Winter travel can be one of the most exciting ways to see the world. Whether you’re visiting snowy mountains, a wintery city, or a cozy cabin, there’s something special about being in a place that looks completely different when covered in snow. But, as much as winter travel is fun, packing for cold weather trips tends to be a bit tricky. Unlike warmer weather destinations where you can get away with light clothes and swimsuits that don’t take up a lot of space, winter travel requires more thoughtful planning, and sometimes a larger suitcase. When you pack for cold weather you need to think about heavier layers, thicker fabrics, more accessories to stay warm, and how to make everything fit into your luggage.
Packing for winter can be a bit daunting, especially when you don’t want to over-pack yet still need to stay comfortable in freezing temperatures. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to pack for winter travel efficiently, so you can stay warm, comfortable, and organized while enjoying your trip! Let’s get started with some easy packing tips and a list of things you should bring on your winter adventure.
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How To Pack For Winter Travel
When it comes to winter travel, packing is all about the layers. You need to wear multiple layers of clothing to help regulate your body temperature and ensure you stay warm in cold weather. But packing all these layers doesn’t mean you have to lug around a giant suitcase. Instead, with a bit of strategy, you can stay warm, stylish, and pack light for winter travel.
To help you out, I’ve broken down some of the most effective packing tips to ensure you’re well-prepared for those cold-weather adventures:
1. Pack Smart with Layers
When you’re packing for winter trips in cooler destinations, the key is to layer up! Layering helps trap heat while still allowing your body to breathe, which is essential when transitioning between cold outdoor temperatures and warmer indoor environments. If you’re headed for cold weather travel, here’s the secret to packing layers: start with a base layer, add a middle layer for insulation, and then finish with an outer layer for protection.
- Base Layer: The base layer is the first thing that touches your skin and is essential for moisture-wicking. It helps keep your skin dry, so you don’t get cold from sweat. I like to go for materials that will pull sweat away from the body while staying dry and warm. Merino wool is a great option because it’s both lightweight and insulating. Avoid cotton at all costs since it absorbs moisture and can leave you feeling cold and uncomfortable.
- Middle Layer: This layer helps trap heat and can be anything from a long sleeve shirt made of fleece, a wool sweater, or even a down vest. It’s important to have a good mix of warmth and breathability.
- Outer Layer: This is your shield against the elements, such as wind, snow, and rain (or all three at the same time!). A winter coat or water-resistant jacket will protect you from snow or rain and keep the warmth in. For extremely cold conditions, make sure your outer layer is insulated to retain heat.
2. Wear Bulky Items On The Plane
When packing for winter, certain items can take up a lot of space in your luggage, such as jackets, boots, and scarves. A great packing tip is to wear your bulkier items on the plane. This will not only save you room in your suitcase but also keep you warm while traveling to your destination. A good pair of boots and a winter coat are often the heaviest items in your luggage, so it’s worth wearing them to avoid extra weight in your bag.
When visiting Minneapolis, MN in February one year I wanted to take two different coats, so I made sure to wear the heavier one on the flight to save space as well! I also always wear my heaviest shoes on the plane, whether that be heavy boots, snow boots, or even sneakers depending on the destination. This helps keep the weight of your suitcase down (and we all know every pound matters) while saving space.
Since airplanes tend to get chilly, wearing your layers will ensure you’re comfortable during your flight. This is never an issue for someone who is constantly cold like I am, and you always have the option to remove layers if you feel too warm once you’re settled.
3. Choose the Right Fabrics
When packing for cold weather trips, fabric choice is one of the most important considerations. Some fabrics are better than others at insulating warmth, while some are more breathable or water-resistant.
- Merino Wool: One of the best fabrics for winter travel is merino wool. It’s naturally temperature-regulating, meaning it will keep you warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot. Merino wool is also incredibly soft, making it comfortable to wear as a base layer or in socks. Unlike other wool, merino doesn’t itch, which is a huge plus for comfort!
- Thermal Base Layers: Thermal base layers are a must for winter travel. They are designed to keep you warm without adding bulk, and they can be worn under your clothing for added insulation. Look for ones made of moisture-wicking materials so you can stay dry. I always like to find thermal long sleeve tops to wearing under my outer layers during the colder months, or even combine a thermal layer with a thick sweater and vest over the top if I’ll be in and out of places and not wanting to wear a large coat.
- Water-Resistant Materials: For your outer layers, make sure your coat and pants are made from water-resistant materials, such as Gore-Tex or similar fabrics. This will help keep you dry when it starts to snow or rain.
4. Pack Accessories to Stay Warm
In addition to your clothing, don’t forget to pack accessories to help keep you warm! I often forget to grab gloves, earmuffs or a hat when running errands around town and usually end up regretting it later, so I’d hate to travel to a cold destination with the same issue. A good pair of gloves, a scarf, and a hat are all great to have for cold weather travel. These accessories are small, lightweight, and easy to pack in your luggage.
