What should I pack for Jonkoping, Sweden during winter?

by Anne
(Australia)

I am going to Sweden from January till July next year to study nursing but I have no idea what to pack! I am finding it difficult working out what I need to wear. I am from Australia and have never
felt the harshness of a Swedish winter before.

Would it be better for me to buy warmer clothes when I get there or try buy everything over here?

Also someone told me if you wear water base make-up and moisturiser it can freeze on your face and give you frost bite?!

Thank you for your help!

Answer: About that frostbite thing: if it's that cold, you should cover up your face completely, eliminating most chances of frostbite. And if you're way up in North in a storm and it's desperately cold, you probably wouldn't be wearing makeup.

On a more serious note, I suggest you buy most of your winter clothes when you get to Sweden, because you'll have far more choice than you would in a warm climate. There is one proviso, though - bring enough warm clothing to last you over the shopping spree. I remember landing in a Moscow snowstorm in short sleeves and arriving in South Africa in shorts at the wrong end of winter - not recommended. So while you should buy the bulk of what you need when you get to Sweden, layer yourself up and add on a coat for your arrival, and if there's snow where you're going, make sure you have the right snow boots. However, take note that Sweden is expensive so if you have access to 'cheap' winter clothing in Australia, then go for it!

As for what to take, your circumstances will dictate your list but here are a few things you can't really be without if you're heading into cold territory in winter:
- a few warm sweaters or jumpers
- gloves or mittens
- a scarf
- some headwear - a cap, hat or earmuffs
- thermal underwear is great, top and bottom
- a warm coat or parka style jacket
- winter boots (not leather) with gripping soles
- plenty of moisturizer (the cold makes your skin go dry)

A last piece of advice: dress in layers. Buildings are often overheated in winter and while a freezing gale is blowing outside, you'll be sweating indoors so you'll need to peel a few things off.

Comments for
What should I pack for Jonkoping, Sweden during winter?

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Layers are the key
by: gwen@algarveexperiences.com

Hiya - I agree that layers are the key to winter comfort. I'm a Canadian so have had more than my share of living with long, cold winters. I?d add:
-pure silk garments are amazingly warm. Bring silk underwear, cami's, etc.
-check out how your skin reacts to various wools & knits. I frequently itch a lot with different types of knitted fabrics, even synthetics. I've learned to quickly assess whether my body will tolerate a knit by pressing it up against my upper throat (the area just where the jaw dips back and down & the throat begins. Seems to be especially sensitive skin tissue and if fabric pressed there for a minute is going to irritate, you'll know quickly).
-remember that the human body loses a massive heat from the head so good head gear is important. Several types of hats/caps in different weights will accommodate different degrees of coldness/wind
-one of your layers should always be a wind-break fabric. Sweaters can be really cold if there's a brisk wind oozing through all of its small holes!
-investing in some space-age 'breathable' fabrics like Gore-Tex or Cool-Max. They protect from rain, etc. but allow outer garments to 'breathe'. Cool-Max wicks perspiration away from the skin.
-the Internet is a great friend. You could buy from Mountain Equipment Co-op, Eddie Bauer etc. and have your stuff shipped to your new address in Sweden. Their prices can be really good. Those Yanks sure know how to provide value.
-while not pretty, one way we Canucks protect our skin if we have to go outside in brutally cold weather is to slather on a good layer of good old Vaseline. Nothing will protect you from frost-bite if you stay out too long, but a layer of Vaseline will give you a few more precious minutes.
-you might also want to bring along some goop for dry heels. Many of us find that as winter progresses the back of our heels become really dry and develops cracks & fissures that can bleed. A good specialized cream slathered on before bed-time, then your feet slipped into a pair of old socks can make a huge difference.
-ask the locals about slush. In Canada this tends to be a regional phenomenon. If you live out West, snow is very dry and light and disappears quickly in spring. In the East, our snow is full of water, and we get a lot of freeze/thaw cycles. This means that our roads and sidewalks are often full of semi-melted snow and water so it is imperative that boots not only protect from the cold, from slipping on ice & hard-packed snow, but repel water too. There is nothing more uncomfortable that squelching around in cold, wet footwear! Trust me, I've been there too many times.
-Finally, you'll probably find that you need to re-adjust all your deeply held rules about looking good. In cold, northern climes, always choose being warm & safe over looking chic & sexy!!
Enjoy your first winter. Don't forget to look up on those cold winter nights so that you can catch a display of fantastic Northern Lights!
Choosing winter boots for Sweden
by: Bob Carter

I've just written a blog article giving an overview of affordable winter boots for the Swedish winter which might be of interest. I was looking for a pair myself this winter and comparing a number of options. See http://naturetravels.wordpress.com

In general I would agree that some of the most suitable equipment will be that available locally in Sweden, but depending on costs in your country of origin and exchange rates you may find it more affordable to buy Swedish brands outside Sweden!
well thought
by: Roy

As a swede male, I find your advice very sensible. My mother couldnt have told me better!
Jonkoping winter
by: Anonymous

Hey, I went on exchange in Jonkoping also from January to July. I am from Canada, I didn't find it that bad. Not too much snow, but cold till about May. My aussie friend loved her thermals. but other than that, I wore normal jeans and shoes with a warm coat, scarf, etc. It wasn't that bad.

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