What to wear in Lapland: family packing list

Last updated on April 16, 2026

The first time I had to pack for an extreme cold weather trip, I felt like I was learning a different language. While there are lots of Lapland packing tips online, it still felt like there was a lot to get my head around in terms of exactly what to bring and how much. I found it overwhelming

But, after sifting through the info and doing lot of cold trips myself, I’ve found it’s not as complicated as it looks. As everyone will tell you, it’s all about the layers – and it’s important you get those right. In this post, I’m sharing our tips for what to wear in Lapland , including our winter Lapland packing list for a family of four. It should save you a lot of time on your own Lapland packing.

What’s the weather like in Lapland?

In the winter, Lapland temperatures can swing wildly from just below freezing to –20°C and colder, and what feels “mild” to locals can feel absolutely Baltic to the rest of us. Last time we were there, it got down to -32°C!

The cold is a dry cold, which is far more manageable than the damp UK chill, and it tends to feel invigorating rather than unpleasant. But you will spend a lot of time outdoors doing things like husky rides, reindeer farms, snowmobiling, sledging, and simply wandering through knee-deep snow with the kids. And the coldness does build on you, especially if there’s windchill.

However, even in these extreme conditions, Lapland is perfectly manageable – even with little kids. The key is having the right gear. It’s the classic case of “no bad weather, just bad clothes”.

The art of layering

The secret to survival in Lapland – and it really is the whole secret – is layering. Rather than relying on one heavy coat, you build warmth in stages: a snug base layer that keeps heat close to your body, a cosy mid-layer that traps warmth, and a waterproof, windproof outer shell that protects you from the elements.

This gives you far more flexibility too. Indoors is always toasty in Lapland, so you’ll constantly be adding and shedding layers – especially with kids who overheat one minute and shiver the next. Once you understand how the layers work together, the whole packing puzzle feels much simpler.

How to layer

There are three main layers to consider: base, mid and outer. And you can double up on some of these when the weather is extra cold. But as a basic rule, you need these three.

1. Base layer

This is the single most important layer. It sits next to your skin and keeps you dry. Go for merino wool if you can – it’s warm, breathable and never clammy. Plus merino has natural antibacterial and odour-resistant properties, which means it stays fresher for much longer than cotton fabrics. You don’t need to wash it after every wear – simply air it out overnight and it’s usually good to go again the next day. You only need one or two sets for a week.

Synthetic thermal is also great and can even dry quicker than merino. Avoid cotton at all costs for your base layer as it holds moisture and makes you cold. You’ll want a long-sleeve top and leggings for everyone. One set could feasibly do you for three days.

What we wear as a base layer

Adults: This set by The North Face is great. Mountain Warehouse has good value alternatives. And I also have these leggings from Regatta and this polo neck from Uniqlo.

Kids: Mountain Warehouse has good value merino base layers for kids or these are a more budget, synthetic option.

Uniqlo’s HEATTECH Ultra Warm thermals are also well priced. Go for Ultra Warm instead of the basic ones or Extra Warm because the latter two are made with cotton.

2. Mid-layer

Your mid-layer is all about warmth. Fleece works well because it’s lightweight and traps heat effectively. And wool is also a good option, although less so if you’re doing lots of activities as it takes longer to dry.  A half-zip fleece jumper is a popular choice. Baggy is better as that helps create room for a blanket of air to keep you warm.

Some people skip a mid-layer on your bottom half, but if you feel the cold, you can wear fleece lined leggings/trousers. Again, avoid cotton and denim. That said, a lot of people say it’s fine to wear cotton on the mid layer, so long as you have good waterproofs on top.

It’s also possible to wear two mid layers, for example a woolen jumper and a fleece.

What we wear for mid layers

Adults: I’ve had a North Face fleece for years, which I love because it has zipped pockets (really handy for running too). Steve got his fleece from Regatta. I wear a woollen jumper I got in Peru, and Steve has one his mum made! We also took Christmas jumpers from Vinted. I have fleece-lined leggings by Mountain Warehouse.

Kids: The kids’ old fleeces were from M&S, but their current ones are from Regatta. The kids both have woollen jumpers made by Steve’s mum. For their lower half, they have fleece-lined joggers from Mountain Warehouse.

3. Outer layer

This is your armour against snow, wind and freezing temperatures. Make sure it’s waterproof and windproof. In Lapland you’ll want either a ski jacket and snow trousers, or a full snowsuit. This layer doesn’t need to be the warmest on its own – its job is to block the elements, so the layers underneath can do their jobs too.

Many hotels and activities will provide a full snowsuit (more on that in the section on snowsuits below).

