The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Jacket for Winter in Lapland

Visiting Finnish Lapland means preparing for some of the coldest temperatures you’ll ever experience. With winter temperatures often plummeting to -20°C (-4°F) and sometimes even lower, having the right jacket is essential for staying warm, comfortable and enjoying all the incredible Arctic experiences on offer.

This ultimate guide to buying a jacket for winter in Lapland, will help you choose the best jacket for sub-zero temperatures, ensuring you’re well-equipped for Lapland’s extreme cold.

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What to look for in a jacket for Lapland

Insulation: Down vs. Synthetic

• Down Insulation: Provides the best warmth-to-weight ratio. Ideal for dry, extremely cold conditions, but loses effectiveness when wet.
• Synthetic Insulation: Retains warmth even when damp. Bulkier than down but a great option for snowy or mixed-weather conditions.

Recommended Fill Power & Weight:

• Down Jackets: Look for at least 600 fill power, ideally 800+ for extreme cold.
• Synthetic Jackets: Aim for jackets with at least 200g/m² of insulation.

2. Waterproofing & Wind Resistance

Lapland is snowy rather than rainy, but staying dry is still crucial.

• Water-resistant or Waterproof Jackets: Look for jackets with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating.
• Windproof Materials: Essential for blocking icy Arctic winds and preventing heat loss.

3. Layering Compatibility

The best approach for extreme cold is layering:

• Base Layer: A moisture-wicking thermal (merino wool or synthetic).
• Mid Layer: A fleece or down jacket for added insulation.
• Outer Layer: A waterproof, windproof, insulated jacket.

Your jacket should have enough room for layers without being too bulky or restrictive.

4. Hood, Cuffs and Collar Design

• Adjustable Hood: Preferably insulated and deep to fit over hats.
• High Collar: Helps keep wind and cold air out.
• Adjustable Cuffs & Hem: Prevents cold air from entering.

5. Practical Features

• Zipper Quality: Look for heavy-duty, two-way zippers.
• Pockets: Hand-warmer pockets and interior pockets for valuables.
• Faux Fur Trim: Helps block wind around the face.

Recommended jackets for Lapland travel

Women’s Triple C Parka

Warmth meets urban style

Stay warm and stylish with the Women’s Triple C Parka, designed for cold city streets and outdoor adventures. Featuring 600-fill recycled waterfowl down, a non-PFC DWR finish for water resistance, and an adjustable hood, it offers superior warmth and protection.

The two-way VISLON® front zip allows for easy movement, while dual-entry hand pockets provide warmth and secure storage. Elasticated cuffs help seal in heat, and an embroidered logo adds a signature (The North Face) touch.

Features:
✔ Relaxed fit for easy layering
✔ 600-fill recycled waterfowl down for lightweight warmth
✔ Water-resistant non-PFC DWR finish
✔ Adjustable hood & two-way zipper for flexibility
✔ Dual-entry hand pockets for warmth and storage

Perfect for urban winters and outdoor escapes, the Triple C Parka is your go-to for Lapland winter comfort.

Women’s Aconcagua Parka (The North Face)

Lightweight warmth with wind protection

Stay warm and protected in the Women’s Aconcagua Parka, designed for cold, windy conditions. Featuring a 600-fill recycled down and polyester blend, along with WindWall™ fabric, this parka provides insulation and wind resistance without excess bulk.

The non-PFC DWR finish repels light moisture, while the zoned synthetic insulation in the hood and side panels ensures warmth even in damp conditions. An adjustable three-piece hood, secure-zip handwarmer pockets, and elastic-bound cuffs enhance comfort and functionality.

Features:
✔ Standard fit for all-day comfort
✔ Wind-resistant WindWall™ fabric for added protection
✔ 600-fill recycled down & polyester blend insulation for lightweight warmth
✔ Zoned synthetic insulation for wet-weather performance
✔ Adjustable hood & secure-zip pockets for warmth and convenience

Perfect for city commutes and outdoor adventures, the Aconcagua Parka delivers the ideal balance of warmth, wind protection and versatility.

Men’s HMLYN Down Parka

Ultimate warmth with wind protection

Built for extreme cold, the Men’s HMLYN Down Parka combines 550-fill goose down insulation with wind-resistant WindWall™ fabric, keeping you warm and protected in harsh conditions.

