We are a summer loving family who love to escape to beach destinations year round. Though we have been intrigued to visit cold destinations in the past, I always automatically omit any and all options particularly for my fear and dislike of cold weather as well as my lack of winter clothing. After all, it already gets down to the 60s in Florida, thats enough winter for me ha!
There is one particular destination; however, that I was willing to make an exemption and break all the rules mainly because I always thought I was never going to visit, and that is: Finland. Visiting Finland has always been one of those long and far dreams that you have and never really think it will happen, especially when I sleep with an extra blanket when the temperature drops below 70s….
Once we decided to go, I immediately started researching sustainable and/or vegan extreme winter gear and thats when I felt hopeless. Almost everything for extreme weather had down, a material that I try to avoid. After much research, I came across a brand that seemed just too perfect to be true, not only were they suitable for extreme weather, water proof and had beautiful designed products, they were also sustainably made, 100% vegan (meaning down and wool free) provided fair labor, and focused on quality to provide timeless pieces! And one of my favorite things, their products are made using earths strongest natural fiber: Hemp! And not just any hemp either, hemp that is organically grown and sewed in family owned factories. Finally, a product that was perfect for Finland!
Equipped with my Hoodlamb Parka, hoodie, and my beanie, not only did I survive the negative temperatures in Finland (lowest was -11F), I was super comfy, warm and feeling super stylish.Yes me, the girl who complains about the Florida winters… not even my husband could believe it! When the temperature dropped between -11 to -7, I wore a thermal long sleeve, a fleece sweater and my Hoodlamb hoodie and parka; and the rest of the days I just removed my fleece sweater. I believe the secret to the warmth of the parka is that it’s fully lined with “Satifur” which is their own blend of vegan fur. This also makes the coat a little on the heavier side so I recommend carrying the jacket with you in the airplane rather than putting it in your luggage if you are trying to save some luggage space/pounds (as we usually are).
If I had visited Lapland, Finland in January when temperatures can get below -20F or even -30F, the Nordic Parka along with the Furry Hoodie were probably a better choice as they are even warmer.
I happily and gladly wore my new winter gear everyday during our Finland trip and continued to do so for the few days we spent in Stockholm and Zurich. I do regret only taking one coat, but now that I know these products are actually warm, are high quality and fit beautifully, I am looking forward to try different designs to explore more cold destinations with! The only complaint that I have is that they don’t carry products for kids as this would had been a perfect fit for my little one as well!
Disclaimer: Though this post is in collaboration with Hoodlamb, as always, all opinions are my own and only recommend products that I personally use.
You look fabulous in that jacket and what an experience with such cold temperature. -20C is the coldest I have ever experienced and that was in Lapland. But -11F sounds horribly cold. Glad you were warm!
As a vegetarian trying to push the vegan thing, I am super interested! I will definitely check them out! I love warm winter clothes without wool 🙂
Author
I hope your vegan journey is going smoothly and dont hesitate to ask me for any tips/advice if you need any 🙂 And yes, wool free is always best 🙂
I am like you, I love mild and warm climates BUT have always wanted to go to Finland myself! What gorgeous photos you guys have too. That’s really cool that there is a vegan friendly winter apparel for people who are 100% vegan and really fashionable! I will be dreaming about staying in one of those igloos!
Author
Thank you Megan! For people like us, it can be difficult to make the fist step but its a once in a lifetime experience so its totally worth it. Besides, if you have the proper gear (waterproof is very important), and layers you should be fine 🙂
Ah!! All the sustainability factors aside, I love that it doesn’t make you look like a bulky caveman AND kept you super warm in the hectic Finnish winters. I feel like most jackets are either slimming and useless in truly frigid temperatures or they make me look like a linebacker but are totally toasty. Definitely checking out Hoodlamb as I’d also be the type to complain about even mild winters (growing up in Pennsylvania was TORTURE in the winter).
Also those igloos look incredible!
Author
Hahah yes absolutely! The fit of this jacket is very feminine and keeps you super duper warm! Hahah I hear you, Im a summer girl too 🙂
Great review. I live in southern ontario and I bought a Hoodlamb Tech420 through Grassroots California. Gorgeous coat and very well made. Very warm and cosy feeling to boot. Mine has magnetic closures on the pockets and 5 or 6 secret pockets located everywhere.
Author
Thank you Italchef 🙂 I am glad to hear you also love your Hoodlamb jacket 🙂 I am sure with all this crazy March weather you are making good use of it now. My pockets dont have magnetic closures but that seems like a great idea.
You look fab in that jacket and I’m always trying to find an alternative to leather or down jackets, so will be checking out Hoodlamb for sure.
Author
Thank you so much Priya and yes there are so many great alternatives nowadays and Hoodlamb is one of my favorites 🙂
Gorgeous photos! Did you sleep in one of those glass igloos? They look awesome especially if you get to see the Northern Lights!
I had never thought about avoiding down because my family collects down in the North of Iceland and it’s just what’s left over in the duck nests after the birds have left.
Author
Yes, we did for one night. We did not get to see the Northern lights while we were in the Igloo which as a little disappointing but we are still glad we at least got to see them. The way you collect down is completely different than the way down is collected for massive commercial use. If only down was collected that way…. its so sad to see how these things are made, same as wool and leather.
As a fellow Floridian, I LOVE this! As a vegetarian, I also appreciate that wool wasn’t used and the quality! Also, Lapland is on the list 😉
Author
Hi Victoria, so nice to meet another Floridian 🙂 As a vegan family, it is difficult to exclusively wear vegan products but we try our best as we love to wear products that do good and look good 🙂
Initially I thought it was just going to be another super expensive not impressive organic brand but I was wrong! And great timing as they are having a sale!
Author
Yes, they are having a great sale. And they are definitely high quality and timeless pieces 🙂
Oh my!! This is beautiful, and so so true. Crazy how fashion affects our environment.. sad reality. Great review though and will keep and eye for sales 🙂
Author
Hi Lizabeth, yes its a connection that many find difficult to understand but once you research it you realize how impactful it is. And they are on sale now !
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