Lapland: What to Pack
❄️ Lapland Packing Guide: What to Bring for the Arctic Adventure of a Lifetime ❄️
One of the questions I get asked the most — “What on earth do I pack for Lapland?” Don’t worry — I’ve got you covered with this handy, down-to-earth guide based on personal experience. It's not a military checklist — just honest, practical advice to help you enjoy the magic without freezing your toes off.
🧳 The Essentials (Especially if your package includes thermal suits & boots)
✨ Layering is everything! The best way to stay warm is lots of thin, comfy layers. Pile them on like a human onion — it’s much easier to take a layer off than wish you had another on.
Here’s my recommended layering order:
Base layer (non-cotton thermal top)
A soft top (like a long-sleeve t-shirt or thermal)
A warm jumper (think fleece or wool)
An extra layer (like a hoodie or thick zip-up — handy for super cold days)
For your bottom half:
Thermal leggings
Optional second layer (leggings again – great for kids and women)
Comfy outer trousers (like joggers or fleece-lined trousers)
❌ No jeans — trust me, they go stiff and cold in Arctic conditions unless you're just lounging at the hotel.
🧊 NOTE: These layers are for the coldest days (-15°C and below). Some days might be milder (-1°C), so just adjust accordingly.
🧦 Socks = Survival
Forget fashion. Warm feet are happy feet.
Avoid cotton. Instead:
Start with woolly bed socks
Add a pair of thermal or ski socks
Double (or even triple!) layer for kids
You can always take a pair off — but frozen toes are hard to fix mid-excursion!
🧤 Gloves & Mittens
Waterproof gloves or mittens are a must (bring a few pairs – they will get wet)
I loved using touchscreen wool gloves when not rolling in the snow — perfect for snapping Northern Lights pics without freezing fingers!
🎩 Hats, Snoods, Scarves, Balaclavas
Snoods are super cosy and stay put
Scarves are fine too — just go for comfort and warmth
A balaclava under your hat is great for face protection in biting winds
🛌 Pyjamas & Evenings In
Cabins and hotels are toasty warm, so stick to your usual jammies
Bring fluffy PJs for lounging or layering under your snowsuit
(Yes, I wore Primark Minnie Mouse PJs under mine — and no one batted an eye!)Don’t forget a Christmas jumper for cosy evenings or festive dinners!
🔌 Tech & Must-Haves
EU plug adapters
Phone chargers
Driving licence (essential for snowmobile adventures!)
❄️ Handy Extras That Make a Big Difference
Hand warmers – great for little fingers inside gloves during husky rides
Hot chocolate sachets – if you're staying self-catering, these = heaven by the fire
Snacks – cereal bars, crisps, biscuits…always useful between meals
Squeezy juice concentrates – especially great for kids; small, light, and sugar-free
Advent calendars – keep the festive spirit going daily
The Elf – yes, even he travels to Lapland! Bonus points if he “stays behind” with Santa 😉
💡 Final Words of Wisdom
✨Don’t stress over packing the “perfect” gear.✨
If you don’t have fancy thermals or ski clothes — just layer up and keep it comfy. Honestly, Lapland cold isn’t like UK cold. It’s dry, crisp, and strangely bearable. You’ll be so wrapped up in the magic (and your layers) that you won’t even notice the chill — and the kids? They’ll be too excited to care.
Now that you know exactly what to pack, all that’s left is to book the Christmas adventure of a lifetime! 🎅🎄
👉 Get in touch with our team here or check out our latest deals on Facebook – we can’t wait to help you make your Lapland dream come true.