Weather & Packing List
Sweden's weather is changeable — in Stockholm, it can be 28°C in July and rain the next day. The onion principle (multiple layers) is a must.
Essential Packing List
| Item | Summer | Winter | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rain jacket (waterproof) | MANDATORY | MANDATORY | It can rain even in summer |
| Hiking boots | MANDATORY | MANDATORY | For nature and cobblestones |
| Merino wool underwear | recommended | MANDATORY | Warms even when wet |
| Fleece/down jacket | recommended | MANDATORY | Summer evenings can also be cool |
| Hat & gloves | — | MANDATORY | In Lapland: expedition quality! |
| Sunscreen | MANDATORY | MANDATORY | Reflection on water/snow |
| Insect repellent | MANDATORY (north) | — | Essential in June/July in Lapland |
| Water bottle | MANDATORY | MANDATORY | Tap water drinkable everywhere |
| Credit card | MANDATORY | MANDATORY | Nothing works in Sweden without it! |
| Sleep mask | recommended | — | For the white nights |
| Headlamp | — | MANDATORY | Indispensable in Lapland in winter |
| Power bank | recommended | MANDATORY | Cold drains batteries quickly |
Sweden-specific Packing Tips
- Lapland in winter: Thermal pants, expedition gloves (not ski gloves!), balaclava, heat pads (hand warmers), gaiters. Most activity providers supply overalls and boots — ask beforehand!
- Archipelago in summer: Swimwear, snorkeling gear (optional), waterproof bag for valuables on the ferry.
- Kungsleden: 30–40-liter backpack for day stages with hut overnight (bring a sleeping bag liner), 65-liter for tent trekking. Trekking poles essential for river crossings!
- Allemansrätten camping: Lightweight 2-person tent, sleeping mat (R-value at least 3 for Scandinavia), sleeping bag (comfort -5°C for summer in northern Sweden), camping stove + gas (not allowed on planes — buy locally at Naturkompaniet or Fjällräven).
