Winter Vacation Packing List And Tips

Packing for a winter vacation can be tough, but it’s not impossible. Winter clothes are bulkier and take up more space, but the right planning helps you get the most out of your suitcase without sacrificing warmth. This packing guide covers cold-weather essentials and tips to help you pack smarter for winter travel!

How To Pack For Winter Vacation

Pack Layers, Not Bulk

Heavy sweaters and sweatshirts take up a lot of space in your luggage.

Pack thinner, insulating layers instead: base layers, long-sleeve t-shirts, and thin sweaters.

Individual layers take up less space in your bag and give you more outfit options.

If It’s Bulky, Wear It

Wear your heaviest items instead of packing them. If you have a heavy sweater you love and want to bring, that’s fine, but only bring one and wear it on the plane rather than packing it.

The same goes for your winter coat. Wear it onto the plane, even if you don’t plan to wear it during the flight. You can always take it off and stuff it in the overhead bin once you’re warm.

Pack Your Lightest Pair Of Shoes

For a winter trip, you’ll likely want a pair of boots to keep your feet warm, especially if you’ll be doing outdoor activities.

Wear your boots rather than packing them. If you need a second pair of shoes, make sure they’re smaller and lighter than your boots, and pack that pair instead.

Wear The Right Fabrics

High-performance fabrics, whether natural or synthetic, matter more in extreme weather. In winter, wool is a great choice for its high warmth-to-weight ratio.

Merino wool in particular is often called nature’s performance fabric for its temperature-regulating and odor-resistant properties, so a merino sweater is worth having.

What To Pack

The winter clothes you pack for a trip might look a bit different from the ones you wear in the cold weather back home. Good winter travel clothing packs down compactly instead of adding unnecessary bulk to your bag. It should also hold up to the elements, since you’ll likely spend more time outdoors than usual. Finally, your winter travel wardrobe should be easy to layer and re-wear across multiple days and situations.

Coats And Jackets

Coats and jackets are an obvious must for any winter vacation, but the type of outerwear you need depends on the weather at your destination. Trench coats and teddy coats are great for a stylish, layered look, while down jackets and parkas are better suited to winter activities. Down jackets are not only extremely warm, they’re also easier to pack into a suitcase.

Sweaters

An oversized sweater is a year-round favorite, but it’s especially useful on winter trips. Sweaters are great for layering and lounging, and easy to dress up or down.

Warm Layers

Warm base layers are essential when packing for a winter trip. They pack down small, and let you control your body heat by adding or removing them as needed. Long-sleeve tops and leggings, along with thermals and sherpa-lined leggings (a lifesaver in especially cold climates), are all good layers to add to your winter packing list.

Winter Boots

There are plenty of good winter boot styles to choose from. A solid approach is one pair of waterproof snow boots for outdoor activities and one pair of casual boots or booties for everyday wear and evenings out.

Accessories

Winter accessories do more than complete an outfit; they help keep your extremities warm in cold weather. Pack a neutral beanie (versatile with any outfit), a thick scarf, one pair of light gloves for everyday use, one thicker pair for outdoor activities, and a pair of tall wool socks (they keep your toes warm and fold neatly over the top of your boots to keep snow out).

Packing Tips For Winter Travel

No matter how much you try to cut down on bulk, winter clothes simply take up more room in your luggage. Here’s how to pack bulky winter clothes for travel.

• Use compression sacks and packing cubes. Pack your winter clothes in compression bags or packing cubes to free up space for other items. These squeeze out excess air from bulky pieces like sweaters, jackets, and ski pants.
• Stuff small items into your (packed) shoes. Tuck gloves, socks, and other small items inside your second pair of shoes if you’re bringing more than one pair.
• Borrow or rent items at your destination. See if you can borrow items like sweaters or fleeces if you’re visiting friends or family. Wherever you’re headed, you can also rent gear at your destination, especially if you’ll only need it for a day or two. If you’re heading home for the holidays, consider shipping gifts directly to your family’s house ahead of time, or, on a multi-stop trip through different climates, mail some of your things home with a flat-rate shipping service.
• Check the weather before you go. Not all winter destinations are equally cold, so it’s worth knowing the actual temperatures at your destination before you pack. Some places have mild winters, others sit well below freezing, so check the forecast before you leave.
• Plan your outfits in advance. To avoid over-packing (or under-packing) for your winter trip, plan out your outfits ahead of time, one for each day and activity. Building a wardrobe around neutral colors also makes it easier to mix and match everything you bring.
• Choose the right materials. Staying both warm and dry is essential in winter weather. Look for materials that trap heat and repel moisture: waterproof, moisture-wicking, thermal, fleece-lined, down-filled, and merino wool are all good keywords to look for when packing for a winter trip.

The trouble with packing for a winter vacation is that winter clothing tends to be bulky, so your suitcase can fill up fast. If you’re running out of room, wear some of your layering pieces on the flight instead of packing them — most airlines keep the cabin cool, so you’ll likely stay comfortable, and you can always take a layer off and use it as a makeshift cushion or pillow if you get too warm.