Durable overlays on the yoke, sleeves, and cuffs enhance longevity, while the non-PFC DWR finish repels light moisture. A three-piece adjustable hood, storm flap-covered front zip, and drawcord hem provide extra defence against the elements. Multiple secure-zip pockets, including an internal chest pocket, offer convenient storage.

Features:
✔ Relaxed fit for layering and comfort
✔ 550-fill goose down insulation for superior warmth
✔ WindWall™ fabric for wind resistance
✔ Durable overlays & water-repellent finish for added protection
✔ Adjustable hood, cuffs, and hem for a custom fit
✔ Multiple zippered pockets for secure storage

Designed for urban streets and outdoor adventures, the HMLYN Down Parka delivers rugged warmth and weather resistance in a bold, functional design.

Men’s Driftview Anorak

Built for epic snow adventures

Designed for snowsports and mountain conditions, the Men’s Driftview Anorak offers waterproof, breathable protection with its DryVent™ 2L shell and non-PFC DWR finish to keep you dry and comfortable.

A helmet-compatible adjustable hood, underarm venting, and side-entry zip provide enhanced mobility, breathability, and easy on/off convenience. Multiple pockets, including a stacked kangaroo pocket with cord routing and a snap-closure wrist pocket, offer secure storage for essentials.

Features:
✔ Standard fit for easy layering
✔ DryVent™ 2L shell for waterproof, breathable protection
✔ Recycled nylon & polyester materials for sustainability
✔ Helmet-compatible adjustable hood for full coverage
✔ Underarm vents & side-entry zip for temperature control and accessibility
✔ Multiple secure pockets for organised storage

Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and winter adventures, the Driftview Anorak delivers the protection, comfort, and performance you need on the slopes and beyond.

Columbia Men’s Whirlibird IV Interchange Jacket

Budget friendly

Designed for ultimate adaptability, the Columbia Men’s Whirlibird IV Interchange Jacket is a 3-in-1 winter essential, perfect for varying conditions. Featuring a waterproof, breathable Omni-Tech™ shell and a heat-retaining Omni-Heat™ reflective inner jacket, this system provides customisable warmth and protection.

The zip-in interchange system allows you to wear the insulated liner or shell separately or combine them for maximum warmth. A removable, adjustable hood, critically seam-sealed construction, and Thermarator™ insulation ensure all-day comfort, whether you’re on the slopes or exploring in the cold.

Features:
✔ 3-in-1 design for versatile wear in all winter conditions
✔ Omni-Tech™ waterproof, breathable shell for weather protection
✔ Omni-Heat™ reflective lining to retain body heat
✔ Thermarator™ insulated liner for lightweight warmth
✔ Removable, adjustable hood for added coverage
✔ Critically seam-sealed construction to keep moisture out

Ideal for outdoor adventures and everyday winter wear, the Whirlibird IV Interchange Jacket delivers customisable warmth, protection, and comfort in any weather.

Patagonia Women’s Snowdrifter Jacket

Lightweight, weatherproof protection for snow adventures

Designed for deep powder and backcountry exploration, the Patagonia Women’s Snowdrifter Jacket combines lightweight mobility with waterproof protection. Crafted from 3-layer H2No® Performance Standard fabric, this jacket offers breathability, durability, and complete weather resistance, making it ideal for demanding winter conditions.

The helmet-compatible hood ensures full coverage, while underarm vents provide temperature regulation during high-output activities. Multiple pockets, including a zippered chest pocket and handwarmer pockets, offer secure storage, and an adjustable hem and cuffs help seal out snow and wind.

Features:
✔ 3-layer H2No® Performance Standard fabric for waterproof, breathable protection
✔ Lightweight construction for mobility and comfort
✔ Helmet-compatible hood with adjustable features for full coverage
✔ Underarm vents for improved airflow and temperature control
✔ Multiple zippered pockets for secure storage
✔ Adjustable cuffs and hem to keep out snow and wind
✔ Fair Trade Certified™ sewn for ethical production

Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and winter adventures, the Snowdrifter Jacket delivers all-weather protection and performance, making it an excellent choice for exploring the stunning (but cold) winter landscapes of Lapland.

Columbia Women’s Whirlibird IV Interchange Jacket

Budget friendly

Stay warm, dry, and ready for any winter adventure with the Columbia Women’s Whirlibird IV Interchange Jacket. This 3-in-1 system includes a waterproof, breathable Omni-Tech™ shell and a heat-retaining Omni-Heat™ reflective liner, providing customisable warmth and weather protection.

