Layering to keep warm for dummies...in Finland / Lapland not skiing...

[FusionChefGeoff]

We are off to Finland but for a non-ski holiday so won't have the benefit of being particularly active to keep warm. We have some more physical stuff planned but there's also a couple of snowmobile / sled type experiences and I'm very concerned about staying warm.

Hotel will provide snowsuits, boots, woollen socks and waterproof mittens.

We all have a merino base layer, lots of sports skins eg. under armour or leggings / tights and long sleeve lightweight fleece type tops. I have disposable hand and boot warmers on orders. We also have snoods, a couple of buffs, beanies / bobble hats, thin sports style gloves and some extra lambswool socks.

My main question is around the science of layering!

I've definitely seen that the natural merino / wool stuff is the most effective but I am now massively overthinking it.

Am I right in saying that you really need the merino layer next to your skin?? Mainly asking as the sports skins are so tight it could be a bit uncomfortable to get them on over the merino. But also because DD is quite sensitive to fabrics etc. and was complaining that they were itchy! So if she puts a polyester skin on first and then a merino layer does that work???

Thanks so much - grateful for any advice..

Idk about the merino, but get a coat one size bigger than usual to accommodate the layers. The layers work by trapping air so you need to leave room for air. Also it means you can move your arms easier.

We've recently been to Lapland doing the same activities. I found a long sleeve thermal vest with a fleece over was best. The snowsuits they provide for activities are really good. Take woollen hats and good gloves. If you are snowmobiling they normally provide a long insulated coat to go over the snowsuit. We weren't cold.
Sock wise a thick woollen pair over a thinner pair is sufficient.

Sounds like you have what you need.

Wool next to skin is good, but if a different layer is needed underneath for comfort, that will also be fine.

If these sports skins are tight enough to be constricting, abandon them. If just comfortably close-fitting, then that’s fine.

How cold is forecast? Wrap up for transport to hotel. If under say minus 5, wear merino or other long underwear layer under your usual clothes.

Wool socks not cotton. Wool and down are best materials for warmth.

If cold, chase each other until warm. Or dance.

Bobble hats need to have fleecy lining or they'll be useless if really cold/windy.

(it gets well below -20 where i live)

This is an excellent tip thank you we’ve got loads to choose from but I didn’t know that so will make sure we focus on the lined ones!

It’s forecast minus 16!

And if you wear glasses please make sure you have a balaclava because if metal framed they WILL stick to your face!! (Don't ask me how I know LOL) It's unlikely to be -16 as that's winter temperatures. I lived in Finland for 2 years. Layering best to approach how you'd dress a baby, vest, short sleeve t shirt, long sleeved top type idea. With what you have, don't wear too tight.

I do wear glasses!! But they’re plastic framed so hopefully I’ll be ok???

I have another question; do you just wear normal trainers on the plane?? As we get snow boots from the hotel? Or should we still bring our own heavy duty boots?

And then when you eg go out in the evening, do you wear snow boots?? Or will they have gritted / clear pavements between eg apartments and hotel restaurant?? Sorry I’m so clueless!!

They take snow clearance very seriously. But, you can still encounter ice, so best to have something that you're comfortable wearing. Used to amaze me that women in Finland tend to wear footwear similar to loafers when going out, probably because they're easier to change. I used snow boots.

They’ll have gritted paths, but you’ll want snow boots to keep your feet warm. I’d wear warm boots on the plane and to the hotel, not trainers. Minus 16 is really very cold.

My trainers have been in storage on the out-of-season shelves since November and it’s 5-10 degrees warmer where I am. They’ll come out again in May. Possibly April with luck.