Snow-covered forests, frozen fjords, and dancing Northern Lights—Scandinavia in winter is a dream. But that dreamy landscape comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to staying warm. With temperatures often plunging below -20°C and wind chills making it feel even colder, choosing the right winter outerwear for Scandinavia becomes less of a style choice and more of a survival necessity.

Whether you're chasing the auroras in Tromsø, exploring the icy wilderness of Swedish Lapland, or cruising through Norway’s majestic fjords, Arctic jackets for travel should top your packing list. This blog is your Scandinavian winter packing guide to help you choose jackets that truly handle Arctic conditions—keeping you warm, mobile, and travel-ready.

Why Specialised Jackets Are Needed for Extreme Cold Travel

Here in Scandinavia, it's not just cold; it's deeply Arctic. Ordinary winter wear will not cut it for here. Jackets for extreme cold travel are intended to withstand high winds, dampness, and freezing temperatures. These jackets have special insulation, windproof materials, and layered construction that traps heat but allows for leakage of some air.

These are the kind of jackets that work outside snowy cities like Stockholm or Helsinki but also in polar environments like Svalbard or Abisko, where winter temperatures can downright kill and the conditions are pretty unpredictable.

Key Features of the Best Travel Jackets for Arctic Weather

Not all jackets are made equal. When picking the best travel jackets for Arctic weather, make sure they check these boxes:

1. The Right Insulation

Keep a jacket that has good quality insulation—either synthetic or down. Synthetic performs better when wet, whereas down works best when the conditions are dry and cold in terms of warmth to weight ratio.

Cold weather dressing tips with Kosha thermals.

The Packable Puffer Jacket for Men by Kosha is a great example: light and warm hybrid that compresses for packing while providing top insulation against harsh Arctic winds.

2. Wind and Water Resistance

Ensure the jacket comes with an outer shell of waterproof nature and able to block the wind. In the Lofoten Islands or Lapland, snowstorms can magically appear out of nowhere, so staying dry is equally important as staying warm.

Add cozy sophistication to your winter wardrobe with Kosha’s Merino wool cardigan.

3. Layering

Layering should be easy and not make you feel like being stuffed into a marshmallow. Layering helps keep you warm when moving from indoor to outdoor environments.

Style up your snow adventures—the trench coat is a sleek pick from Kosha gear for winter vacations in cities or slopes.

Layer your Arctic Jacket with Kosha Men's Full-Sleeves Thermal underneath and a Men's Round-Neck Pullover on top as your mid-layer for an ideal cold-weather outfit.

4. The Cool Stuff

Extra points for adjustable hoods, fleece-lined pockets, storm flaps, and longer cuffs.

Kosha’s Arctic-Ready Outerwear for Men

If you are in search of winter outerwear for Scandinavia that delivers on performance, comfort, and style, Kosha's collection has just what you are looking for. Here are some of the essentials:

Packable Puffer Jacket for Men

The travel jacket you always dreamed of. Insulated, water-resistant, windproof, and, best of all, packable. Or should I say ideal for hopping from Scandinavian cities to remote Arctic outposts?

Why it's perfect: Warm yet packable

Use case: Walking in the city, cruising the fjords, watching the Aurora 

Round Neck Pullover for Men

This one is a very versatile mid-layer that slips under any jacket without bulk. It gives you warmth while indoors and further insulation when layered outdoors.

Why it's perfect: Breathable warmth, sleek look

Use case: Cafes, museums, layering under parkas

Men's Full Sleeves Thermal

Never underestimate your base layer. This one from Kosha hugs your skin and traps body heat, making it ideal for layering under any Arctic jacket.

Why it's perfect: Moisture-wicking, snug fit

Use case: Base layer for all outdoor activities

Scandinavian Winter Packing Guide - Other Outerwear Must-Haves

Your Scandinavian winter packing guide is not complete without these other items:

Thermal Leggings and Base Layers

Base layers are a second skin to you, regulating body temperature and keeping your sweat at bay. A pair of Kosha thermals is all you need to be under your snow-proof pants for maximum warmth.

Stay dry and stylish with Kosha’s waterproof ski pants are your go-to choice for snowy terrains.

Accessories Are Important

Equally important are your beanie, scarf, gloves, and woollen socks. Frostbite is not a myth, and accessories can make or break your Arctic expedition.

Waterproof shoes

Make sure you get yourself a pair of boots that have good insulation and grip. The streets of Scandinavia can be icy and slick, particularly in the cities of Bergen and Rovaniemi.

Packing Smart: Layering vs Bulk

A common mistake travelers make is to pack multiple jackets, all hungry with volume. Rather, implement a layering system. Start with thermals and then put on a pullover. Finish it off with any lightweight, insulated jacket such as the Packable Puffer Jacket for Men. Temperature control, fun, and no weight added.

Layering is not only functional but fashionable, too. Going from indoors to outdoors shall be no biggie, preventing any chills or sweat. 

Winding Up

If planning a winter getaway in Scandinavia, make sure to buy travel-grade Arctic jackets and build up the outfit from the base. A jacket beyond being simply protective is one that empowers you to brave discomforts of any sort.

Kosha is dedicated to thoughtfully designed outerwear that is made to Arctic-grade specifications but with an aesthetic that is very much in style. Products like the Round Neck Pullover for Men, Men’s Full Sleeves Thermal, and the Packable Puffer Jacket for Men would set you up for anything-heavy chasing or wandering through icy towns.

So get all geared up, layer slick, and soak in those Scandinavian winters all frosty.

Ashwina Kakria

A girl who'll forever believe that novels are such mysterious and amorphous and tender things!