- Wool Socks: Wool socks are a winter travel essential, and I fully believe that you can never have too many pairs! They are breathable, moisture-wicking, and provide excellent insulation, keeping your feet warm even in the coldest temperatures. I always make sure to pack several pairs of socks so I always have a fresh pair each day.
- Gloves and Hat: When you’re in colder climates, keeping your extremities warm is key. Wool or fleece-lined gloves will keep your hands toasty, while a warm hat will keep your head and ears protected from the cold. A beanie or knitted hat made from wool or fleece is ideal for most winter conditions.
- Scarves: A good scarf is incredibly versatile, and works well for both warmth and style! I have been a huge fan of wool and cashmere scarves lately, and they are perfect for warmth without adding too much bulk.
What To Pack For Winter Travel: The Essentials
Now that we’ve covered how to pack for winter travel, let’s talk about the specific items you should pack in your suitcase. This winter packing list will ensure you have everything you need to stay warm and stylish on your cold-weather trip. Below are the key items to bring, including a few additional essentials for a seamless winter travel experience:
1. Base Layer Thermal Long Underwear
Thermal base layers are non-negotiable! Long underwear made from merino wool or synthetic materials like polyester or nylon will keep you warm without causing you to overheat if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors during your trip. I would recommend at least two to three pairs so you can rotate them as needed. These base layers can be worn under pants and tops to help maintain your body heat.
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2. Winter Coat (Insulated or Down)
A high-quality winter coat is a must-have item for winter travel! If you’re anything like me, I like to pack at least two options so that I’m not wearing the same thing the entire trip. I usually look for coats that are both insulated and water-resistant. A down coat is ideal for extremely cold temperatures as it provides great insulation without being overly heavy. If you’re traveling to a region with frequent snow or rain, consider a water-resistant jacket that will keep you dry. Opt for a coat with a hood for added protection against wind.
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3. Pair of Boots
A good quality pair of boots designed for cold weather is an essential item to pack! Depending on where you’re going, you’ll need either waterproof boots to keep your feet dry or insulated boots to ensure warmth in freezing temperatures. Don’t let some uninsulated boots fool you, they may looks warm but if they aren’t well-insulated they won’t really be. I once made the mistake of skipping our on the additional layers of insulation available to add when purchasing my first pair of L.L. Bean Boots, and the rubber toes get WAY too cold in the elements.
Look for boots with good traction to prevent slipping on icy or snowy surfaces. I recommend bringing at least one solid pair of boots that you can wear for both sightseeing and outdoor activities.
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4. Wool Socks
Keep the aesthetic fuzzy socks at home because as I mentioned earlier, wool socks are an absolute must! Wool keeps your feet warm even if they get wet, which is key in winter climates. Pack at least three pairs to rotate, and make sure they are thick enough to provide extra warmth when needed. Merino wool socks are especially great because they are lightweight yet incredibly warm.
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5. Gloves and Hat
When packing for cold weather trips, gloves and hats are indispensable. For gloves, I prefer to go for water-resistant styles that will protect your hands from the snow, while still allowing me to use my phone or camera when needed. There is nothing worse than having to take off my gloves each time I want to send a text or snap a photo on my phone.
When it comes to hats, I like to pack a wool or fleece hat that protects my head and ears from wind chill, which can make the already cold temperatures feel even colder.
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6. Outer Layer (Waterproof Jacket or Snow Pants)
For extra protection against snow, sleet, or rain, pack an outer layer such as a waterproof jacket or snow pants. Snow pants are especially useful if you’re planning on engaging in winter sports like skiing or snowshoeing. If you’ve ever tried to participate in outdoor activities in the snow, you know just how necessary a quality pair of snow pants is.
A good waterproof jacket will also keep you dry if you’re caught in a storm (which has happened to me many times), while ensuring you can enjoy the outdoors in comfort.
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7. Packing Cubes
Winter clothing tends to take up a lot of space in your suitcase, so packing cubes are a game-changer. These handy organizational tools will help compress your clothes and make it easier to fit everything you need for winter travel in your luggage. You can separate your base layers, middle layers, and outer layers, and even pack your accessories in their own cubes for quick access.
Pro tip: Whenever I am on a trip with multiple destinations, I try to pack certain outfits in cubes based on locations. This allows me to just unpack one cube at a time when arriving in a new spot.
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8. Lip Balm and Moisturizer
Cold weather can be incredibly drying to your skin, so lip balm and moisturizer are essential for winter travel! Wind and cold air can lead to chapped lips and dry, flaky skin, so make sure you bring products that will help your skin stay hydrated. My husband’s hands tend to get very drying during the winter months, so I always make sure we remember to pack a good hand moisturizer as well.
