Lapland packing list – your ultimate guide

UPDATED FOR 2025 / 2026 – Visiting Lapland with kids is an amazing experience but it is cold. Very cold. We’ve been on a number of trips to Lapland now and have built up a great list of exactly what to take to Lapland to stay warm. What to wear in Lapland is probably one of the most important questions. It’s a good place to be prepared for visiting so you can relax and enjoy the experience. So I’ve put together a packing list for Lapland of items you might want to think about taking with you. Whether you’re heading on a Lapland day trip or just looking for Arctic clothing you will need some really decent thermal clothing for winter to make sure you stay all warm and toasty. This list of Lapland clothing is as well-priced as possible. I’ve looked out items that will do the job without breaking the bank. If you are looking for what to wear in Lapland I hope I have answered all of your questions but do leave a comment if there’s anything else I can help with. This is based on real experience of travelling to Lapland with my children. Here is your ultimate Lapland packing list.

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👩‍💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.

*AD / This post contains affiliate links & as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also have been compensated in this post either financially or with products / stays. To read more see our Disclosure Policy.

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Lapland packing list for Winter – What to wear in Lapland

First if you are travelling on an organised tour they will provide some of your kit. It’s worth checking with them beforehand. Many of these tours provide the snowsuit which is made for Arctic conditions and will also give you gloves and boots. So this is my suggested Lapland packing list for what to wear in Lapland if you do have these provided. Scroll down for the additional items if you’re not on an organised trip –

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Packing List for Lapland: kids

Main items

• Long sleeved thermals – these are essential and it’s worth getting it right. What you really want are Merino wool set like these great Engel children’s long sleeved tops and matching trousers (you may need to click through the different colours to get the size you need). If you get the base layer right you are much more likely to stay warm in sub zero temperatures. Merino wool is amazing and will even keep you warm if it gets wet, the sets I’ve recommended here are 100% merino wool which makes them really warm and they’re a great price. They may be more expensive than synthetic sets but you really do get what you pay for. I find that one set is enough, even for a one week trip as merino is naturally self cleaning and doesn’t have to be washed as often as other fabrics. It helps children to regulate their own temperature too. It really is an amazing product and one that you can get lots of use out of afterwards when back home.
• A fleece set of trousers and top – these are ideal for ensuring that when you take off your big snow suit indoors you will have something warm and comfortable to wear. These Regatta fleece tops and fleece trousers are a great price and perfect for keeping warm.

Additional items – packing list for Lapland

• Pair of regular socks (x the number of days you are staying)
• A pair of woollen socks to wear over regular socks (you probably only need half the number of these compared to regular socks) – I like these Karrimor walking socks which come in a pack of three and are nice and thick.
• Thin, regular gloves – these will go under your thick snow gloves that you will be given and are just to give you an extra layer, so these cheap magic gloves are ideal.
• Balaclava – Do not forget this. If you are intending to go husky dog sledding in Lapland or take part in any of the other outdoor activities they really are essential, a scarf will not do it. Children’s balaclavas will keep the back of the neck warm and also mean when you are taking part in activities it will stay on, ensuring that they are warm.
• Hat – of course a good hat is essential and should be paired with the balaclava. Our children wore the Didriksons Biggles hats which were super warm but also had the added benefit of a popper underneath to keep them in place. Because you and they will have two pairs of gloves on it means items of clothes falling off will be harder to put back on so a hat that stays in place is ideal.

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What to pack for Lapland beyond clothing

Clothing is the most important part of your Lapland packing list, but don’t forget some of the little extras that will make your trip smoother.

Sunglasses or ski goggles are essential, even in the depths of winter, because the glare from the snow can be intense. Lip balm and a rich moisturiser will stop dry, cracked skin (the cold air takes its toll quickly).

A good rucksack for carrying layers, snacks and water bottles is also really handy when you’re out on long excursions.

Finally, if you’re travelling with children, small toys, colouring books or a tablet with headphones are lifesavers for downtime in your accommodation when it’s too dark or cold to be outdoors. 

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What to wear in Lapland – Adults

• Long sleeved thermals – as with the kids thermals I really do think it’s best not to scrimp on these. Merino wool isn’t cheap but it’s the best there is and these sets will last you. For men we suggest these merino wool sets and women will also need the long sleeved vest and long trousers.
• Mid Layer clothes – you will need something to wear between your thermal, base layer and your snowsuit. There will be times you can take your snowsuit off so you will want a set of clothes that are comfortable and warm. For women we suggest these well priced fleece tops and I like these warm and comfortable trousers which could be used for relaxing loungewear at home afterwards. For men we like the look of these fleece tops and these well priced joggers.
• Thick gloves – to go under snow gloves a pair of gloves for men and women so you can have 2 pairs of gloves.
• Snood – This is the only time in my life I’ve worn a snood but I was SO pleased I had. Husky dog sledding without it would have been a freezing experience and just having it to pull up over my nose was so welcome. I would definitely recommend either a snood or balaclava
• Regular socks – for each day you are there.
• Woollen socks – It’s good to be able to wear two pairs of socks when you’re out. I love the look of these warm women’s socks and men’s socks.
• Hats – keep your head warm with a good hat for men and women.

