I will spend around 4 weeks in far-north Scandinavia. I am wondering what I should take there. I am expecting freezing weather and little daytime. I will do some outside work, also in the snow, e.g. some builsing maintainance and cleaning snow.
I have not been that far north yet, so what kind of clotting should I bring specifically? Also, are there some general things I should consider?
Gin and tonic
For the outer layer, do not go with synthetic stuff, despite what people will tell you. An oversized Icelandic wool sweater or similar will catch snow and wind much more effectively (and dry in no time when indoors.
Layers - get a good base layer, merino wool is the gold standard for these. You also want to get a neck gaiter, plus some merino wool socks, and some kind of cap. These will keep you warm and dry throughout most cold weather. Add more layers on top when outside, and remember to remove layers proactively if you feel yourself starting to sweat - it’s never a good idea to be wet in cold weather. The base layer will make physical exertion a pretty hot affair quite fast, so you’d be surprised how fast the sweat starts pouring.
… A sunny disposition?
Northern scandinavian, here.
This depends on where specifically. Near the ocean it’s not that cold at the moment (well, depends what you’re used to, I guess. I get around fine with t-shirt and a light jacket. Temp varies between 5C and 15C nowadays.But in general, I suggest you bring a sweater , some woollen socks, and a jacket that can handle rain/slush/snow. Staying dry means staying warm. Dressing with layers is better than one thick coat.
Snow will set in soon, though, so if you’re going to be working outside I recommend some gloves. Preferably two pairs, so one can dry off while you’re wearing the other pair.
May I ask where specifically you’re going? Coast vs inland makes A LOT of difference. Humidity can make 5C near the coast feel colder than -20C inland. Plus wind isn’t as much of a factor far away feom the ocean.
You going sometime soon? Around December the temps tend to plunge and Jan-Feb can be really cold, somewhere around -40C, potentially with some wind and blowing snow making it feel even colder. Highly recommend good outside set, with winter boots, gloves and the rest of clothing meant for that sort of weather, especially if you expect you would need to be outside for a while. I like the overall type pants and winter rubber boots big enough to fit wool socks in myself. :P Might be difficult to buy good quality stuff if you live somewhere much warmer. Probably worth asking whoever is hosting you for some help there. They might even have extra sets available already. Houses up there are typically very warm, so nothing special needed for inside use. Otherwise maybe a camera that is good in low light if you like to take pictures. Should get some good northern lights and stuff if you’re up there a whole month.
spikes, wool, layered clothing, reflective vest or other reflective gear…
Is it innland, hige land or coastal?
I would how you have a contact they’re who can answer these questions