What to Wear for an Aurora Hunting Tour in Finnish Lapland
Intro
Everything you need to stay warm and comfortable during your Northern Lights adventure with Lappiland.
Watching the Northern Lights is an unforgettable experience but Arctic weather can be unpredictable. During our Aurora Hunting tours, temperatures typically range from -10°C to -30°C (14°F to -22°F), depending on the season and weather conditions.
The secret to enjoying your evening outdoors is simple: dress in layers.
At Lappiland, we can provide premium thermal overalls to all guests on request, but wearing the right clothing underneath will ensure you stay warm throughout the experience.
Why Dressing Properly Matters
Aurora Hunting often involves spending extended periods outdoors while waiting for the Northern Lights to appear. Unlike activities where you're constantly moving, you'll spend time standing, walking short distances, and enjoying the peaceful Arctic landscape. You don't want to spend the moments warming up in the van.
Proper clothing allows you to focus on the beauty of the night sky not the cold.
The Three-Layer System
Base Layer – Stay Dry
The base layer sits directly against your skin and helps regulate your body temperature by moving moisture away from your body.
We recommend:
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Merino wool thermal shirt
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Merino wool thermal leggings
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Thin wool or technical socks
Avoid cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture and loses its insulating properties, making you feel cold much faster.
Mid Layer – Keep the Heat
Your middle layer provides insulation by trapping warm air close to your body.
Ideal options include:
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Fleece jacket
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Wool sweater
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Insulated trousers
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Thick best Merino wool socks
If temperatures are particularly cold, wearing two insulating layers is recommended.
Outer Layer – Protection from Wind and Snow
Your outer layer protects you from the Arctic elements.
Wear:
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Winter jacket
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Waterproof or insulated winter trousers
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Warm winter boots
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Wool hat
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Neck warmer or scarf
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Insulated gloves or mittens
Mittens generally keep your hands warmer than gloves in extreme temperatures.
Thermal Overalls
One of the advantages of joining an Aurora Hunting tour with Lappiland is that we can hire
high-quality Arctic thermal overalls for every guest on request.
These professional thermal suits are specially designed for Lapland conditions and add an extra layer of insulation against freezing temperatures.
Please remember that thermal overalls work best when worn over proper layered clothing.
Recommended Footwear
Keeping your feet warm is essential for enjoying your evening.
We recommend:
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Waterproof winter boots - For extra safety and stability, we highly recommend bringing ice cleats (traction grips) that fit over your winter boots.
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Thick merino wool socks
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Enough room inside the boots for air circulation
Avoid wearing boots that are too tight, as they reduce circulation and make your feet colder.
Accessories You'll Appreciate
Don't forget to bring:
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Fully charged phone or camera
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Spare battery or power bank
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Lip balm
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Moisturiser
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Hand warmers (optional)
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Personal medication if needed
Cold temperatures can reduce battery life significantly, so keeping spare batteries in an inside pocket is always a good idea.
What Not to Wear
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Sneakers
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Running shoes
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Cotton hoodies as your only warm layer
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Fashion jackets
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Jeans without thermal layers
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Thin gloves
These items do not provide enough insulation for Arctic winter conditions. You can bring clothes to change for quick photos what you can share online :)
Frequently Asked Questions
Should children dress differently?
Children should follow the same layering principle as adults and wear warm winter boots, hats, mittens and thermal clothing underneath their thermal overalls.
Is it really cold during the tour?
Children should follow the same layering principle as adults and wear warm winter boots, hats, mittens and thermal clothing underneath their thermal overalls.
How Do We Travel During the Aurora Hunting Tour?
We travel in a comfortable 9-seater van specially chosen for small groups, allowing everyone to enjoy a relaxed and personal experience.
Our van is equipped with an additional independent heater that runs continuously throughout the tour, keeping the interior warm and comfortable even during the coldest Arctic nights.
As we search for clear skies and the best Aurora viewing locations, we may visit several different spots during the evening. Between each stop, you'll have the opportunity to warm up inside the heated van while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Finnish Lapland.
This means you won't spend the entire evening standing in the cold. You'll always have a warm place to relax while we continue our search for the Northern Lights.
Ready for Your Aurora Adventure?
Preparing for your Northern Lights tour is easy when you dress in layers and wear appropriate winter clothing.
With our experience we will take you to carefully selected locations away from city lights, giving you the best possible opportunity to witness one of nature's most spectacular displays.
We'll take care of the adventure you simply enjoy the magic of the Arctic night.
See you under the Northern Lights.