Preparing for a vacation can be especially hard when you’re tasked with the challenge of throwing together a winter packing list consisting of bulky items. The last thing you want is to find yourself in subzero temperatures without something as simple, but devastating, as wool socks. Use this ultimate checklist to help you pack for cold weather like a boss.
Footwear
Wool socks
Pack anything and everything merino wool as a base layer. This light weight wool provides the best insulation and doesn’t itch. Another huge bonus is that it’s lightweight and won’t require much room in your bag.
Snow shoes
Waterproof snow boots if you plan to be active in the snow are a must on your winter packing list. These can be a pain to pack and if you don’t want to wear them traveling, stuff smaller items in the boots like socks and underwear to make the most of the limited space.
Microspikes
If you plan to hike, microspikes can help you successfully trek through trails covered with packed snow or ice. They’re best used on flat surfaces or low-angled slopes.
Bedroom shoes
A must for your winter vacation packing list that’s often overlooked is slippers. Not only do they keep your toes nice and cozy, wearing bedroom shoes have great advantages like reducing the risk of picking up bacterial germs. Did you know they also decrease your risk of catching colds and the flu?
Sneakers
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you’re stuck with wearing boots 24/7. You’ll need to pack a pair of sneakers to wear around town or for smaller errands so you aren’t tracking snow and ice everywhere you go.
Shirts
Long sleeve
Pack a few versatile flannels and long sleeve shirts that can double for keeping you warm or for a night out to dinner.
Layered clothing/thermal shirt
Thanks to thermal shirts, you can stay warm this winter without bulky clothes. Thermals help you retain heat in biting temperatures.
Wool sweater
You can’t go to a destination that defines sweater weather without a sweater. Again, we recommend merino wool. You’ll thank us later.
Coats and Outerwear
Snow coat
This is a given to add to your winter vacation packing list. A snow coat may be the biggest inconvenience to pack and as much as you don’t want to hear this, wearing it during your travels will save you major room in your suitcase.
Light jacket
Grab an easy zip-up that you can throw on for quick errands so you don’t get caught sweating through your heavy snow coat. There are many options for a warm, easy-to-pack coat.
Quarter zip
A quarter zip top is very versatile and can be layered under your snow coat or worn for a night out.
Rain jacket
Failing to add a rain jacket to your winter packing list would be a rookie mistake. A durable, lined raincoat is vital to staying dry in damp and cold weather.
Pants
Long johns and thermal underwear
If the inner pre teen in you thinks you don’t need long johns or you’re too cool for them, you’re wrong. The winter can be downright savage especially if you plan to be outdoors for a longer period of time. Long johns are designed to not only keep you comfortable but to also trap body heat and protect you from the cold.
Leggings
Leggings are a staple for winter traveling. Pack not just any leggings but thicker or fleece-lined leggings designed for cold weather.
Jeans
Depending on how long your trip is, you’ll want to pack 2-3 pairs of versatile jeans that you can style for a night out or for casual wear.
Sweatpants
One of the best things you can carry when traveling in the winter is a pair of sweatpants. You can lounge in them, layer them over leggings or under snow pants, or wear them traveling to stay cozy.
Gear
Phone
Need we say more? Your phone likely functions as a navigation system, camera, source for music, and more.
Phone charger
It’s unlikely that you’ll leave your phone at home; however, it’s common for a charger to slip your mind when putting together your winter packing list. What good is your phone if it’s dead while on vacation?
Camera
If you don’t rely on your smartphone for capturing memories, then don’t forget to pack your “blizzard-ready” camera.
Headphones
Every traveler knows to use headphones when listening to music, an audiobook, or even when talking on the phone if you want to be hands free. A good pair of headphones is a must for traveling by flight.
Other Essentials
Hand warmers
We recommend reusable hand warmers so you don’t need to take up space in your luggage packing multiple disposal pads. On the coldest of days, even mittens won’t cut it and you’ll need to feel your fingers if you plan to ski, hunt, camp, or even just run errands.
Earmuffs
Skip the hat hair and opt for a pair of earmuffs for walking around town for an afternoon or hitting the slopes. There are plenty of options to fit your needs from functional to stylish and even some with Bluetooth capability.
Sleepwear
Pjs may seem like a trivial item to add to your winter packing list but bringing a warm, comfy pair just may be the difference between shivering at night or sleeping peacefully. Make every morning of your trip a true, lazy Sunday morning and pack essential sleepwear.
Car or travel blanket
Keeping a blanket in your car if you plan to drive through a cold weather location is key in case of emergencies. If you plan to fly, pick a lighter blanket that can stuff into your carry on or personal item. Bringing your own blanket is an extra element of comfort we all need when surviving the bitter cold.
Finger gloves
Finger gloves can be tricky if you need control of your devices so finding warm, touch-screen friendly gloves is a must. Battery heated gloves that last several hours and are also perfect if you’ll be in extreme weather.
Mittens
If your fingers tend to get cold easily, then mittens are the best option since your fingers generate more head when they’re together.
Scarf
A scarf is perfect for not only blocking the cold, but also accessorizing your winter outfits while helping you fight off cold and flu viruses.
Sunglasses
The sun’s rays are still strong regardless of the freezing temperatures. Aside from the sun, you’ll want to protect your eyes from wind especially if you wear contact lenses so they don’t dry out.
First aid kit
You can purchase a prepared first aid kit or assemble your own to include bandages, medical tape, antiseptic, scissors, and tweezers. It’d be smart to have some tylenol and cold medicine on hand as well.
Toiletries
Self care in the winter is extra important even when you hit the road. Winter can take a toll on physical and mental health so it’s important to keep up with your self-care routine. Carrying items like chapstick, moisturizer, and vaseline body lotion when traveling in the winter will not only help you survive, but thrive.
Putting together a winter packing list can be daunting. You want to be prepared but with limited luggage space, it can be difficult to squeeze all your winter gear. Our pro tip is to layer with your heaviest clothing items on your travel days so it takes up less space in your luggage. It’s also worth looking into using compression sacks so you don’t have to sacrifice anything on your list.
