Arctic circle and not a thing to wear!

~Chameleon~

poe.tuesday wrote: »

there is a company in the US that has some great stuff which is also cheap, they ship over here and have live help as regards to sizing etc, http://www.sierratradingpost.com/

Do you know whether their footwear sizes are US sizes please? It doesn't state either way or give a UK/EU equivalent, although presumably they will be as it's a US site. I've just spotted some boots I want but don't want to go ordering the wrong size

CurlyGirly21

Check out M and M Direct - they have lots of suitable clothing at great rates. We've just been to Lapland a few weeks ago and temperatures dropped to -31. I bought some gloves which were fantastic: http://www.mandmdirect.com/products-Phoenix-Womens-Eagle-Gore-Tex-Glove-Black_IX17.htm

Have fun!

elsien

Thanks Sus1e - 2 weeks to go and counting! I've found I can fit into childrens thermals which has made things a lot cheaper as well.

poe.tuesday

~Chameleon~ wrote: »

Do you know whether their footwear sizes are US sizes please? It doesn't state either way or give a UK/EU equivalent, although presumably they will be as it's a US site. I've just spotted some boots I want but don't want to go ordering the wrong size

yes, they are US sizes so you will need to ensure you order the right size, you can use their live help who can give or get you more info on their products, they are excellent and also have a fast delivery service to the UK should you need it

look here for a sizing comparison chart
http://www.lapland.fruitbandit.com/size.htm

SpiritofAfrica

Sus1e wrote: »

I am going to Tromso in Northern Norway and have gone with the layering things myself.

I went to an outlet village and bought 3 sets of thermal undies from M+S (on 3for2 at about £8 each), several thin fleece tops which I will wear again anyway for about £15 each and a new thicker fleece top for £5. I also bought hat, and scarf on bogof for £5.

I then went to Costco and got a set of ski trousers and ski gloves for £30 total.

We are not going on a cruise but doing the whole thing ourselves so expect to be out walking etc a lot. So I'm also taking walking boots and thick socks.

If I get chance, I will let you know how I went and what I used/didn't and what I should have bought!

Hi
interested in your thread to Arctic Circle how did you get on, what about your clothes, did you enjoy your trip, we are going in 2 weeks so any advice for us?
thanks CtF

SpiritofAfrica

monkeyspanner wrote: »

Couple of suggestions.
A neck fleece is useful which you can pull up over your mouth.
Get some hand warmer sachets from an outdoor shop.
Don't skimp on gloves and boots.

Keep your carbs intake up and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

Strangely it often doesnt feel that cold because it is so dry. Watch out if is windy. We saw the lights in South Norway a few years ago, its an amazing sight.

thanks for tips, also going to hopefully see Northern lights, still got to buy boots with grips etc. SoA.:T

SpiritofAfrica

yes I have just checked out the M&M Direct site and your right fantastic! thanks CurlyGirley21, hopefully will find what we need, :T
SoA

Pelican_eats_pigeon

SpiritofAfrica wrote: »

Hi
interested in your thread to Arctic Circle how did you get on, what about your clothes, did you enjoy your trip, we are going in 2 weeks so any advice for us?
thanks CtF

I spend quite a lot of time in northern Scandinavia. You will need to wear:

-Sturdy boots with good grip (possibly 1 size larger with an extra pair of thermal socks). Hiking boots are fine as long as they are very waterproof.
-Thermal base layer, this should be wicking (draws any sweat/moisture outside it). No cotton!
-2-3 intermediate layers. The fabric of these is not so important but they should get progressively looser and thicker the further they are from the skin. The idea here is to trap as much air as possible.
-Loose outer coat, preferably windproof and waterproof (something like a skiing jacket). Real fur also works well.
-Thick, well insulated gloves
-A good hat - this is one of the most important things. The big fluffy ones with earflaps that you can tie under the chin are good. Don't attempt to go outside with wet hair.
-2 scarves. One small and thin, one thick and fluffy.

Below the waist you will want a tight layer near the skin (long johns/stockings) and a looser outer layer (you can wear specialist trousers but unless you plan on wading through deep snow, sledding or falling over it's not really necessary, I usually wear some thick jeans). Make sure you tuck your as many of upper layers into your trousers as possible.

It isn't really necessary to have a balaclava or a face protector. It is a good idea however to apply some face cream (that isn't too watery) or your skin will get incredibly dry.

The temperature inland is usually much lower than the temperature at the coast, though it often feels colder by the sea. This is because the air is drier inland and there isn't so much wind.

Make sure you also bring some lighter clothing for indoors as buildings are heated to a higher temperature than in the UK.

SpiritofAfrica

Pelican_eats_pigeon wrote: »

I spend quite a lot of time in northern Scandinavia. You will need to wear:

-Sturdy boots with good grip (possibly 1 size larger with an extra pair of thermal socks). Hiking boots are fine as long as they are very waterproof.
-Thermal base layer, this should be wicking (draws any sweat/moisture outside it). No cotton!
-2-3 intermediate layers. The fabric of these is not so important but they should get progressively looser and thicker the further they are from the skin. The idea here is to trap as much air as possible.
-Loose outer coat, preferably windproof and waterproof (something like a skiing jacket). Real fur also works well.
-Thick, well insulated gloves
-A good hat - this is one of the most important things. The big fluffy ones with earflaps that you can tie under the chin are good. Don't attempt to go outside with wet hair.
-2 scarves. One small and thin, one thick and fluffy.

Below the waist you will want a tight layer near the skin (long johns/stockings) and a looser outer layer (you can wear specialist trousers but unless you plan on wading through deep snow, sledding or falling over it's not really necessary, I usually wear some thick jeans). Make sure you tuck your as many of upper layers into your trousers as possible.

It isn't really necessary to have a balaclava or a face protector. It is a good idea however to apply some face cream (that isn't too watery) or your skin will get incredibly dry.

The temperature inland is usually much lower than the temperature at the coast, though it often feels colder by the sea. This is because the air is drier inland and there isn't so much wind.

Make sure you also bring some lighter clothing for indoors as buildings are heated to a higher temperature than in the UK.

Hi PeP
many thanks for your detailed knowledge! I have written it down and tomorrow I am going shopping etc.
We are actually on a cruise that leaves Tilbury for 2 weeks and going as far up as Alta hopefully to see the Northern lights. once again thanks very much! SoA.:T

Pelican_eats_pigeon

SpiritofAfrica wrote: »

Hi PeP
many thanks for your detailed knowledge! I have written it down and tomorrow I am going shopping etc.
We are actually on a cruise that leaves Tilbury for 2 weeks and going as far up as Alta hopefully to see the Northern lights. once again thanks very much! SoA.:T

If you're on a cruise it will be particularly important for your outer layer to be windproof! Gets VERY windy up the northern coast of Norway.