What we wear for an outer layer

Adults: I have a vintage ski jacket and trousers on Vinted. Steve has his usual coat from Levis and ski trousers from Mountain Warehouse. But for our December trip to Lapland, we hired proper snowsuits too from Wild Nordic.

Kids: I found second-hand ski jackets from Mountain Warehouse for the kids on Vinted. They are like these ones, which you can buy new for around £30 in the sale. And these are the ski trousers. We hired snowsuits for them too.

The importance of warm feet, hands and head in Lapland

Hands and feet are the first parts of the body to get cold, so you need to pay special attention to these. And you lose heat through your head, so that needs to be properly covered too. Here are some tips for what to wear in Lapland on your feet, hands and head.

What to wear on your feet in Lapland

Cold feet will ruin a day faster than anything, so good footwear is essential. You’ll need insulated, waterproof snow boots for everyone – ideally rated to at least -20°C. These keep your feet warm even when you’re standing around on frozen ground for long periods (husky rides are a classic culprit!).

They should be at least one size too big. If your feet are crammed in too tightly, they’ll get cold much faster because there’s no room for warm air to circulate. A little space is actually one of the best insulators, so your feet should feel comfortably snug, not squeezed (a rule of thumb is that you should be able to wiggle your toes).

The other key to warm feet is layering your socks, just like your clothing. Start with a thin, moisture-wicking sock (merino, silk or synthetic), and add a thick thermal wool sock on top. Don’t over-layer though – too many socks can actually make your feet colder by restricting circulation.

If you’re joining organised excursions, many companies provide specialist outer boots for activities like snowmobiling or huskies, but you’ll still need your own boots for walking around town, sledging, and general exploring. We actually hired boots for the full duration of our stay from Wild Nordic.

If paths are icy, shoe spikes can be a game-changer, especially for kids who are prone to slipping.

What we wear on our feet in Lapland

Adults: I bought some nearly-new Sorel snow boots from Vinted. They’re a bit like this. And Steve got some from Trespass, a bit like this. We have ski socks from Trespass and Regatta. Plus we hired proper thermal snow boots from Wild Nordic.

Kids: Otis’ boots are from Vinted, by a brand called Khombu. They’re a bit like this, but white. And we bought Arlo these ones in the Black Friday sale from Mountain Warehouse. The kids have walking socks from Mountain Warehouse, and ski socks from Regatta. We also hired snow boots for them from WIld Nordic.

What to wear on your hands in Lapland

Hands get cold immediately in Lapland, especially for children who are constantly touching snow, removing gloves to adjust something, or insisting they “don’t need them”. The trick is to use two layers:

1. A thin inner glove:
Choose a lightweight, snug pair that’s warm, breathable and touchscreen compatible (if needed). These let you take photos or help the kids without exposing bare skin.

2. Waterproof insulated mittens or ski gloves:
Mittens are warmer than gloves as your fingers share heat, so they’re the best choice for Lapland and especially for little kids. Adults can go either way, but make sure your outer layer is waterproof, not just water-resistant, or they’ll get soggy fast.

For kids, ideally bring spares – their outer mittens will almost always end up wet after playing in the snow.

Hand warmers are also handy for especially cold days or long excursions.

What we wear on our hands

Adults: Steve and I have these snow mittens by Animal. And I have these silk liner, touchscreen gloves.

Kids: The kids have mittens from Regatta and magic gloves from M&S.

What to wear on your head and neck in Lapland

A warm head is essential in Lapland. Start with a snug thermal hat made from wool or fleece – ideally one that covers your ears properly. Windproof styles are particularly useful on snowmobile days.

For kids (and adults who feel the cold), a balaclava or thermal neck gaiter is brilliant. It protects the face from windchill, keeps heat in, and stays put when they’re climbing, rolling, and sledging around in the snow. Scarves tend to flap or fall off, so a neck warmer or buff is a better choice.

You’ll also want to keep your neck warm, so add a soft fleece or merino neck warmer/snood. It tucks neatly into your layers, stops drafts sneaking in, and avoids the bulk and faff of a traditional scarf. A balaclava is also useful for those extra cold days.

What we wear on our heads

Adults: We both have beanies we’ve had for years., but I also bought this fluffy hat especially for Lapland (matching with the kids). I have a merino balaclava from Mountain Warehouse. And Steve has one from Decathlon.

Kids: The kids wore the same fluffy hat as me, and their balaclavas and snoods are from Mountain Warehouse.

Other Lapland essentials

Alongside the core layers and outerwear, there are a few other essentials that make Lapland far more comfortable.

