<\/span><\/h3>\nI learned that base layers are what truly keep you warm and should be the foundation of any arctic winter packing list. For shirts, they might also be what you wear to breakfast in your hotel. Here\u2019s a list of what you\u2019ll need and where I shopped for them to save money.<\/p>\n
BASE LAYER TOPS<\/strong>: Base layer tops are thin and wick moisture away to keep you warm. Stay away from cotton (as it will stay wet if you sweat in your heavy coat). Instead of long sleeve t-shirts, look for brands that specifically say \u201cmoisture-wicking base layer\u201d or \u201cthermals.\u201d For affordable brands: try Uniqlo, Land\u2019s End, and Columbia. I also found some sold as a set on Amazon called Thermajane. Pro Winter Packing Tip<\/strong>: You don\u2019t need a fresh set for every day like I initially thought as you\u2019ll be able to re-wear these. It\u2019s the one item I overpacked. Just 2-3 thermal shirts will suffice for a week-long trip.<\/p>\nSPORTS BRAS<\/strong>: For women, these were the most comfortable option under multiple layers, providing support without uncomfortable seams or hooks pressing against your skin all day. Also, depending on the thickness of the fabric, it\u2019s an extra layer. TIP: Also pack a bathing suit<\/strong> if you plan on visiting a sauna or spa. They\u2019ll typically provide footwear needed.<\/p>\nBASE LAYER BOTTOMS<\/strong>: Just like the tops, you\u2019ll need base layer bottoms like thermal leggings or long underwear. Again, 2-3 pairs are sufficient for a week. For leggings, I ended up sleeping in these too, and mostly just wore the thin thermals under jeans when going out to dinner.<\/p>\n\nSometimes the aurora happens during dinner, which is why we ran outside without our parkas to take a quick photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/span>Mid Layers (Your Insulation)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nMID LAYER TOPS<\/strong>: Here\u2019s where you\u2019ll want a little more variety. Cashmere is warm and not too bulky to pack. It also offers the same insulation properties as wool, but is softer and more comfortable. For cashmere sweaters, the brand Quince is a game-changer. They\u2019re surprisingly affordable and incredibly warm without the bulk. I also packed athletic fleece sweaters for some of our more active outdoor excursions.<\/p>\nMID LAYER BOTTOMS<\/strong>: Some of your \u201cmid layer\u201d bottoms might also be your outer layer when dining out, or going to get suited up with heavy outdoor gear before an activity (more on that below.) Fleece leggings (found on Amazon) were my absolute favorite! I pretty much lived in these and I brought two pairs. They\u2019re much warmer and more comfortable than jeans for daily wear and they\u2019re perfect under snow pants. With my boots and parka, these were even okay for quick moments outside on travel days, or going for a walk to shop for things.<\/p>\n\n<\/span>Outer Layers (Your Protection)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nPUFFER JACKET and VEST<\/strong>: I packed several outer layer options for different scenarios and it worked well. My system of puffer jacket, puffer vest, and cold weather parka gave me flexible options depending on activities and temperature. For instance, I\u2019d wear the puffer vest over a base layer top to go down to breakfast in the morning. And for activities like dog-sledding and snowmobiling, I wore the puffer jacket and fleece leggings as they fit well under the tour-provided snow suit.<\/p>\nWINTER PARKA<\/strong>: A cold weather rated parka is a must for any winter packing list! Look for one with temperature ratings suitable for your destination (Arctic parkas should handle -20\u00b0F to -40\u00b0F). Premium brands like North Face can cost $300-800+, but we found excellent options at Land\u2019s End for much less. Key features to prioritize in a parka: removable hood (essential for layering flexibility), wind-resistant outer shell, and multiple pockets for storing your phone, hotel key card, and hand warmers. The pockets are crucial since you\u2019ll want easy access to essentials without removing layers. (I have more tips for brands to price shop below!)<\/p>\nPANTS<\/strong>: Snow pants are another essential! I ordered Columbia snow pants from Amazon that worked perfectly. Make sure to try them on with your base layers to ensure they\u2019re roomy and comfortable. I brought two pairs with me to Sweden, but honestly only needed one pair of snow pants for our nightly excursions to hunt for northern lights. For our other activities, we had snow suits provided by the activity guides. I also had a pair of jeans that I wore with a base layer to dinner, and otherwise lived in fleece leggings.<\/p>\nTOUR-PROVIDED GEAR<\/strong>: For many outdoor activities (like snowmobiling, dog sledding, or mountain excursions), tour guides will provide bulky snow suits to wear over your layers. These are extremely warm (like wearing a blanket) and perfect for stationary activities where you\u2019ll be exposed to the elements for extended periods. (You can see my layering of a down puffer jacket and hat underneath the tour-provided gear below)<\/em><\/p>\n\n<\/span>Accessories That Made All The Difference<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nYour hands, head, and feet will also need a little extra attention in frigid temperatures. It\u2019s also where you can add a little extra color as well as comfort.