Staying comfortable outdoors in winter starts with layering. Here in Rovaniemi, we dress in layers so we can adjust our clothing to the weather and the activity.
Instead of relying on one thick garment, build your outfit around three layers: a base layer to manage moisture, a mid-layer to retain warmth, and an outer layer to protect you from the weather.
1. Base layer: keep your skin dry
The base layer is worn next to your skin. Its job is to move moisture away from the skin and help you stay dry and comfortable.
Choose merino wool or a technical sportswear fabric. Avoid cotton for winter activities, as it holds moisture and can leave you feeling cold when wet.
2. Mid-layer: retain warmth
The mid-layer provides insulation by trapping warm air around your body.
Fleece, thicker wool clothing or a lightweight down jacket are suitable options. In very cold weather, you can wear more than one mid-layer.
Adjust the amount of insulation to your activity. You may need less while moving and more when you stop for a break.
3. Outer layer: protect against wind and snow
The outer layer protects you from wind, snow and moisture. A windproof and waterproof shell jacket with shell trousers provides weather protection over your insulating layers.
Choose a fit that leaves enough room for the layers underneath without compressing them. Trapped air helps provide insulation, so the whole outfit should not feel tight.
4. Keep your feet warm
Warm feet depend on both suitable socks and properly fitting boots.
Merino wool socks with thicker wool socks can work well, provided there is enough space inside your boots. You should still be able to wiggle your toes.
Adding more socks will not help if they make your boots too tight. Choose your socks and footwear together rather than focusing only on sock thickness.
5. Protect your hands
Wear thin liner gloves underneath roomy, insulated mittens.
Liner gloves provide some protection when you briefly need to remove your mittens. Mittens help keep your hands warm because your fingers share the same insulated space.
Make sure the combination fits comfortably without feeling tight.
6. Cover your head, ears and neck
Choose a warm beanie that covers your ears. Add a neck warmer or a tube scarf to protect your neck and face from the wind.
These smaller items are an important part of your winter outfit and are easy to adjust as conditions change.
Before heading outside
Check that your layers fit comfortably together, your boots leave room for your toes, and your ears, neck and hands are protected.
Add or remove layers as the weather and your activity change. A flexible outfit makes it easier to enjoy Lapland’s winter comfortably.