PACKING LIST FOR WINTER TRIPS IN SWEDish Lapland
Please make sure that you and your travel companions read through this guide carefully.
What will the weather be like?
Winters in Swedish Lapland are long with a cold and dry climate. During normal winters we have a proper snow cover from the end of November until the end of April. However, with the climate change we have seen that temperatures are rising and that the weather has become more unpredictable.
During the coldest period in December and January we expect temperatures between -10C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F) but it may well drop to -30°C (-22°F). We will make sure that you are well equipped and stay warm during the entire trip. This guide describes how you can dress for such temperatures.
Will there be any daylight?
During December and January daylight is limited to just a few hours during the middle of the day. However, the light reflecting off the snow can make the days seem brighter. The short daylight hours also create ideal conditions to view the northern lights, which can be seen whenever it is dark, which basically means at night time from mid September until March.
This is one of our guests dressed up in our Winter equipment.
This is what our exclusive Winter equipment package includes.
Most guests rent our winter clothing
For just 300 SEK (approximately 30 EUR) per day, you can rent top-quality winter gear from us. If you haven't explored the Arctic before or lack equipment designed for temperatures as low as -35˚C, we highly recommend opting for our rental winter gear to ensure a cozy and safe experience.
You can reserve your clothing during the booking process. If you are unsure and choose not to reserve clothing in beforehand you may still be able to rent the whole set or separate items based on availability when we visit the rental shop.
Our exclusive Winter equipment package includes:
Warm Jacket: Fjällräven Guide Parka or Yupik Parka
Winter Hat: Fjällräven Nordic Heater
Insulated Trousers: Fjällräven Polar Bib
Mittens: Hestra
Winter Boots: Lundhags Polar Quest
Head lamp (includes rechargeable batteries) - Please note that the head lamp is only included if you rent a complete clothing package. The headlamp costs SEK 100 to rent per person for those who do not rent a complete clothing package.
As you book, consider enhancing your winter wardrobe further - merino underwear is available for purchase. You can also buy merino socks upon your arrival at the rental shop in Jokkmokk.
recommended Packing list
You will need to be very well equipped with appropriate clothing in order to feel comfortable and enjoy your stay in Swedish Lapland. See our suggestions below.
The following clothing suggestions apply to everyone, with underlined items included in the rental package. Note that even if you rent our clothing you will still need to bring the inner and middle layers.
As weather conditions in Lapland can change quickly and often, and depending on what kind of activity you are undertaking, the best advice is to bring several layers of warm, comfortable inner wear such as long johns, long sleeved shirts, jumpers and trousers.
Choosing the best bag
On most of our winter trips you can travel with a suitcase, duffel or wheeled bag since you will only need to take your bag from the van to your room/tent and back. Since we have limited space in the van we ask you to bring maximum 80 liters. We also recommend you to bring a small daypack.
Feet
Two layers of socks: Thin liner socks + thick socks, wool or synthetic, not cotton. Plus an extra set of socks for when your feet are damp. You don’t need to change socks each day, just hang them outdoors overnight to kill any bacteria.
Winter boots: Comfortable and warm boots. Choose one or two sizes larger than you normally wear so that you can wear two layers of socks and still have plenty of space to allow air to circulate. Take out the soles to let them dry each night. Winter boots are included in our rental winter clothing set, though since these boots are large and heavy you may still want to bring a pair of normal boots to wear in the car or when it is not freezing.
Lower body
Base layer: long johns, wool or synthetic
Middle layer: heavy wool (wool terry) or fleece trousers. Note that the rental trousers that we provide are insulated enough so you may not need a middle layer.
Outer layer: insulated trekking or skiing trousers
Optional: Snow gaiters, if you boots with a low or medium shaft there is a risk of snow coming into your boots. Not needed for our rental clothing.
Upper body
Base layer: long sleeved top or thermal base layer, wool or synthetic
Middle layer: wool or fleece jacket
Outer layer: insulated jacket that protects you from wind, preferably hooded.
Optional: Extra packable down jacket for when we are standing still. You may also want to bring a non-insulated wind jacket for activities like snowshoeing and skiing.
Head & hands
Winter hat: Insulated and windproof that covers your ears
Inner gloves: Five-finger wool glove liner to wear inside your mittens
Insulated mittens - gloves with thumbs, preferably oversized
Balaclava or buff (neck gaiter)
Head torch with extra batteries or charger
Optional: Thin hat to use when not freezing
Also remember
Credit card (you won’t need cash, all places will accept VISA and Mastercard at least)
Passport (check validity)
Train/airline ticket (check so that you arrive in time)
Phone + charger
Electricity adapter: Sweden uses the Europlug (type C and F) and 230 volts
Your own travel insurance (usually included in your house insurance)
Other equipment you may want to bring
Shower gel and shampoo
First aid kit and personal medicines
Slippers for indoor use (for cold floors)
Sunglasses and sunblock (only during February - April)
Water bottle (you can refill from taps)
Camera with extra batteries. Tripod is essential for northern lights photography
Binoculars (8x recommended for moose and reindeer)
Small backpack – for extra layers of clothing, camera, snacks etc
A feel-good book
Your favourite chocolate bars
Note that bed linen and towel is already included, you don’t have to bring that