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Head & Neck<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nHat<\/strong>: I opted for a pink cashmere beanie instead of wool (due to allergies). I also had a knit beanie that was lined in fleece that I got as gift for the holidays. Make sure the beanie or hat covers your ears completely! I tried one from Quince and ended up sending it back. The fit and shape just wasn\u2019t right and not up to par with the quality of their sweaters. The beanie hats I ended up keeping I got on Amazon.<\/p>\nEar Muffs or Headband<\/strong>: To be honest, I didn\u2019t really use the ear muffs I packed. The cashmere beanie and hood from my parka were enough. I did, however, bring a fleece headband. And that was comfortable and thin enough to layer underneath the beanie if I needed it. The brand Turtle Fur is a great option.<\/p>\nNeck Protection<\/strong>: A fleece neck gaiter proved more versatile and warm than a traditional scarf as you can pull it up over your nose when the wind picks up. This was another great find by the brand, Turtle Fur. <\/p>\n\n<\/span>Hands<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nGloves System<\/strong>: The reason I say \u201csystem\u201d is you\u2019ll need more than one pair. You\u2019ll want thin cloth gloves with touchscreen capability, topped with heavy mittens when needed if you\u2019re outdoors for a long period of time. This combo lets you use your phone without exposing your entire hand to the elements. And honestly, we only needed the heavy mittens at night when we were outside for long periods of time taking photos of the northern lights, and when snowmobiling.<\/p>\nHand Warmers<\/strong>: These little packets of heat can be lifesavers on particularly cold days. We used hand warmers inside our mittens rather than investing in expensive heated gloves or the Ororo heated accessories my relatives suggested. I also always had some stashed in my pockets for when I just wanted to use the cloth gloves.<\/p>\n<\/span>Feet<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nBoots<\/strong>: You\u2019ll want at least two pairs of boots. One that is all-weather and has a cold temperature rating, like SOREL Tofino insulated boots or the SOREL Joan of Arctic waterproof boot. Pete found a similar pair of boots on Land\u2019s End that he found very warm and comfortable. (I\u2019ve just had my Sorels for over a decade now. They still held up! To be fair, I only use them on average one trip every other year)<\/em> You\u2019ll also want a smaller boot. Like a sherpa-lined slip-on similar to Uggs or Bearpaws for quick trips to the hotel breakfast or walking around town. We saw a lot of Swedes wearing wool socks and Birkenstocks around the hotel restaurant and lobby, so that might be an indoor footwear option too. And in Stockholm it was quite a bit warmer and we could have gotten away with wearing sneakers had we packed them.<\/p>\nSocks<\/strong>: Everyone recommends wool socks for cold winter weather (details on why below), but I used alpaca socks due to my wool allergies and they were so cozy and warm. My husband Pete found a company called Pacas that has the cutest alpaca socks. They claim to be softer than cashmere and warmer than wool. After wearing them on our trip and on cold days at home too, I can say they\u2019re definitely cozy and warm. And a great alternative to wool.<\/p>\n<\/span>The Wool Alternative<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nEveryone recommends wool socks for cold weather, and for good reason. Wool naturally wicks moisture, retains heat even when wet, and has antimicrobial properties that prevent odor during repeated wearings.<\/p>\n
However, some people are allergic to wool (like me!). My solution? Alpaca socks! My husband gifted me some for Christmas, and they were perfect. All the cozy thickness and warmth without the allergic reaction. Cashmere socks are another great alternative if you can find them.<\/p>\n\n<\/span>Brands That Won\u2019t Break the Bank<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nCreating an effective winter packing list doesn\u2019t have to mean spending a fortune. As Floridians, it\u2019s hard to justify expensive cold-weather gear we\u2019ll rarely use. If you don\u2019t live in a place with harsh winters, there\u2019s no need to invest in pricier brands like North Face or Canada Goose. Here are the budget-friendly favorites we found:<\/p>\n
Land\u2019s End<\/strong>: Don\u2019t underestimate this brand! Their quality is excellent, especially during sales. Being based in Wisconsin, they understand serious winter weather. We ended up getting our winter parkas from Land\u2019s End for less than $150 on sale. And honestly, I\u2019m impressed with the material and stitching. It doesn\u2019t seem like a budget brand and they kept us warm.<\/p>\nLL Bean<\/strong>: LL Bean is another reliable option with great quality cold-weather gear that won\u2019t disappoint. I have a few jackets from them.<\/p>\nUniqlo<\/strong>: Perfect for affordable yet effective base layers. Their HEATTECH line is thin but mighty. They also have a colorful selection of puffer jackets and puffer vests that are great for travel.<\/p>\nQuince<\/strong>: Their cashmere is comparable to luxury brands at a fraction of the price. My sweaters kept me toasty and will be perfect for autumn and winter travel in Europe too.<\/p>\nOroro<\/strong>: My New England relatives swear by this brand\u2019s heated jackets and vests. Apparently, Ororo heated vests beloved by hockey moms who spend hours in cold rinks! If we lived where we experienced really cold winters all the time, I probably would have invested in these.<\/p>\n<\/span>Camera Equipment<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nIf you\u2019re planning to capture the northern lights or stunning ice formations, remember that extreme cold affects electronics. You\u2019ll want extra batteries for your camera. And as for lenses, you\u2019ll want to check the temperature rating and opt for a Pro lens as below certain temperatures, they will stop working.<\/p>\n
