We’re doing a cruise thru Norway to see the Arctic lights (hopefully) in February. Trying to pack warm enough for the frigid weather and not overpack. We will have access to wash cloths on the ship. This is the one trip I do not want to ‘make do’ & to then be short on warm clothes.
Suggestions?
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
16487 posts
Start with base layers. You might look at the 32Degrees brand which is inexpensive and may be available at your local Costco. If not at your Costco or you don't have a membership then go to their website. I'd get both the shirt and base layer bottoms.
I'm pretty cold hardy so this would not work for me but some people like the lined pants from Eddie Bauer.
Do you do FB? There is a private FB group called Travel Fashion Girl that you can join and there are lots of cold weather posts on there....perhaps too many, lol.
Many will recommend wool base layers but honestly these do not work for me. I am allergic even to the expensive Merino fabrics. They are expensive and if you don't think you'll wear them again I'd go less expensive. Your choice though!
Posted by
6439 posts
Yes definitely try some merino wool before you buy (I typically know immediately if I can tolerate a fabric), but it is outstanding for warmth and even better for not smelling after a couple wears like synthetics. I purchased merino base layers for a trip to Switzerland and it ended up being record warmth, but I am a convert to merino now. Wool socks, leggings, and undershirts are vital to me, then I wear whatever on top.
Base layers are also sold in alternative fabrics like silk.
I would plan to buy a sweater while in Norway if you can. My husband went for work and got me a gorgeous wool sweater that I treasure.
Posted by
Chicago
1180 posts
You tend to lose heat more quickly through your extremities if they are not
sufficiently protected. So on top of the advice of the others, a good stocking
cap, nice gloves, and some sort of wool socks are essential. A neck warmer
would also be a good idea. These are relatively small items that can make
a big difference.
Posted by
Northern Minnesota
934 posts
I wear fleece lined pants from Eddie Bauer. I wear tights under them for another layer. I can easily wash the tights and wear the pants day after day after day. If you want to be a little warmer, you can wear fleece leggings instead of tights.
Around my neck I wear a gaiter from EB (I have 3 to choose from). A warm hat is important.
I wear a long sleeved shirt with either a wool cardigan or a vest over it. I have a WIHOOL LS shirt from Amazon that is very warm. I would wear a heavy hooded coat.
I stand outside for an hour every week and it is my hands and sometimes, toes, that get cold. The Hot Hands products work well for this problem (I'm just too cheap too open a package for an hour). Warm boots are a must. I wear wool socks all year round, but my best socks for the cold are fleece lined wool.
Posted by
Lincoln, NE, USA
34 posts
Pam, Valadelphia and Shoeflyer, Great information. I will be checking out facebook for Travel Fashion Girl Tand all the other companies you all suggested.
Thank you so much for the great advice!
Roxane
Posted by
Lincoln, NE, USA
34 posts
Mnannie, Again great information. I have several wool socks from Ireland. Love them! We are going in May so it will be cold but not the dead of winter. I plan on layers.
Thank you again for the info,
Roxane
Posted by
Chicago
1180 posts
I forgot, you could also invest in hand (or foot) warmers; the pouches that you crack to
start a chemical reaction that releases heat and lasts for a few hours.
Example:
Hand Warmers