How to Gear Up in Lapland: Everything You Need to Know

Joonas
Sep 2
3 min read

So, you’ve booked a trip to Lapland! Congratulations, adventurer. You’re about to enter a world of snowy forests, reindeer traffic jams, and Northern Lights that look like they’ve been Photoshopped. But before you hop on that husky sled or go hunting for Santa Claus, let’s talk about the most important part of your trip: how not to freeze into a human popsicle.

Step 1: Embrace the Onion Philosophy

Forget fashion magazines—your new style icon is the onion. Dressing in layers is the golden rule of Lapland survival. Why? Because the weather here is sneaky. One minute you’re sweating from pulling a sled, the next you’re questioning whether your toes are still attached.

The three-layer system:

Base Layer (a.k.a. The Sweat Manager): Go for merino wool or thermals. Cotton is your enemy—it clings to moisture like a toddler to a candy bar.
Mid Layer (a.k.a. The Heat Trapper): Fleece, wool sweaters, or even a puffy down jacket. Think of this as your portable fireplace.
Outer Layer (a.k.a. The Storm Shield): Waterproof, windproof, snowproof. Basically, the superhero cape that keeps Lapland’s icy claws at bay.

Pro tip: Don’t want to buy all three layers for a one-week holiday? At Winterent, you can rent complete Arctic sets for adults and kids—including snowsuits, boots, mittens, hats, and more—tailored for the real Lapland weather.

Step 2: Protect the Extremities (Yes, All of Them)

Your head, hands, and feet are where the cold attacks first. Ignore them, and you’ll regret it faster than saying “just one more selfie.”

Hat: Must cover the ears. Bonus points if it makes you look like an Arctic explorer—or a cute garden gnome.
Gloves & Mittens: Mittens win the warmth game, but pair them with thin liner gloves so you can still text or snap photos without sacrificing fingers to frostbite.
Socks: Wool, thick, and layered. Make sure boots aren’t too tight, or you’ll have toesicles instead of toes.
Boots: Big, insulated, and waterproof. If they look like moon boots, you’re doing it right.

Winterent provides all of these essentials—professionally cleaned, high-quality gear designed in collaboration with Kuoma, the legendary Finnish winter brand.

Step 3: Bring Out the Secret Weapons

Hand warmers. Foot warmers. Pocket warmers. These little packets of happiness can save your day (and your mood). Pop them in your mittens, boots, or pockets and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.

Step 4: Face the Cold Like a Local

Cover your face: A neck gaiter or balaclava saves your cheeks from becoming frozen beef jerky.
Lip balm and moisturizer: The Arctic wind is not skincare-friendly. Trust us.
Sunglasses or goggles: Snow glare can be blinding—plus, goggles make you look like a superhero.

Step 5: Survival Tips Straight from Lapland

Keep moving! Standing still makes you colder. Do a little snow dance if necessary.
Don’t overdress indoors. Sweating inside means chills outside.
Rent your gear! Unless you live in the Arctic, you don’t need a €500 snowsuit in your closet. Winterent makes life easy—you book online, pick up at your destination, and voilà, instant polar explorer.

Where to Find Winterent

We’ve got you covered in all the main Arctic hotspots (and even before you head north):

Rovaniemi – The official hometown of Santa Claus
Levi – The lively, modern ski resort
Saariselkä – Wilderness vibes in the far north
Ruka – A winter sports paradise
Helsinki – Perfect for gearing up before your trip north
Haparanda – Right on the Swedish-Finnish border
Reykjavik – For your Arctic adventures in Iceland

Final Thought

Dressing for Lapland isn’t about looking sleek—it’s about surviving, thriving, and having the time of your life. If you feel like a Michelin Man, you’re probably dressed just right. Remember: warm kids = happy parents, and warm toes = happy memories.

With Winterent’s rental service, you don’t have to worry about buying, packing, or carrying heavy Arctic gear. Just pick it up where you need it and focus on what matters most: enjoying the magic of Lapland.

Now go chase those Northern Lights—you’re geared up like a pro!