advice please

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Some might depend where in Sweden you are going - the north is inside the Arctic Circle...

I've been to the middle bit of Sweden in February, where the lakes were frozen thick enough to drive a car on. In the night I think the coldest I saw was -15C, daytime was -3 to -8C I guess.
For outdoors stuff mostly I wore thermals + ski salopettes for legs, then upper was thermal shirt, a fleece jumper, then fleece jacket + water/windproof layer. Then optional add/remove layers depending on activity & temperature. Plus gloves, hat & wooly socks.
Layering is key :)

If cross country skiing, you will find you peel off the layers when active, then pile them back on the moment you stop :)
 
Layers Layers Layers!!!! Ask your friend what the local conditions are likely to be. Local knowledge can't be beaten. be prepared to dress warmer than the locals as well. A good thermal base layer, inc socks. a warm mid layer, woollen jumper, fleece etc, good quality trousers (not denim). A windproof layer (i.e., waterproofs) and a thick reinforcement layer (think big down jacket). Good gloves (2 pairs, inner and outer). Good, comfortable footwear, Allowing plenty of room for extra socks. A warm hat is essential.
Also think about how cold tolerant you are. What activities are you planning to do. If its just urban mooching, everything can be a lot lighter. If you're camping or bush whacking, more serious kit needs to be thought about.
A good lip balm is something people often forget. also good shades (snow blindness is painful).
As i said, have a talk with your friend, i'm sure they'll be able to give you a good idea of what you'll need for their local conditions.
Also have a look on the winter section here or do a search. loads of info here.
 
In January, depending where in Sweden you're going the weather can differ a lot. In the South it can be open golf courses in January if it's a mild winter, probably not though. In mid Sweden where I live (Sundsvall) it can go from minus 3-4C down to minus 20-25C in worst case. I don't recommend anybody to be out for a longer period of time in below 20C. I used to study in Luleå in the North of Sweden in the nineties. And the first year there it was colder than -30 for the whole of January. And I had 15 minutes by bike to school having to pass the zero kelvin bridge (nicknamed). When it's that cold where layer on layer, keep a hood up and cover your face with for example I wool buff. But the hood is important to create a micro climate for your face and neck where the air stands still. Down jacket and thermo pants. Thumb mittens and big boots with thick soles where you can fit double woolen socks. And keep moving, never stand still.

A rule of thumb. If it freezes in your nose (temporarily) when you breathe in it's below minus 15 C.
 

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