Claus Village, or the various igloo hotels. Having a wide lens will be able to perfectly capture places like Snowman World's ice bar, the Arctic Ice Hotel, and other unique indoor locations worth showcasing from your travels.

We use the Sony GM 14" FE 1.8, as it has a low aperture and can catch a lot of light in these darker spaces. Also, it was perfect for catching the Northern Lights and some astrophotography!

22. Telephoto Lens

There is some really fantastic wildlife in Lapland, and you'll certainly want to catch as much as you can. Whether it's to capture wild reindeer or Arctic foxes, a telephoto should be on every photographer's Lapland winter packing list.

We used our Sony GM 70-200" FE 2.8 for exploring Lapland, as it allowed us to capture some great wildlife shots. It is our go-to particularly while we are on the road.

23. Drone

Between snowy forests and fun Arctic adventures, having a drone in Lapland is a true game changer when it comes to capturing your travels.

We'd recommend something powerful enough to resist the winds, but small enough to be able to travel with comfortably.

We brought out DJI Mavic Mini 4 Pro, which we felt was the perfect choice for this type of trip.

24. Insta 360

Not all activities allow drones, but they certainly deserve to still be recorded. If you plan on doing any of the fun outdoor adventures like reindeer sleighing, dog sledding, or snowmobiling, then you can use an Insta 360 with an extra long selfie stick to record your adventures from a unique angle, similar to a drone!

25. Power Bank

Did you know that cold temperatures drain your batteries much more quickly? Well, with so many outdoor activities, you'll want to make sure you hold on to your batteries - whether it's your phone, camera, or other electronic you have with you.

Having a good power bank is key to long days in the Arctic. We always bring our Anker power bank, as it can charge several devices before needing a recharge itself.

26. Extra Drone Batteries

With long days out in nature and batteries draining quickly, we highly recommend having an extra battery or two if you have a drone!

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

27. Travel Adapter

Like other European countries, Finland uses plug types C & F, which have two round pins. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz, so if you are coming from the UK, US, or Australia, you'll need to bring a travel adapter with you.

28. Car Power Strip

If you plan on driving to Lapland from Helsinki, you better be prepared for a lot of time in the car! To keep all of your electronics properly charged while on the road, we highly recommend investing in a car charger.

We're not talking about a regular car charger though. We purchased a multi-port car charger that you can plug any electronic in. Whether I was straightening my hair or plugging in my laptop, having a car power strip truly made a massive difference in our long travels across Finland.

Lapland Winter Packing List: Other Things to Bring

You are almost done packing for Lapland! From warm clothes to all your photography gear, you have almost everything you need on your Lapland packing list.

But don't go just yet! Here are a few other things that will be super helpful for you throughout your travels.

29. Hand Warmers

An absolute game changer for staying warm during your Arctic adventures is bringing hand warmers. We actually bought a big box of a few dozen of them so we could have 1 pair a day.

While you can certainly purchase them in Lapland, they are 4-5x the price than what we paid in the US, so it's definitely worth bringing your own.

Alternatively, a great eco-friendly travel option is to get the ones that are reusable and can be plugged in.

30. Waterproof Backpack

An essential for anyone's Lapland winter packing list is to have a small, everyday backpack you can use to carry extra layers, a water bottle, and some hand warmers. With all the snow in Finland though, we'd highly recommend having a waterproof backpack so you don't get whatever is inside wet.

31. Compression Bags

Winter gear can be really bulky, so to save room we recommend getting compression bags or compression packing cubes. This way, you'll be able to fit as much as possible in your carry on.

Tips for Your Lapland Winter Packing List

Lapland Winter Travel Packing Guide: Final Thoughts

Dressing right for Lapland means layering smartly, choosing insulated, waterproof gear, and bringing essential winter accessories. Whether you’re exploring Rovaniemi or heading further into the Arctic, this Lapland winter packing list will keep you warm and prepared for the adventure of a lifetime.

Make sure to always fully charge your electronics, back up your photos, and have your phone backed up just in case anything happens.

So are you ready for your incredible trip to Lapland? We hope our Lapland winter packing list has helped you get ready to make the most of your Arctic adventures.

Want to learn more about this beautiful part of Finland? We have quite a few other Lapland travel guides (as well as more coming up each week), so don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for our weekly updates and exclusive content!

Need help planning your trip? Well, Scratch Your Mapa offers custom travel planning services, which are designed to find you the best flights, and give you a truly customized itinerary. Want to learn a bit more? Send us an email to set up your free consultation!

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