What to Wear on a Husky Sled Ride in Lapland: A Simple Packing Guide for Winter in Rovaniemi
With the possibility of temperatures dropping to −30°C it’s essential for both comfort and safety that you know how to properly dress during your stay in the Arctic. This simple, clear guide tells you exactly what to wear so you stay warm and enjoy every moment.
Why Dressing Correctly Matters So Much
Rovaniemi in winter is genuinely cold. Temperatures regularly fall between −15°C and −25°C, and in January they can reach −35°C. On a husky sled, the wind from the moving sled makes you feel even colder — the windchill effect can make the air feel 5 to 10 degrees colder than it actually is.
The good news: cold in Finnish Lapland is a dry cold, which is much easier to manage than the damp cold of, for example, the northern United States, the UK or northern Europe. If you dress correctly, you will be comfortable and enjoy every second. If you under-dress, you will spend the whole time thinking about being cold instead of enjoying the ride.
There is a famous Nordic saying: “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” This is true. Follow this guide and you will be fine.
The Golden Rule: Three Layers
The secret to staying warm in Arctic conditions is wearing three layers of clothing. Each layer has a job to do:
Layer 1: The Base Layer (Next to Your Skin)
This layer keeps you dry by moving sweat away from your body. The most important rule: never use cotton for this layer. Cotton absorbs moisture and holds it against your skin, making you cold very quickly.
Use wool (especially merino wool) or synthetic materials like polyester or polypropylene instead. These materials move moisture away from your skin and keep you warm even if they get a little damp.
- Good: merino wool thermal top and leggings
- Good: synthetic thermal underwear (polyester, polypropylene)
- Bad: cotton t-shirt or cotton underwear
Layer 2: The Middle Layer (For Warmth)
This layer traps warm air close to your body. Wool and fleece both work excellently. This layer should be warm but not so thick that it restricts your movement.
- Good: wool jumper (sweater) or wool shirt
- Good: fleece jacket or fleece pullover
- Good: thick thermal trousers or fleece-lined leggings
- Bad: denim jeans (too thin, they freeze quickly in the cold)
Layer 3: The Outer Layer (Protection from Wind and Snow)
This layer protects you from wind, snow, and moisture from outside. It should be windproof and at least water-resistant. A quality winter jacket that covers your hips or thighs is ideal, along with waterproof winter trousers or ski trousers.
At Santa’s Husky Rides, warm blankets are provided and available on the sled.
Footwear: The Most Important Item
Cold feet are the most common complaint from visitors to Lapland. Your boots are critical.
- Wear proper winter boots rated for temperatures below −20°C if possible.
- Choose boots that are slightly larger than your normal size. This allows warm air to circulate inside.
- Wear wool socks (never cotton socks). Two thin wool socks are better than one thick cotton sock.
- Make sure your boots have good grip on ice and snow.
If you do not own winter boots, you can rent thermal boots in Rovaniemi. Many outdoor shops and tour operators offer boot rental.
Hands and Head: Do Not Underestimate These
Your hands and head lose heat very quickly in the cold.
Gloves and Mittens
Mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves because your fingers can share heat with each other. If you wear gloves, choose insulated winter gloves rated for Arctic temperatures. A good option is thin liner gloves worn inside mittens — the liner gloves let you use your phone or camera without exposing your hands to the cold for too long.
Hat
Up to 40% of your body heat can be lost through your head. A warm hat that covers your ears is essential. Bring more than one hat — if one gets wet or damp, you can change to a dry one.
Scarf or Neck Warmer
A scarf, neck gaiter, or balaclava protects your neck and face from the wind. On a moving husky sled, cold air hits your face directly, so face protection is important.
What Is Provided at Santa’s Husky Rides?
At Santa’s Husky Rides, we provide you with warm blankets on the sled to cover your legs during the ride.
Winter clothing is not included at Santa’s Husky Rides. Please bring or wear your own warm clothing as described in this guide.
Can I Rent Winter Clothing in Rovaniemi?
Yes! If you do not own suitable winter clothing or do not want to carry it in your luggage, you can rent high-quality Arctic winter gear in Rovaniemi. Several shops and tour operators offer thermal overalls, boots, gloves, and hats for daily rental. This is a very practical option, especially for shorter trips.
We recommend booking winter clothing rental in advance, especially in December and January when demand is high.
Quick Clothing Checklist for Lapland
- Base layer: wool or synthetic thermal top and bottoms (NOT cotton)
- Middle layer: wool jumper or fleece jacket + warm trousers
- Outer layer: windproof, waterproof winter jacket (hip-length or longer)
- Outer layer: waterproof ski trousers or winter trousers (NOT jeans)
- Wool socks (2 pairs, in case one gets damp)
- Winter boots rated for cold temperatures, slightly larger than normal size
- Warm hat covering your ears
- Mittens or insulated winter gloves
- Scarf, neck gaiter, or balaclava
- Optional: thin liner gloves for using your phone or camera
- Optional: hand warmers for very cold days
- Optional: sunglasses — bright snow can be dazzling on sunny days
A few more common questions and answers
Do I need to buy special clothing for Lapland?
Not necessarily. If you already have good winter clothing from skiing or other cold-weather activities, it may be sufficient. The key is the layering system and avoiding cotton. If you do not have suitable clothing, you can rent it in Rovaniemi.
What should children wear on a husky ride in Lapland?
The same layering principle applies to children. Merino wool or synthetic base layers, a warm middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Children feel cold faster than adults, so make sure they are especially well covered — extra socks, mittens, and a face covering are important. Snowsuits for children are available to rent in Rovaniemi.
Is cotton really that bad in Lapland?
Yes. Cotton absorbs moisture (from sweat or snow) and holds it against your skin. In cold temperatures, damp cotton feels icy and you cool down very quickly. This is why experienced guides say “cotton kills” in Arctic conditions. Replace all cotton base layers with wool or synthetic materials.
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