Camera Body and Lenses<\/strong>: Professional-grade equipment handles the cold better. Consumer-grade plastic can become brittle and batteries drain much faster.<\/p>\nTripod<\/strong>: A carbon fiber tripod (like my trusty Sirui that\u2019s traveled with me for over a decade) is ideal. Metal tripods become painfully cold to touch and can actually shrink slightly in extreme temperatures.<\/p>\nExtra Batteries<\/strong>: Keep spares in an inside pocket close to your body heat.<\/p>\n\n<\/span>Personal Care Essentials<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nThe extreme dry air in Arctic climates can wreak havoc on your skin and nasal passages, especially when you\u2019re coming from a humid environment like Florida. Pack Aquaphor<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Q-tips<\/strong>\u00a0for a simple but effective trick: use the Q-tip to apply a thin layer of Aquaphor to the inside of your nostrils before heading out each day. This creates a protective barrier against the cold, dry air. Also bring\u00a0saline nasal spray<\/strong>\u00a0to keep your nasal passages moisturized. We experienced slight nosebleeds during our trip from the dramatic humidity change, and these items were lifesavers. Don\u2019t forget extra lip balm with SPF and a rich moisturizer for your face and hands. The combination of cold temperatures and dry air can be surprisingly harsh on your skin.<\/p>\n\nPhoto by Lola Akinmade<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPhoto by Lola Akinmade<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/span>A Note About Packing<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nThe biggest adjustment for us travelers that aren\u2019t used to extreme winter weather isn\u2019t just the clothing, it\u2019s how to pack it all. Any arctic winter packing list will seem overwhelming when you\u2019re used to packing light with just a carry-on. It\u2019s also understanding that for trips to the arctic, cold weather gear isn\u2019t about fashion, it\u2019s about function. That said, I still managed to feel put-together while staying warm. (And you can always accessorize with a cute colorful hat!)<\/p>\n
For packing, my husband and I each brought a carry-on with one set of our most essential gear, and then packed the rest in a shared larger checked bag. That way, if our checked bag was lost or delayed, we each had a base layer, mid layer, and outer layer to get by and it wouldn\u2019t ruin our trip. Turns out, I didn\u2019t need the extra snow pants or a base layer for each day. But did appreciate having two sets of boots, one for extreme weather and one cozy pair for walking around.<\/p>\n
I brought two pairs of jeans but only wore one pair occasionally. In Stockholm, I wore jeans with a base layer underneath and my smaller boots for city exploring. However, once we reached Kiruna and northern Sweden, I lived in my Sorel boots and rarely wore jeans. Most days, fleece leggings were my go-to. They were comfortable under all my layers and much warmer than jeans. I found mine on Amazon and they were a lifesaver. Also, I only ended up needing one set of snow pants, not two.<\/p>\n
NOTE:<\/strong> When flying from a larger city like Stockholm to a smaller arctic airport like Kiruna, you will likely have to use stairs to board the plane. Keep that in mind with the size of your carry on and checked luggage.<\/p>\n\n<\/span>Final Thoughts On Packing For The Arctic<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nCreating the perfect winter packing list for Arctic travel as a Floridian taught me that preparation is everything. While it seems overwhelming at first, the right gear makes all the difference between a miserable experience and an exhilarating adventure.<\/p>\n
Remember, you don\u2019t need to break the bank on equipment you\u2019ll rarely use. Strategic shopping and borrowing from friends can help you prepare without the long-term investment.<\/p>\n
What surprised me most? How quickly I adapted to the cold with the right layers. The human body is remarkably adaptable\u2026 even one that\u2019s used to Florida humidity and 90-degree Christmases!<\/p>\n
My winter trip to Sweden to see the Northern Lights was absolutely worth every minute spent researching and packing. The lights were spectacular, and thanks to proper preparation, I could focus on enjoying them rather than being distracted by the cold.<\/p>\n
Have you made a dramatic climate shift for travel? What were your must-have items? Let me know in the comments below!<\/p>\n
Stay warm, fellow sunshine dwellers!<\/p>\n
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