Whether you’re headed to a winter resort for a vacation or packing for a winter sports trip, it’s important to pack the right items to keep you warm and comfortable. Here’s a guide to packing light for winter travel:
- Start with the basics: a heavy coat, hat, scarf, and gloves. These items will take up the most space in your bag, so make sure you have them sorted first.
- Layer up: temperatures can fluctuate during the day, so it’s important to have different layers that you can add or remove as needed. A thermal base layer, followed by a wool sweater or fleece, and topped with a waterproof jacket is a good combination.
- Don’t forget the extras: in addition to your clothes, make sure you pack items like lip balm and sunscreen (yes, even in winter!) to protect against the cold weather. And if you’re traveling to a place with snow or ice, consider bringing along some traction devices for your shoes.
- Travel smart: choose clothing that can be easily washed in a sink and that doesn’t wrinkle too much. This way, you can save space in your bag and avoid having to iron your clothes when you arrive at your
What to pack for cold weather
When it comes to packing for cold weather, the key is to pack in layers. Heavy sweaters and sweatshirts can take up a lot of space in your luggage, so it’s better to dress in thinner, insulating layers. Think base layers, long-sleeve t-shirts, and thin sweaters. The individual layers will take up less space in your bag and give you more clothing options. We discussed this strategy at length in our article on packing checklists for an around-the-world trip.
In addition to packing smart, it’s also important to pack for the specific type of cold weather you’ll be encountering. If you’re going to be spending time in the Snow, make sure to pack a heavy coat, hat, scarf, and boots. If you’re headed someplace with freezing temperatures but no Snow, pack a light coat, gloves, and a hat. And if you’re traveling to a colder climate but don’t plan on spending time outside, pack a sweater or two and some long pants. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to stay warm and pack light!
Winter Packing List
When packing for a winter trip, it’s important to choose clothing that will pack down compactly, withstand the elements, and be easy to layer. Here are some great winter travel clothes to add to your packing list:
A weatherproof coat is essential for any winter trip. Look for a coat that is made from a waterproof and windproof material, and that has a hood to protect you from the elements. A winter coat should also be warm enough to keep you comfortable in cold weather, but not so bulky that it’s difficult to pack.
Insulated boots are another must-have for winter travel. Choose a pair that is comfortable and warm, with good traction to prevent slips on icy surfaces. If you’ll be doing a lot of walking, look for boots that are lightweight and won’t add too much bulk to your bag.
Finally, make sure to pack plenty of warm socks and layers. Thermal underwear is a great option for an added layer of warmth and can be easily packed in a carry-on bag. Choose clothing that is easy to mix and match, so you can create different looks while only packing a few items. With these winter travel essentials in.
Recap of products you’ll need on your winter travel packing list
- Warm Socks
- Thermal underwear
- Mix of clothing
- Lightweight boots
- Merino wool, clothing
- Lightweight Winter coat
- Waterproof gloves
- Hat
- Scarf
- Sunglasses (sounds weird but winter sun can be hard)