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9. Hand and Foot Warmers
Hand and foot warmers are essential for a winter packing list. I am a huge fan of hand warmers and toe warmers during the winter months! They make such a huge difference on those days that it is so cold that gloves just aren’t enough. I always keep a few packs in my coat pockets to activate whenever I need a little extra warmth, and I always buy these ones in bulk to avoid running out.
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10. Thermal Water Bottle
Keeping hydrated during winter is just as important as in any other season. A thermal water bottle or thermal tumbler is ideal because it will keep your drinks warm (or cold if you prefer). Having a hot drink on hand, whether it’s tea, coffee, etc. can help regulate your body temperature when you’re out in the cold for long periods.
I personally love using these for hot coffee or even a delicious batch of mulled wine during the cooller months. Plus, it’s a sustainable option compared to single-use plastic bottles.
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11. Sunglasses (UV Protection)
Even though it’s winter, the sun can still be strong, especially in snowy or icy environments where the glare off the snow can be intense. There have been so many times that sunglasses haven’t even crossed my mind during the winter months, only for me to walk outside and feel blinded by all the snow on a sunny day. A good pair of sunglasses with UV protection is a must for keeping your eyes safe from the harsh sunlight.
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12. Neck Gaiter, scarves or Buff
A scarf, neck gaiter or buff is a versatile and lightweight accessory that can be worn around your neck, over your face, or even as a headband. These are easy to pack and can be worn under your coat or jacket for extra comfort during winter activities. If you’re going to be outdoors a lot, this is a smart addition to your cold weather packing list.
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13. Water-resistant Backpack
Just like your coats and jackets, it’s a good idea to have a water-resistant backpack when out in the elements! This will ensure all of your belongings stay dry.
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14. Portable Power Banks
I always recommend a portable charger of some sort for any trip, and these winter trips are no different. Cold weather can drain phone batteries quickly, so a power bank is essential to keep your devices charged.
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15. Fleece-lined Leggings
I love to wear fleece-lined leggings when I am out and about or just lounging around during the winter months. The extra layer of fleece combined with the flexible stretch of leggings makes for the perfect comfy outfit. I have these ones in quite a few colors and they are warm without feeling bulky.
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16. Fleece-lined pants
The soft, insulating fleece lining provides cozy warmth without the extra bulk. A good pair of fleece-lined pants are perfect for everything from walking around the city, wearing out to dinner, or even for winter hikes.
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17. Camera
This one is a no-brainer for any type of trip. Pack a camera to capture all those beautiful snowy scenes! I personally love traveling with a point and shoot digital camera like this one, as well as my DSLR. A smartphone works great, but a camera takes your winter landscape shots to the next level.
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18. Snow chains
Snow chains for hiking boots are a must-have if you are planning to do a lot of hiking in snowy or icy areas. These can typically be added to any hiking boots you already have.
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19. Emergency Blanket
A compact, lightweight emergency blanket can provide extra warmth in case of emergencies, especially in very cold conditions.
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20. Waterproof Phone Case
If you plan to be out in the snow a lot, a waterproof phone case could be great to have in case your phone gets dropped in the snow or slush.
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21. Portable Luggage Scale
One of the most difficult parts of packing for a winter trip is getting everything to fit while keeping the weight under 50 pounds! A portable luggage scale is great to have if you’re constantly moving things around at the airport trying to get the math right like I do.
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Packing for winter travel doesn’t have to be overwhelming! By focusing on layers, choosing the right fabrics, and packing smart, you can stay warm and comfortable while avoiding overpacking.
Always keep in mind that the key to staying warm without overpacking is to focus on layers, pack smart with bulky items worn on the plane, and bring water resistant essentials like a good pair of winter boots, winter clothes and a thermal base layer. Adding a few extra items like hand warmers, sunglasses, and packing cubes will only enhance your winter experience, ensuring you’re comfortable, organized, and prepared.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to pack light for winter travel while still having everything you need to stay warm and enjoy your cold weather adventures to the fullest.
If you are interested in more resources to help you plan your trip, check out my other blog posts, including Holiday Things to do in Indianapolis, and you can always follow me on Instagram at @sierrainthecity!
Safe travels, and don’t forget to bundle up!
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Merino wool is my go-to base layer, as you recommend. For wool socks, my recent favorite are Pacas, they are super comfortable.
Great post with loads of tips – will be using some of them on my next winter trip.
Wish I’d seem this a few months ago when packing for the snow
So many great tips! I need all your outfits, they are so cute!!!
Great tips for packing for winter, especially the packing cubes, because winter items are always so bulky!
Great tips! I recently took a winter trip to the Alps for snowboarding and packing it into a carry on was a challenge! I typically travel in the spring and summer and live in a warm place so this took a lot of careful planning.