Packing for a trip to Lapland can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re travelling with children or haven’t experienced temperatures of -10°C to -20°C, or occasionally even colder. Knowing what you actually need can make preparing for your trip much easier.
Before you start packing, it’s worth understanding what to wear outdoors, how to layer different types of clothing, and what job each layer performs. It’s also worth noting that accommodation in Lapland often has drying cabinets, which can be very useful for quickly drying boots, gloves, and other items that become wet during the day.
Once you understand how layering works, this list will make a lot more sense.
What you actually need to pack
Below, we’ve put together a list of items you may want to consider taking. Everyone is different and takes part in different activities, so your final packing list may not match this exactly – but it’s a solid starting point.
Clothing
- Base layer sets (top and trousers) – One set for every 2-3 days.
- Mid layers e.g. fleece wool tops – Two or three, allowing layering (consider a hoody too)
- Outer layer e.g. waterproof / windproof coat – One
- Insulated snow boots suitable for cold/snowy conditions – One pair
- Wool socks, merino wool is a popular choice – One pair per day. (optional spare pair)
- Mittens or gloves; make sure they are suitable for very cold conditions. Mittens tend to be warmer – One pair, possibly one of each if there’s no drying cabinet in your accommodation.
- Mitten / glove liners – One pair
- Snood or balaclava – One, or one of each.
- Hat – Possibly fleece lined inside – At least one
- Casual normal clothes, for traveling and spare / relaxing time in the hotel – Keep to a minimum as you may not be in them much.
- Pajamas, hotels can be warm, so you don’t need anything special – One set
- Shoes / trainers, used for traveling in and walking around the hotel – One pair
Travel essentials
- Passport
- Travel insurance – Check that the activities you plan to do are covered. Don’t assume that a winter sports policy automatically covers every activity, as some may require additional cover.
- Foreign currency card
- Some euros
- Driving license – May be needed for activities such as snowmobiling
- Phone + charger
- EU plug adapter
- Printed copies of travel documents
Activity extras
- Backpack
- Hand / foot warmers
- Goggles – Useful for activities such as husky safaris, as well as skiing.
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Swim clothes – Some hotels and resorts have pools
Health & skin protection
- Sun cream – A high SPF is recommended, particularly for the face
- UV lip balm
- Moisturizer / hand cream
- Medication
- Glasses / contact lenses – Contact lenses may be uncomfortable in extreme weather, so a backup pair of glasses may be useful.
- Tissues / wet wipes
- Small first aid kit – Plasters / painkillers
Optional
If children are going, you may want to consider:
- Snow moulds
- Bubbles
- Matching jumpers
- Bike lock – Useful for securing sledges, skis or snowboards when you leave them outside.
- Light-up wristband – Useful for helping you keep track of children when you’re outside in the dark.
Food
Remember to check the food entry requirements for the countries you are travelling to and from.
- Snacks – Snacks that are going to be edible if they get cold. E.g. flapjack, cereal bars, chocolate, nuts, dried fruit, biscuits, crisps.
Make it your own
The activities you plan to do in Lapland will influence your final packing list, so don’t take this as a definitive list. Adjust it to suit your trip, and check the weather forecast closer to your departure date so you can pack any additional items you may need.