Hand and foot warmers

Hand and foot warmers are little miracles on freezing days. Slip them into mittens or boots during excursions or long outdoor play sessions. They’re brilliant for kids who get cold quickly, and adults will likely love them too. I appreciated these so much on the -30 day!

Goggles with a light tint

If you’re skiing or snowboarding, bring goggles with a clear or minimal tint. The light is very low in midwinter, and floodlit slopes are the norm.

Swimwear

You’ll want swimwear for hotel pools, or – if you’re feeling brave – icy plunge pools! Kids often love the novelty of warm indoor swimming after a day in the snow. You might also want swimwear for saunas, although it’s more usual to visit these nude.

Head torch or small flashlight

If you’re visiting in December or early January, daylight is limited, so a headlamp is incredibly useful,  especially for walking between cabins, pulling sleds, or exploring in low light. Phone torches work in a pinch, but batteries drain fast in the cold, so keep your phone reserved for photos.

Portable charger

Speaking of batteries, devices lose charge astonishingly quickly in sub-zero temperatures. A small power bank tucked inside your coat is essential if you want to take lots of photos.

Water bottle

Lapland’s air is extremely dry – almost desert-like – so you’ll need to drink more water than you expect. Bring a reusable bottle for each family member. Luckily, the tap water in Finland is some of the cleanest in the world.

Lip balm and moisturiser

The cold, dry air can be tough on skin. Pack a rich face cream, hand cream and a lip balm that won’t freeze (squeeze tubes are best). Keep lip balm in an inner pocket so it stays soft. I highly recommend Eucerin Acute Lip Balm.

Backpack

A small day pack is handy for storing spare layers, hats, gloves, snacks and warm drinks. Indoors is very warm, so you’ll constantly be taking things off and putting them back on. I love all the bags from Walker Family Goods, like the Valley Pack.

Do you need your own snowsuit?

Most activity providers in Lapland supply heavy-duty thermal outer suits for experiences like husky safaris and snowmobiling. These are extremely warm and designed for standing or sitting outside for long periods. Some hotels and package holidays even include snowsuits for the entire stay.

If your accommodation or activity providers don’t provide one, you might consider hiring. Whether you need to depends on the time of year, the forecast and what you have planned. Many people prefer the flexibility of a ski jacket and snow trousers, especially if you’ll be dipping in and out of cafés or adjusting layers throughout the day. A two-piece setup is also easier for toilet breaks and changing conditions – but it’s worth noting that it’s generally less warm, thanks to the gap at the waist.

If, like us, you’re visiting in extreme cold (we experienced –30°C) and plan to do activities such as reindeer sleigh rides or husky safaris – where you’re outdoors for long stretches with little movement – a proper thermal suit makes a huge difference. These aren’t something most people own (they’re much heavier than standard ski wear), so if they’re not included, I’d strongly recommend hiring one.

We very nearly skipped it, and I’m so glad we didn’t – especially on the coldest days. We hired ours from Wild Nordic, just opposite Santa Claus Village and about ten minutes from the airport, and also rented boots, which were warmer than anything we already owned and incredibly cosy. A set of winter clothing – snowsuit, boots, mittens and socks – costs €25 per day.

Tip: If you are being provided with a snowsuit, you may still want to bring ski trousers and a jacket for times when the snowsuit feels like overkill.

Buy second hand to save money

You can find plenty of secondhand snow gear on places like Vinted and eBay, and oftentimes it’s almost brand new as people only use it for a single trip. I bought most of our clothes secondhand, aside from the base layers, socks and shoes.

Our Lapland family packing list

For each person (adults and kids)

• Merino base layers (top and bottom) x 2
• Half-zip fleece
• Woolen jumper (ideally Christmassy!)
• Fleece-lined leggings/joggers x 3
• Down vest/jacket
• Ski trousers
• Ski jacket
• Warm pyjamas x 2
• Swimsuit
• Wool or fleece hat
• Ski mittens
• Glove liners
• Balaclava
• Scarf/snood
• Snow goggles
• Snow boots
• Sock liners x 4
• Woolen socks x 4
• Shoe spikes
• Hand warmers

For the kids

• Snowsuit
• Extra pair of mittens

Other Lapland essentials

• Portable charger (batteries drain fast in the cold)
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Camera + spare batteries
• Lip balm (kids too)
• High-factor moisturiser – the cold is very drying
• Sunglasses (yes, even in winter – the snow glare can be intense)
• Day backpack
• Snacks (shops can be pricey and kids get cold-hungry fast)
• Reusable water bottle
• Blister plasters