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Tips for keeping warm in extreme cold

Even with all the right kit, you’ll need to think about how to use it properly.

Dressing in layers is key – it’s better to wear several thin layers than one bulky one, as you can adjust them depending on activity.

Always make sure socks and gloves are completely dry before heading outside; damp clothing will make you cold very quickly.

For children, hand warmers tucked into mittens or boots can be the difference between tears and smiles.

Don’t forget to eat and drink regularly – your body needs fuel to generate heat, and it’s surprisingly easy to get dehydrated in cold weather.

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Packing List for Lapland: Extras

• Hand warmers – we love the reusable hand warmers which are rechargeable and perfect for using again once you’re back in the UK.
• Hot water bottle – I took this on our night-time reindeer ride. You can’t beat a good hot water bottle can you?
• High energy snacks – I can’t emphasise how cold it can be in Lapland and a supply of high energy snacks and even just regular biscuits and treats to keep in will be very welcome. Of course there are shops to pick up supplies but it’s really nice to have a few treats for when you arrive and to keep you going.
• 2 cameras and if possible with a spare battery as the cold drains battery life much faster. We actually bought a new camera for our trip as we read about cameras seizing in the cold and so after doing our research we chose a Ricoh WG-60 which is really well priced and worked perfectly in Lapland for us.
• Blanket – it’s usually possible to find blankets on activities but we found it useful to have a spare warm blanket for sledging or just indoors when the children had got particularly cold and needed wrapping up.

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If you are travelling independently and not part of an organised tour then you will need all of the above and also  –

Children on an independent trip

• Snow gloves – we’d go with a really good pair for the Arctic and we love these children’s thermal gloves.
• Snowsuit – you will want a very heavy duty, preferably all in one snowsuit – we love the Didrikson’s all in one snowsuit.
• Snow boots – I like these children’s boots and they come in at a great price.

Adults on an independent trip

• Snow gloves – For your outer gloves you will want a good ski glove such as these great priced unisex gloves.
• Snowsuit – It’s important to get outer clothes which are good enough for arcrtic conditions. In Lapland nearly everyone wears the all in one suits and I would definitely recommend them for keeping really warm and toasty. Check out these good priced women’s ski jacket and trousers also a great price for a men’s all in one ski suit.
• Boots –  You will be taking your own boots and you’ll want something that can really keep your feet warm and be ready to deal with icy conditions. We love the look of these Mountain Warehouse boots at a great price. I really like these snow boots for men (or women).

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Travelling with children in Lapland

Visiting Lapland with kids is magical, but it does mean extra preparation. Make sure their clothes are easy to get on and off – zips and velcro are much easier than fiddly buttons with thick gloves.

Pack spare gloves, socks and hats because these are the items most likely to get wet or lost.

If you’re doing longer excursions like husky sledding or snowmobiling, check the minimum age restrictions before booking.

And be prepared to take breaks indoors – younger children will get cold much faster than adults. Having a few “indoor days” planned, such as visiting Santa’s Village or trying local crafts, helps balance the trip.

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What to wear in Lapland and when

Travelling to Lapland

We always get too hot on flights and in the airport so we will wear our merino base layers and then the fleece tops and trousers for the flights. One pair of thick socks and snow boots.

We put our hats and gloves in hand luggage ready to pull on and that’s how we travel.

As soon as we arrive, if we are going to be outside for any length of time we will pull on our snowsuits. Otherwise we always find that the merino wool undergarments with fleece joggers and top is enough to keep us warm until we can get properly kitted out in our accommodation.

I hope you’re less confused about what to wear in Lapland. Lapland is a wonderful, magical place to visit but you do need to make sure you kit yourself out properly for it in order to enjoy it. I’d love to hear how you get on. If you’d like to read more I have a post all about our trip to Lapland skiing and seeing Father Christmas, our trip to Lapland with Santa’s Lapland here, another post about husky dog sledding in Lapland (one of the best things I’ve ever done) or our full guide to Lapland with kids.

See 75 of our top tips for Lapland here

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Faq – Lapland packing questions answered

Do I need to buy expensive Arctic clothing?
Not necessarily. Many organised Lapland tours provide snowsuits, boots and gloves. You’ll still need quality base layers and mid layers, but you don’t have to buy everything yourself.

How many layers should I wear in Lapland?
Generally three – a thermal base layer, a fleece or wool mid layer, and then your snowsuit or ski jacket and trousers on top.

Will normal trainers work as footwear?
No. Trainers will get wet and freeze quickly. Waterproof snow boots with thick soles are essential.

Is it safe to bring cameras and phones in the cold?
Yes, but batteries drain quickly. Keep spares in an inside pocket close to your body to keep them warm.

What about toddlers and babies?
It is possible, but you’ll need to be extra prepared. A baby carrier with a wind- and waterproof cover is better than a buggy in the snow, and make sure little ones have thermal all-in-ones, warm mittens and extra blankets.

Can I rent clothing in Lapland instead of buying?
Yes, some resorts and tour operators offer clothing hire. This can be cost-effective if you don’t want to invest in gear you’ll rarely use again. 

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Check out our full guide to Lapland with kids here.