The winters in the northern part of Finland are cold, with temperatures typically ranging from -10°C to -20°C, and occasionally dropping to -30°C. It’s a dry cold that is manageable taking some precautions in mind.

Clothing

The main point of attention is to avoid sweating too much because once your body gets wet, you will cool down much faster. Therefore, we choose to dress in layers, allowing us to easily regulate heat. Adding an extra layer when it’s cold and removing it when you get warm. As a bonus, the air trapped between the layers provides extra insulation.

Layer 1: Baselayer

Choose for long-sleeve thermal underwear made from synthetic or wool fabrics. A good base layer is moisture-wicking and helps to move sweat away from your body, keeping you warm and comfortable.

Layer 2: Midlayer

Opt for a warm mid-layer to keep yourself sufficiently warm. Choose a fleece or wool sweater that is thick enough. In cold weather, you can also wear an extra pair of loose-fitting pants. Never choose jeans, as cotton retains moisture well and will not only feel uncomfortable but can also pose a risk of hypothermia.

Layer 3: Extra layer(s)

In extremely cold conditions, you can wear additional layers between the mid-layer and the outer layer. Think of an extra thin fleece or another sweater.

When taking breaks, a down jacket is very handy to put on. Down jackets are very warm in relation to their weight and also compact enough to store in your backpack during the activity. However, be mindful that you don’t want to be active while wearing a down jacket, as you can quickly overheat. Additionally, when a down jacket gets wet, it loses its insulation properties.

Layer 4: Shell

The outer layer should be windproof to prevent the loss of body heat. This applies to both pants and jackets. It’s not necessary for this clothing to be completely waterproof because there will be no rain. Even if your clothes come into contact with snow, it won’t immediately start melting. In other words, a soft shell is just as good as a hard shell in winter. Additionally, it’s important that this layer is breathable, allowing your sweat to escape.

It’s important that clothing fits loosely and not so tight that it would hinder blood circulation. For example, it’s better to wear one pair of thick, warm socks rather than two pairs layered on top of each other, which can often become too tight. Sometimes, wearing too many clothes can still leave you feeling cold because of this.

Give extra attention to your hands, face and feet

Hands

Choose 2 pairs of liner gloves and 1 pair of mittens; mittens are always warmer than regular gloves because your fingers keep each other warm. You can switch the liner gloves if one pair becomes damp or wet.

Face

Protect your face with a warm hat and a scarf or buff. It’s important that you can cover your ears and cheeks. A balaclava can also be useful when it’s very cold.

Feet

Make sure you have a good pair of winter boots, type Sorel, which are waterproof and warm and have a removable liner so you can start each morning with dry boots. If you want to wear two pairs of socks, choose a larger shoe size than usual.

Choose synthetic ski socks or warm woolen socks. You can opt for a thin liner sock, such as merino wool, and then a thick, warm sock. We also have some classic woven “grandma socks” available for loan.

If you are very sensitive to the cold or have a circulation disorder such as Raynaud’s phenomenon, we recommend bringing some chemical hand/foot warmers with you. These provide warmth over an extended period (6-8 hours) of time and can help you stay warm throughout the day. We do not recommend electric gloves or socks, as the batteries often drain quickly in cold conditions.

Healthcare products

Preferably, use moisturizers in the evening so that your skin can absorb everything overnight. Be cautious if you use moisturizers in the morning, check that they do not contain water, as it can freeze quickly and lead to frostbite. Your skin’s natural protection works best in this kind of cold. In the months of February/March, when the sun returns, it’s also necessary to protect yourself with sunscreen.