Ultimate Guide to Mushing Gear: Essential Tips for Staying Warm in Finnish Lapland

Hey there, adventurers! Ready to gear up? When you’re mushing in Finnish Lapland, where it can get as chilly as -40 degrees, staying warm isn’t just comfy—it’s crucial. Let’s dive into the essentials of mushing wear and gear. Trust me, it’s like building a cozy fort, layer by layer. On the end of my post you will find some personal Pro-Tips and a Video which shows you how to pack your stuff ⬇️😎 🎦 Check out the Video 🙂

Layer Up, Stay Warm

• Base Layer: Start with long undies, the special kind, preferably wool or silk. And don’t forget thin wool socks.
• Middle Layer 1: Over that, add something light, like a thin wool shirt or a turtleneck, maybe some light pants. This layer’s your secret weapon against the cold but can take a hike when it’s milder. And here, the sock game levels up to thick wool.
• Middle Layer 2: Next up, beef it up with some thicker wool or fleece gear for that snug-as-a-bug feel.
• Outer Layer: Top it off with a windproof anorak or overall, a warm hat, some mittens, and winter boots, which, by the way, we got from the camp. Handy, right?
• Gear We Got Hooked Up With

The camp had us covered with some serious gear:

• A suit that’s like a personal no-freeze bubble
• A “Barbour Cleadon” trapper hat, because ears are important
• Boots that laugh in the face of cold
• Gloves that let you grip and rip without frostbite
• What You Should Pack

⬅️ look at that lovely group picture. The suits make it even sexier…don’t you agree?

🤭🤢👃🏼The suits are not only keeping you warm, they also cover your clothes from dirt and the dog smell 😉

Even with the camp’s hookup, you’ll want your own kit ready:

• Wool base layers, because chilly is not chill
• A fleece pullover for the cozy factor
• Ski pants and a ski jacket to seal in the warmth (and that you don’t have to wear your suit 24/7)
• More wool socks, because cold feet are where fun goes to die
• Gloves, because fingers
• A neck warmer and ski goggles to keep the frost at bay
• Comfy house clothes for lounging in the cabin
• Don’t Forget the Essentials

For the full mushing experience, make sure you’ve got:

• A thermos, because warm drinks are a hug from the inside
• A sleeping bag that’s like a portable bed of warmth
• Towels and slippers for that sauna life
• Eco-friendly soap, ’cause Mother Nature is our host
• A headlamp, because it’s really, really dark out there
• A power bank, for all your chargeable needs
• Sunglasses and sunscreen, because yes, you can still get sunburned
• Snacks, for munching on the move

Personal Pro-Tips

I splurged on heated socks and warmed my hands with heat packs – game changers, folks! We could only bring backpacks up to 6kg, which sounds like packing for a space mission. But honestly, you won’t need much. Most of your time is spent mushing with the dogs, and they’re the best distraction from any “missing item” woes.

Check out the video to see how it is possible to pack aaaaaall that gear in one single bag!

So, there you have it—the insider’s guide to staying toasty while sliding through the snow with your furry squad. Stick around, ’cause next time, we’re talking about the stunning team of dogs that’ll make you want to mush forever. Stay warm, stay tuned!

Check out my other Posts about my Mushing Experience:

• A Mushing Adventure in Finnish Lapland

• Meet the Sled Dog Stars: The Remarkable Companions of Our Arctic Mushing Adventure

• Winter Wonderland: Mushing and Magic in Finnish Lapland
• Explore Finnish Lapland: How a Dog Sled Team Powers Through the Arctic

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