What shall I pack for a Scandinavian country in October on a budget?

[rusholmemuffins]

Off to a cold place in October. Hardly any money for stuff - trying to make do with what I have, but I definitely need to buy a coat. Thinking of a parka - can't afford the Hush one.

Any ideas?

What's the budget? Tkmaxx are good for brands on a budget I've seen nice North Face winter jackets in there before.

H&M, Asos and Uniqlo have good puffer jackets. I got one for an October Scandi trip two years ago and it kept me SO warm. I also got some thermal tops and leggings to wear under my clothes which were brilliant on a northern lights trip at midnight!

Not really sure of budget - I've seen a parks in H&M for £35 and was tempted, but didn't know if it would be warm enough. I work in a school though, and have to do a lot of outside duties, so I guess I could justify spending a bit more. TKMaxx might be a good option!

Where did you get the thermal items from?

How far north? I've been to Denmark and Sweden in November and it was chilly but not bitter. My normal uk winter coat was fine.

Sports Direct own brand thermals are cheap but work well.

I got mine from M&S but they weren't too expensive. Uniqlo do really reasonable thermals and Primark have super warm tights and leggings. Also you could try h&M for a hoody to layer under a lighter coat.

Depending on where you are you might not need thermals - Stockholm and Copenhagen weren't any colder than here in October but Oslo and Tromso were absolutely FREEZING so you'd need something there!

A vote for thermals, here. I grew up in Nordic countries and thermals make the difference between just not thinking about the weather and, well, just not being comfortable.

I second thermals. I was in Stockholm at Christmas two years ago it was pretty mild for the time of year and with clear blue skies a sweater and thermals was fine I didn't need a coat.

I always get merino wool thermals I find them better than synthetic

Flat boots with a furry lining, warm hat and scarf, and a great moisturiser to protect your skin from chilly winds.

Primark are doing thermals from £5 at the moment. Been to Norway a few times in winter now and took plenty of layers. So I’d wear tights, thermal leggings, thin socks, then thicker boot socks. Long sleeved thermal under layer, tshirt or long sleeved top with hoody then coat.

I also took cereal bars/biscuits in my case as food is really expensive out there!

My experience with Norway in October is that depending on where you are going the south is not that bad cold wise, the mountains has snow, so as Watching says : layers. The key thing with cold countries is always layers, thin, thicker, outer.

TKMaxx usually have ski jackets in last year's colours about now - might be something to consider.

Uniqlo heattech clothing is excellent.

Make sure you have warm socks as cold feet can be miserable.

We went to Stockholm around about now, I think ... (it was a long time ago). It was definitely not summer, though, there was snow on the ground. We took our normal clothes + good socks and packed a few more sweaters/jerseys than usual. As PP said: layers are the key.

We're off to Reykjavik.

Thanks for the layering tips. I'll get some thermal leggings and tops. Primark sounds like a good place to start. And top tip about the moisturiser- any recommendations?

And flat boots with fur lining? Recommendations?

Reykjavik in October looks like 5-10 degrees on average, from a brief check on accuweather, so not dissimilar from the UK.

I use Sorel boots with fake fur lining. Weather in Iceland is unpredictable we were there in March beautiful and sunny one day the next really cold. We were lucky it didn't rain.

For Reykjavik in February I wore fleecy tights from Primark with leggings over the top, a denim skirt and warm boots (my Merrell ones - I wear them here too and love them so worth the investment). On top I had a thin thermal top from M&S, a jumper like I'd wear in the UK (Gap merino ones are great with a code), and my UK winter parka. Plus wool scarf, gloves and hat. For a northern lights tour I wore thermal leggings under lined waterproof trousers. I was honestly never cold.

For Copenhagen in December I wore the same as I would on a cold winter day in the UK.

I've been in Norway in late October and it's been -30

I was in Iceland in Jan last year and just had my normal wool/cashmere pea coat and a jumper. It was fine. Definitely need hat, snowboots and thick socks, thermals and gloves. Also if you go on a tour you can hire a coat/boots for not very much. I am considering going again next month actually - it's cheap at the moment!

I recommend Romika snow boots.