When we were planning our dream trip to Finland, our first concern was how we would pack for a winter vacation there. We both took to the internet and searched and also asked questions of fellow travel bloggers. After all this research, we are excited to say that we had the perfect clothes for our trip. We want to share what we learned and we put together for you a free downloadable .pdf packing list so that you will have an Always5Star experience in Finland or any cold travel destination!
Think Lots of Layers!
First and foremost, what we learned from our trip to Finland is that you must layer and layer and then add another layer to stay warm!
The second important factor is purchasing clothing made with Merino Wool. Merino wool is perfect for wicking moisture and for heat retention. Even if you get wet, it’ll keep you dry.
What is Merino Wool?
Merino wool comes from Merino sheep. This wool is softer and thinner than regular wool. As a result, it feels good next to your skin. Not only is that a benefit, but it keeps you warm and dry too. Also if you perspire or if it gets wet…it dries quickly! Merino wool also has natural anti-microbial properties that make it resistant to odor. Phew!
5StarTip🌟: I must be honest here…Brittany and I wore most of our clothes over and over again the entire 8 days we were in Finland. Because of packing constraints and how much would fit in our luggage, we had to use the same clothes every day. I am by nature a person that likes things extremely clean, so I thought that this would be an enormous challenge for me. However, I washed the first layer of clothes each night. I washed them in the sink or shower and hung them to dry. They dried quickly! I also brought a lovely scented soap bar with me to wash the clothes with and that freshened them up as well.
Try-On The Clothes!
Brittany and I went to REI stores to purchase almost all our clothing. We found it essential to try on all the layers (yes, it took forever, so plan on spending some time in the store). However, I cannot emphasize enough how glad we were to have taken the time to make sure everything fit properly, and we had all the right clothing. Plus, shopping at a specialty (sports or active wear) store where the staff is knowledgeable about extremely cold conditions is very helpful. We received excellent advice from the employees at REI who were experienced with this type of weather.
Will This Be Enough For Outdoor Activities?
No. For some outdoor activities depending on the weather, you will need a thermal suit. For any tours/activities that you schedule, the better tour companies will provide you with boots and a thermal overall to put over your clothing for extreme weather. This is usually included in the tour package price.
to put over her clothes to stay warm!
Free Downloadable Packing List
To illustrate the items on the list – here are some pictures that will help with what each item on your packing list looks like:
Footwear:
Pants:
Tops:
Hands:
Head and Neck:
Final Thoughts:
Packing the right clothing is key for your enjoyment of travels in below-freezing temperatures. The weather in Finland fluctuates greatly from the outdoor cold to the indoor heat. It is important to be able to adjust your clothing so that you are comfortable in both settings. The solution is multiple layers with the correct fabrics! I can confidently say that the clothing we purchased was perfect for this trip. We are excited to share this information and hope the packing list will be as advantageous to you as it was to us! Cheers to your Always5Star comfort while traveling in freezing temps!
About Pamela Rossi
I am passionate about travel and taking each moment and making it a five star experience. My goal is to create those experiences for YOU!
Now that you have the gear for winter you need to come to New England next winter:) I was so impressed that you two California girls could handle the cold, clearly you were well dressed!