Norway winter essentials: our guide to dressing warm
With frozen waterfalls and snowy mountain tops, winter is an enchanting time to visit the Fjords. As long as we dress appropriately, we can enjoy sub zero temperatures in comfort. In this blogpost we will guide you through how we dress for a comfortable nature experience in winter.
Dressing warmly for winter: 3 simple steps:
1. Baselayer
Long sleeve wool top
Long wool underwear
wool socks (one liner and one thick sock)
2. Insulation layer
Wool jumper or thick fleece
Down or synthetic jacket
3. Outer layers
Windproof jacket
Windproof ski or snowboard pants.
Hat
Gloves or mittens
Neck warmer, buff or scarf
Winter boots with solid treads and warm insulation
Obs: Moon boots are a little difficult to combine with snowshoes. A regular winter booth is recommended for snowshoe hikes.
We recommend that you always check the weather before going out on an adventure. We recommend YR.no.
If you arrive underdressed or you forgot to pack something. Check out the local shop Mall of Norway for your new outdoor gear.
Baselayer - The first layer, closest to you skin.
Image shows base layers from Skogstad for illustrating purposes. From left: Light fleece, wool tights, wool top and two pairs of wool socks.
Wool longs sleeve top
Or synthetic/ light fleece long sleeve top
Wool tights
Thin wool socks
Tick wool socks
Wool will also keep you warm, even if it gets wet.
For your innermost layer, we always recommend our guests wear wool. Wool is an excellent insulator and helps keep moisture away from your skin, ensuring you stay dry and warm. Wool base layers will maintain warmth even if they get wet. Although products made from materials such as merino wool can be pricey, their antibacterial properties mean you can wear them for several days without washing. This durability makes quality woolen undergarments a smart investment for your comfort in cold weather.
Some guests find wool uncomfortable against their skin. If this is the case, consider wearing a synthetic layer underneath your wool garments. While wool allergies are uncommon, fleece is a suitable alternative. Remember, synthetic fleece should be washed in a protective mesh bag to prevent microplastic pollution.
For your feet, woolen socks are ideal. Some of our guides suggest wearing a thin inner sock with a thick insulating sock over it. This combination can help prevent blisters and keep your toes warm on the coldest days. Investing in good quality woolen socks will ensure your feet stay cozy and comfortable.
Insulation - For added warmth
From left: Thick fleece jumpers, down jacket and syntetic jackets from Skogstad.
Thick Wool or fleece jumper
Down jacket
Syntetic Jacket
For optimal insulation, layering is key.
Start with a wool jumper on those really cold days, which provides excellent warmth and breathability.
Over the wool jumper, a down jacket is ideal for its unmatched warmth-to-weight ratio, ensuring maximum heat retention without added bulk.
However, if conditions are wet or you anticipate exposure to moisture, a synthetic jacket serves as a better insulating layer. Synthetic insulation retains its warmth even when wet, providing reliable protection in damp conditions.
Outer layer - Windproof
Shell jacket and trousers from Skogstad.
Windproof jacket
Windproof trousers/ski or snowboard pants
Your outerwear must protect you from the wind. At -5°C, it feels okay standing still, but a 10m/s wind can make it feel like -14°C! You don't need fancy or pricey gear, just windproof will do.
Hat, Gloves and boots
Together, a hat, gloves, and winter boots keep your body warm and protect you from the dangers of cold weather. Whether you’re skiing, doing adventures, or just having fun outdoors.