Estonia offers dramatic changes in season.
As temperatures drop and nature drapes the foliage in pristine white, locals bundle up to combat the cold. If you’re accustomed to milder (warmer) climates, prepare for a shock. The contrast between your home and Estonian winters can be dramatic.
To fare through the long winter, you need to be prepared! We made a quick guide post that you can check over here if you’re short on time. :’)
But with this little guide, you can delve deeper into what works and find your perfect winter gear! Beyond clothing, we’ll discuss home heating, bedding, and other tips to ensure your comfort.
First Things First: Home and Bedding
Our homes are usually very cosy and built to keep the heat in. Each home is equipped with a heating solution such as gas, water, woodfire or electric heating. And in most apartments, you are in charge of how warm you want your home to be, i.e., you can turn the heating up or down depending on your liking.
When it comes to bedding, you can easily find warm duvet and mink blankets here at the supermarkets or specialized home furnishing stores such as Jysk, Ikea, Koduekstra etc. You really don’t need to carry a blanket here.
Building Your Winter Wardrobe
We have a saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” And it’s true, winter wear is all about layering. Layer up like an onion, add or take away pieces to keep you moving, comfortable and warm throughout the day.
Base Layer:
The invisible super-hero, your second skin. It’s absolutely crucial to invest in high-quality thermals.
Usually, the base layers are made of merino wool or synthetic blends. Since this layer is underneath other clothing items, its colour doesn’t really matter.
A few key points to consider when buying thermals:
- It should be snug against your skin but not constricting. Look for flat lock seams to minimize chafing.
- It should provide excellent insulation to trap body heat and keep you warm. Considering Estonian weather, it’s always nice to go for a Warm or Extra Warm rating.
- A good base layer should be breathable and should wick moisture (sweat) away from your skin and transport it to the outer layers of your clothing, where it can evaporate. This keeps you dry and comfortable, preventing chills and hypothermia.
- It has to be durable since you’ll be wearing your base layer frequently during winter.
- Odour resistance is a big plus, especially if you’ll be wearing your base layer for extended periods.
While you can easily get good quality thermals from stores both offline and online like Sportsdirect, Sportsland, Luhta.com. If you prefer to get your thermals from your home country and the mentioned brands aren’t available, Decathlon, Uniqlo are good options as well.
Mid Layer:
A.k.a your playground for expressing your personal style. Think cosy sweaters, warm sweatshirts, comfy turtlenecks, or even a chunky knit dress. Whatever floats your style boat.
Outer Layer:
Your top layer is your fortress against the cold winter winds, snow and crazy low temperatures. A long, waterproof winter coat with a hood is essential. Down jackets or parkas are popular choices, and brands like The North Face, Patagonia, or IcePeak and Didrikson offer fantastic options. Decathlon also provides excellent value with their ski jackets rated for various temperatures (look for jackets rated to -20°C or lower).
A good outer layer, also known as a shell jacket, is your defence against the harsh elements of winter. Here’s what to look for:
- Waterproofing and Breathability: This is a crucial combination. You need a jacket that keeps wind and rain out (waterproof) while allowing moisture vapor (sweat) to escape from your inner layers (breathable). This prevents you from getting soaked from either the outside or your own perspiration. Look for jackets with a waterproof rating (e.g., 10,000mm) and breathability rating.
- Warmth: While your outer layer might not be your primary source of warmth, it should provide some additional insulation. Look for jackets with features like down fill (lightweight and very warm, but loses effectiveness when wet) or synthetic insulation (good warmth, performs well even when wet). Consider the temperature range you expect to encounter and choose a jacket with appropriate insulation.
- Windproof: Wind chill can significantly increase the perceived coldness. A good outer layer should be windproof to prevent wind from stealing your body heat and making you feel much colder than the actual temperature.
- Seam Sealing: Even a waterproof jacket can have water seep in through the seams. Look for a jacket with taped or sealed seams for maximum protection.
- Durability: A good winter jacket is an investment. Choose one made with high-quality, durable materials like ripstop nylon or polyester that can withstand the rigours of winter weather.
- Features: Consider features that enhance functionality and comfort, such as an adjustable hood, pit zips for ventilation, a powder skirt to keep snow out, and strategically placed pockets for easy access to essentials.
Brands to Consider: Didrikson, Patagonia, Ice Peak, The North Face, Helly Hansen, Columbia, Halti, and Luhta as they have great winter features.
Winter Boots:
The final piece of your winter puzzle – a sturdy pair of winter boots. The must-haves in boots:
- excellent grip
- insulation
- at least ankle-high coverage
- slightly bigger than your normal shoe size, so that it can accommodate thick wool socks
Brands like Timberland, Sorel, Decathlon or Ecco offer great winter boot selections.
Accessories:
Don’t underestimate the power of the perfect winter accessories! A chunky wool scarf, a warm beanie or hat, insulated gloves/mittens, balaclava winter masks or neck warmers are must-haves. Wool socks will keep your toes warm, and consider adding hand warmers for an extra chilly day.
Reflector (Helkur)
By law, it is required to have a reflector on you at all times during the dark winter season. You can wear it as a badge, tie it to your bags or pin it to your winter coat. Reflectors keep you visible to the drivers, and not having one can result in a hefty fine.
You can find a wide variety at any store, from simple shapes to modern designs, whatever suits your taste. Just make sure to have one at all times.
What about my skin?
Coming to the last bit, cold weather can strip your skin of moisture and cause discomfort. Using a thick emollient moisturizer is a must. Consider products like Bioderma Atoderm Creme/Baume, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream to keep your skin healthy and protected against cold.
With the right winter gear, you’ll be ready to experience all the wonders of Estonia, from frosty mornings to glittering winter nights. So bundle up, embrace the adventure, and get ready to fall in love with Estonia, all year round!