Ready to go with my favorite travel clothes

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”

Helly Hansen’s Verglas down jacket layers well over your winter sweaters, and if you fold it right, it will easily fit into a backpack.

Louise Lysne Hanson
Rochester, Minn.

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” That is an old Norwegian saying. There is truth to that, especially in a country such as Norway. The mountains, the valleys, and the sea pull one in for a beautiful view. Many want to get out in the weather and truly experience the sights, the sounds, and the smell of crisp winter nature.

At The Nordic Shop in Rochester, Minn., we have spent years selling, testing, and curating an inventory of the best of Scandinavian design, craftsmanship, and function. Here are some of my picks for this season:

With its classic Norwegian design, the Dale of Norway Peace sweater pairs well with both jeans or a skirt and layers well with a warm vest.

Helly Hansen

One needs a good outdoor jacket. Warmth, water resistance, and breathability are needed in all sorts of weather. Helly Hansen has a history beginning in 1877 and designs clothing for unpredictable weather. There are several styles, lengths, and weights of insulation available from the brand. My favorite is the Verglas down jacket. This jacket is very easy to layer over sweaters. If you fold it just right, it will fit in your backpack when not needed.

Dale of Norway

Talking about layers, I never travel without a Dale of Norway sweater. This iconic brand started making yarn and sweaters in 1879. The Peace sweater is a nice warm layer for cold weather. It pairs well with a skirt or even jeans. The Geilo is a lighter weight sweater in a more modern style. I can pair either sweater with a Cortina baselayer and get just the right amount of warmth. You won’t find me leaving the house without a Dale of Norway hat and scarf in the winter. The sun goes down or the wind starts blowing, and I really appreciate my accessories.

Oleana

I like having an Oleana of Norway sweater in my bag. The colors and exclusive design of these sweaters give everyone a lift on a dreary winter day. The silk and wool yarn provides a breathable luxury in any setting. I can pair my sweater with coordinating wristlets and a scarf and then I am ready for a chilly night out.

The SKHoop Bea insulate pant from Sweden can be worn both outdoors and indoors, making it a very practical choice for your winter wardrobe.

SKHoop

This Swedish brand has been on my radar for a while. The original skirt is a long lightly insulated wonder which protects my legs against harsh winds and snow. They also make the Bea insulated pant, a perfect everyday warm pant that can be worn indoors.

We Norwegians  

Many of my customers have become obsessed with the Snø T-shirts made of merino wool. They are a beautiful layer under any sweater and can be worn alone as well.   Also from the Luxury Essentials Collection is my favorite Tind jogger pant and Tind Classic Hoodie. The merino fabric and cut is sophisticated enough for a morning coffee or a casual dinner. The versatility of these two pieces help multiply my few options on any trip.

Hestra

Hestra has been making gloves since 1936, and their cowhide Wakayama gloves with a soft wool terry lining will keep hands warm on a winter’s day.

This company has been making gloves since 1936. That is all they do, and they do it very well. They make many types of mitts and gloves for any activity. My favorite gloves are the Wakayama  gloves in cork. These retro-inspired gloves of cowhide are lined with an oh-so-soft wool terry lining. The wrist is adjustable and there is the wrist keeper, no excuses for losing them. I have found that they wear very well, and my dexterity is good while outdoors.

Fjällräven  

The Fjällräven Kanken backpack from Sweden employs an ingenious design, with straps that keep the load higher on one’s back.

My Fjällräven backpack and accessories have traveled with me many times. The ingenious design that a Swedish man did for his kids a few decades ago is still in production today. The straps are designed to keep the load higher on one’s back. The square shape is big enough for my accessories and necessities.

Travel can be simplified with a few good options, even in the winter. Remember, there is no bad weather if you are prepared for it!

Learn more at thenordicshop.net

The colorful Oleana Marit sweater and accessories are an elegant and warm and stylish addition to any woman’s winter wardrobe.

The Tind jogger pants from We Norwegians are made from fine merino wool and is very versatile.

All photos courtesy of The Nordic Shop

This article originally appeared in the February 2023 issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.