What’s On Your Packing List for a Winter Trip?
So you’re going somewhere cold for vacation? That’s awesome! As someone who has lived in Southern California over half of my life, I rarely get to experience cold weather. I’ve been fortunate to travel to a few cold places, and when I mean cold, some with snow on the ground (but not knee deep in snow), some with just frigid wind. Hopefully, you’ll find this packing list for a winter trip useful!
(Note: Brands listed in this post are my recommendations due to comfort, quality, and price…I have not been compensated in any way for mentioning them.)
Layers – Essential #1 on Your Winter Trip Packing List
Base Layer Tops
Base layers are a must on a packing list for a winter trip. I’m not necessarily referring to items you only wear underneath, although you can buy those as well. You know your own level of comfort, and it’s better to be prepared versus not.
When it comes to base layers, it’s a good idea to buy items that can be worn as normal tees/tops. Scoop neck long sleeve or turtleneck base layers are a good option to put on your packing list for a winter trip. If you need to take off any jackets or sweaters, then your base layer will look just like a normal top.
32 Degrees and Uniqlo are good places to look for base layers that offer a good variety of flattering cuts, colors and styles (like scoopnecks or turtlenecks). If you purchase during Black Friday sales, you can get a good deal on multiple items of the same style.
Warm Layer Bottoms/Base Layer Bottoms
Now, I prefer not to have too many layers on my bottom half. You could easily buy jeans/leggings/pants made with warmer fabric, which I find less constricting. During my trips to colder weather winter places like Japan and Germany, I found it easier and far more comfortable to wear jeans/pants with built in warm fabric, versus wearing a base layer underneath – especially with all the walking involved!
However, that’s not to say you can’t buy base layer bottoms to wear underneath your normal jeans. By all means, help yourself! You know what’s comfortable for you.
My mother prefers to wear leg warmers over her skinny jeans when traveling to Europe in the winter, and that’s a good option as well!
Sweater/Flannel Shirt/Layering Piece
If you want a little variety for your outfits, a layering piece is a good item to bring. You could wear a cute textured sweater, tunic sweater or a button down flannel or button down velvet blouse for extra interest. The button down can easily be shoved into your day backpack or purse if you find it’s too warm to wear while you’re going out and about.
Accessorize for Additional Warmth
Hat/Scarf or Neck Gaiter/Gloves
Even if you’re not going to a place with snow, having a hat, scarf and gloves is a must. If your head is cold, the rest of your body will be cold as well, so definitely add a hat to your packing list for a winter trip. If you’re going between outdoor and heated indoor places, a beanie is compact enough to shove into your pocket.
Gloves or mittens with removable fingertips are convenient when you need to use your hands (make payments with a card, eat, etc…). Frozen fingers are not good – and you don’t necessarily need to be traveling to a place with snow to wear gloves. Tokyo in January can be windy and cold – gloves are a welcome item to have!
Scarves/Neck gaiters keep your neck and chest extra warm and cozy. As a bonus, you can use them to cover your nose and mouth and protect them from the chill. Does anyone get sniffly in cold weather? I found wearing a scarf (especially when it’s cold and windy) helps keep that at bay since I’m breathing in warm air.
Wool Socks/Warm Socks
Wool socks are best because not only do they keep your feet toasty, but they also don’t absorb water. However, if you prefer not to wear wool, stores (like Uniqlo and 32 Degrees) sell socks with warm fabric made of acrylic, rayon and polyester. You can also find some warm socks at your local Target or Walmart.
Extra Necessities
Boots/Snow Shoes
When it comes to shoes, it’s best to bring at least 2 different pairs. This way you can rotate between them and they won’t wear out easily. Make sure you break in the shoes before your trip! Okay, technically, it depends on the shoe brand. I’ve had good luck with some brands like Skechers or Bearpaw, which required minimal breaking in. For boots, bring some that are water resistant and as comfy as a sneaker – your feet will be happy!
Warm Coat/Jacket
A jacket or coat is a must have on your packing list for a winter trip. During a trip to Germany, where snow was predicted for a small part of my trip, I ended up packing a knee-length winter coat and wearing an alternate down jacket on the plane. You could go with a wool coat, or an alternate down coat…it’s up to you on what you think will be the most comfortable (or easiest to pack). I recommend using a vacuum seal bag to pack your coat – it will definitely save space in your luggage.
Pajamas/Sleeping Clothes
Now, packing this item might seem obvious, but you never know what the temps will be in the room where you are staying, so it’s a good idea to bring some warm sleeping clothes. Even if your room has a heater (or what if it doesn’t?), the insulation may not be enough, so it’s a good idea to wear warm clothing when you sleep. And what if you don’t have enough warm blankets? Best to pack those warm jammies!
In a nutshell, this packing list for a winter trip is enough to get you through a week:
4 base layers
1 sweater/flannel top
2 bottoms
2 base layer bottoms (optional)
2 sets of hat/gloves/scarf
4 wool socks
2 pairs boots/shoes
2 coats/jackets
1 pair warm pajamas
Hope you find this packing list for a winter trip useful. Be comfortable, be prepared, but don’t overpack!
