Arctic circle and not a thing to wear!

Pee

torbrex wrote: »

If it is a case of having to buy cold weather clothing can I suggest that you wait until you get to your destination. The shops there will cater for all your needs and will be in a better position to advise you of what you will need to combat the local conditions.
It is unlikely that you will freeze on your arrival and you can ask your hosts or hotel staff where the best place to shop for clothes is to be found then go shopping for a couple of hours and you will be all set for the rest of your trip.

Although I see what you mean and this is good advice, I don't think it will work well in Norway. Prices in Norway are just so high, because of their taxes and importation needs, that I would try to take essentials from home.

Gigglepig

If you are going on a cruise or a trip organised by an operator it may be worth while checking first if they provide any gear, and what they recommend that you bring. No point in buying things that you can borrow.

Check the weather where you are going, since temperatures vary and you will need to dress accordingly. It is a big difference between -5/10 and -25/30!
It also depends on the activity - e.g. if you cross country ski you may not want too thick clothes since it is really hard work. If you are not physically active then you get cold quickly and need thicker clothes. If you are not going to be in the snow, or do any physical activity, consider whether a long thick coat (fur?) may do, if it is dry and no wind where you are going.

A word of warning - do not expect to be able to go outside in jeans with no wool tights etc. under, they won't keep you warm. Jeans are not good when it gets cold.

For any sort of outdoors activity I would recommend thermal underwear made out of wool, e.g. a long sleeved top & trousers, as well as 1 pair thin and 1 pair thick wool socks. If you want two pairs then you can also look at 1 thick set in wool and one thinner set in a wicking material, but in my experience a wool set is more versatile.

If you have two pairs of trousers to go on top; ideally in gore tex or similar wind and water resistant material, that is great: One that is quite thin and basically just wind proof with a bit of insulation, for mild days and sports that keep you warm, and a thicker well insulated pair to go on top for more sedate activities & being in the snow. Same for jacket - one medium and one really thick one (down may be good). And then a fleece or wool sweater as your middle layer.

For really cold temperatures gloves are not recommended, you need mitts.

Avoid cotton underwear, wool keeps you warm when it is wet but cotton does not.

A thick wool hat may be warmer than a thin synthetic one - bring both if you have.

Outdoors shops here in the UK may have disposable hand warmers, or those you can boil and reuse, those may be good to slip into your boots and gloves.

Make sure your boots are not too small - you need plenty of space for the wool socks, and if they are too small it is easier to freeze because the air inside the boots insulate. Consider 1 size bigger than what you would wear with thin cotton socks.

In really cold temperatures do not wear normal moisturiser - anything that contains water can damage your skin. A greasy lip balm is good, and consider shades and SPF if you go a time of year and place that the sun is out - it can get quite bright in the snow.

If you google layering that may give a good description of how to do it;
http://naturetravels.wordpress.com/2009/01/15/winter-holidays-in-sweden-how-to-dress-for-cold-weather/
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/enviromentalissues/a/how_to_layer.htm

P__G

I would certainly go for layers. Personally I would take a down jacket and a fur coat (for evenings or to be more dressed up). Nothing is warmer than real fur. Also take a good quality hat, don't scrimp on this one.

Have a fabulous trip

Ps, to help yo in the hunt for a fur .....

http://www.thefurcoatshop.co.uk/

http://www.preloved.co.uk/fuseaction-adverts.listadverts/sec-Home+and+Family/cat-Clothing+and+Jewellery/subcat-Women's+Clothes/keyword-fur+coats/d29bcb6f.html

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_nkw=real+fur+coat&_sacat=0&_dmd=2&_odkw=vintage+mink+fur&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313