Winter in Finland is best enjoyed when you’re warm and dry. In this article we give you our best tips on how to dress for cold winter conditions. On our day trips we do not provide clothing — but no worries! In Ruka–Kuusamo you can easily find places to rent winter thermal clothing, and we’re sure you already have many useful items at home. So, let’s begin!
1. Multiple layers
Multiple thin layers allow you to regulate your heat much more easily. If you are too warm, take one layer off. If you are too cold, add one. Simple!
It’s not nice to be cold, but when you move your body produces a lot of heat — which means you sweat. And this brings us to point number two.
2. Stay dry
When your clothing is wet or even slightly moist, you will get cold much faster. Being able to easily take one layer off means you can avoid sweating in the first place and that’s why layered wool clothing is the best for Winter in Finland! Wool is a material that feels warm even when moist.
3. Avoid cotton — use wool instead
This connects with point number two. Cotton does not wick moisture away from your body and it dries very slowly. This makes you feel cold.
Merino wool, on the other hand, keeps you warm even when it is damp.
4. Leave space between the layers
Spending winter in Finland outdoors is not a fashion contest — the goal is to stay warm. What keeps you warm is your own body heat. Air gaps between layers help keep your body heat close to your skin, so avoid too tight clothes.
Bulky is warm, tight is cold.
5. Focus on shoulders, neck and head
Even a light breeze can make you feel cold very fast. A scarf (or buff), a balaclava and a hat covers the most important parts, so please focus to keep this area warm!. If your eyes are sensitive or you simply don’t like wind on your face, glasses or goggles are useful.
6. Keep moving
Everything that stays still freezes. The lakes freeze, but flowing water stays liquid. Same idea in your case — keep moving to stay warm. Think of penguins in the Arctic: movement and hugging makes them survive.
7. Warm boots
Warm boots are a game changer! The thicker the sole the warmer they’ll be. We also recommend shoes with a high shaft to avoid ending up with snow inside the boot. A warm winter boot is also one or two sizes bigger than your usual size.
8. Recommended Clothing
As we mentioned earlier: many thin layers. Below is the list of layers from the closest to your body to the outermost one.
- Base layer: long johns and long-sleeve top (if possible merino wool)
- Woollen socks: one thin pair + one thick pair
- Fleece or hoodie
- Buff or balaclava
- Hat (preferably wool; one thin + one thick is ideal)
- Mittens or other warm winter gloves
- Overall or breathable, windproof jacket and trousers
- Good winter boots (1–2 sizes bigger than your normal size)
- Backpack with extra layers. It’s always better to have a bit more than too little. You can pack one or two extra layers, down jacket, extra socks, a thermos with a warm drink, a headlamp, hand/foot warmers, and some snacks for energy.
We hope this article helps you prepare for your adventures during winter in Finland!
We also recommend watching our video on how to dress for winter, and if you have more questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
Stay warm and see you soon!