The insulated inner jacket features synthetic down and thermal reflective lining, keeping you warm even in freezing conditions. Designed for skiing and outdoor activities, it includes an adjustable hood, underarm venting, a snap-back powder skirt, and multiple secure pockets for added convenience.

Features:
✔ 3-in-1 design for versatile layering options
✔ Omni-Tech™ waterproof, breathable shell for weather protection
✔ Omni-Heat™ reflective liner for superior warmth retention
✔ Synthetic down insulation for lightweight heat retention
✔ Ski-ready features, including a powder skirt, ski pass pocket, and goggle pocket
✔ Adjustable hood, cuffs, and hem for a secure, comfortable fit

Whether hitting the slopes or braving winter storms, the Whirlibird IV Interchange Jacket delivers adaptable warmth, weather resistance, and all-day comfort in any cold-weather setting.

Patagonia Men’s Triolet Jacket

Rugged waterproof protection for alpine conditions

Built for extreme alpine environments, the Patagonia Triolet Jacket is a durable, waterproof, and windproof shell designed to thrive in cold, snowy conditions. Crafted from 3-layer GORE-TEX fabric with a 100% recycled polyester outer, it delivers reliable breathability, weather protection and sustainability.

The helmet-compatible hood with a laminated visor provides excellent coverage, while two-way pit zips allow for ventilation without sacrificing protection. Multiple pockets ensure secure storage, and an adjustable hem and cuffs help seal out the elements. A concealed RECCO® reflector enhances searchability in emergencies, making this jacket a true alpine essential.

Features:
✔ 3-layer GORE-TEX for waterproof, windproof, and breathable protection
✔ 100% recycled polyester outer for durability and sustainability
✔ Helmet-compatible hood with reinforced brim for visibility in tough conditions
✔ Two-way pit zips for temperature regulation
✔ Multiple pockets designed for accessibility with a harness or pack
✔ Adjustable cuffs and hem for a secure fit
✔ RECCO® reflector for added searchability
✔ Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory

Whether scaling peaks or braving backcountry storms, the Triolet Jacket delivers the ultimate in cold-weather performance and eco-conscious design, making it a reliable choice for exploring the extreme winter conditions of Lapland.

What we wore in winter in Lapland

Our boys were aged 8 and 10 at the time of travel. They wore Kathmandu Youth Snow Jackets. We bought them online and on sale. They were fabulous! They wore them every day of our trip and varied what layers they wore underneath. The boys wore them for years and the quality was outstanding!

I took two jackets. I could have got away with one but I enjoyed having two and definitely wore both! The long one was from Anaconda. It was great to have the length on it as it gave my backside a bit more warmth. It is interchangeable and has a zip out puffer inside. I didn’t remove it. It had a nice spacious hood to fit a beanie – super handy and highly recommend!! I mostly wore this one outside the really cold climates.

My second jacket and the one that my husband also wore was a Mont branded jacket. We felt like Michelin Men wearing them but they were amazingly warm! They were not cheap but we’d had them for a previous trip to Tibet in 2010, knew they were warm and packed down well. I liked this jacket for activities that were more active as I was able to move more freely.

Final tips for staying warm in Lapland

1. Layer smartly: Avoid sweating, as moisture can make you colder.
2. Use Hand Warmers: Keep extras in your pockets.
3. Invest in quality Base Layers: Merino wool is best.
4. Don’t forget accessories: A warm hat, gloves, and a neck gaiter are essential.
5. Choose function over fashion: A stylish jacket won’t help if it doesn’t keep you warm!

Where to buy your jacket?

You can find these jackets at:

• Wild Earth (Great range of outdoor gear in Australia)
• Amazon AU (Good deals on winter gear – take care to make sure the quality is up to scratch!)
• The North Face, Arc’teryx & Patagonia for great quality and reputable brands
• Helly Hanson for more budget friendly options
• Outdoor Retailers like Anaconda & Kathmandu

Want more tips for packing for Lapland? Check out our Ultimate Lapland Packing Guide!

With the right jacket, you’ll be able to fully enjoy everything Lapland has to offer – whether it’s husky sledding, Northern Lights hunting, or simply staying cosy in a winter wonderland.