If you are making a winter packing list, stop what you’re doing—I’m a seasoned winter traveler, and I’m about to make your vacation a lot easier to pack for.
After many years of winter vacation packing, I’ve learned a few tips to stay warm outside and comfortable once you’re indoors.
And pack it all in a carry-on—which can be tricky as the need for excessive layers will make your suitcase a bit more stuff than traveling in other seasons.
Ok, let’s get into the details so you’re ready for a successful cold-weather winter trip anywhere in the world.
How to Use this Winter Packing List
As I tend to say, there is no one-size-fits-all packing list. Everything depends on your personal style, preferences, and destination. However, let this cold-weather packing guide serve as a blueprint.
The tips I’m sharing in this guide can easily apply to wintry places in Europe, Canada, the USA, and even Asia and South America. You will need to adjust based on the type of trip you’re doing, if it’s more city, you might skip on a couple of things. If it’s more outdoorsy, you’ll want to be sure to incorporate the mentioned items.
Packing for winter matters a bit more than packing for summer in that staying warm is essential and winter clothes can be pricey. You don’t want to arrive and realize you’re cold and brought the wrong layers and then have to buy a whole new set of clothes and nowhere to shove everything in your suitcase. Not fun.
If you remember to layer correctly, as I explain through this guide, you’ll be sorted!
A lot of the clothes and accessories I mention in this blog post, I wore on recent December in Quebec City and Montreal trips. So, feel free to check out those destinations if you need some travel inspiration.
Winter Clothing Packing List (Layering Is Key!)
These winter travel essentials add warmth without the bulk, which is a major perk when you’re packing in a carry-on. And any bulky item I mention, you’ll be able to wear these on the plane.
Base Layer + Mid Layer- Uniqlo Heattech Layer
Thermal Tops and Leggings
Beyond choosing the right coat, your base layer when packing for cold-weather is the most important component. This layer will help insulate, wick-away moisture, and be a layer that could be seen when your coat is off.
What you need is 100% wool, particularly merino wool for its softness. Wool wicks away moisture, is a natural material meant for cold outdoor conditions, and will keep you warm and cozy out in the snow and inside at dinner.
I swear by this merino set I got last year. I bought a long-sleeved top and leggings for my winter trip to Quebec City and it did wonders for my comfort levels in the snow. Plus, you can choose the weight (lightweight for all seasons, midweight for cold conditions, and heavyweight for extreme cold). For my travels, I bought a midweight set and it was perfect.
You can also check out this Iguana brand, which is slightly cheaper.
I’m also a fan of the Uniqlo Heattech, but I prefer 100% wool instead. I find that my armpits get stinkier in the synthetic Heattech materials more than the natural merino wool.
I recommend one pair of leggings/long johns and 2-3 thermal tops. Last year, for example, I brought one Merino.tech top, one Heattech top, and one merino wool turtleneck.
One VERY important thing to note: Do not wear cotton as your base layer. Cotton absorbs moisture and will, as a result, make you feel colder. Whether it’s snowy or not, humidity is in the air so wearing cotton is a no-go.
To recap:
Pack wool base layer (leggings + top), thin turtlenecks, and Heattech layers.
Mid Layers (Insulation)
Ok, so once you have your thermal layer on, you’re going to add a mid layer for insulation. Here are my recommendations when making a winter packing list, particularly with traveling with just a carry-on and personal item.
First of all, I try to avoid bulky sweaters. They’re cute, but they’re not exactly suitcase-friendly. If there is a chunky knit you really want to bring, my advice is to wear it on the plane so it’s not taking up valuable space in your luggage.
Another option, especially if you plan to shop during your trip, is to pack the sweater in your carry-on for the flight out and then wear it on the flight home. That way, you’re saving space when you’re initially packing and still have room for it once you’re heading back. This is one of my secret, go-to tips that help me from having an overstuffed suitcase on the way home.
Beyond sweaters, cold-weather packing means you’ll need a warm mid-layer. I tend to stick to fleece, wool, or thrifted down. Anything on the thinner side.
I love a fleece pullover like this Columbia half-snap pullover. I’ll be wearing a Mountain Hardwear fleece on my upcoming winter trip to Canada.
Your mid layer can also be a lightweight, loose sweater. I’d still avoid cotton, but any other material is generally fine.
Finally, I tend to wear a packable Uniqlo down vest, as it is very insulating. Unfortunately, I believe down to be a cruel, albeit natural, material. However, I bought this vest before I understood the full extent of how down is gathered. For this reason, I only recommend getting anything down second hand. I’m sure you can find down vests on online marketplaces like Poshmark, Mercari, and Ebay. Alternatively, you can get a short down jacket for additional warmth on your arms.
To recap:
Avoid bulky sweaters, but say yes to lightweight sweaters, fleece, and insulating vests and jackets.
Outer Layers (Weather Protection)
This is the layer that most people will see you in, as you’ll likely be spending a good bit of time walking around. It’s also the most important layer, followed by your base layer. Here’s how to choose the right one.
Winter vacation packing calls for a warm, waterproof winter coat. I recommend wearing one that at least covers your butt, and preferably a little longer than that.
I have a packable winter coat I got in Spain that checks all those boxes, and it’s been one of my favorites over the years. It’s similar to this packable puffer coat with a removable hood.
However, this year I really wanted an off-white/cream-colored winter coat, so I ended up getting this one from Amazon. I’m surprised by how much I love it! It’s super snuggly, warm, and the perfect length.
For really cold destinations, I’d even suggest getting an extra long coat. For example, this Columbia coat does the job in wintry, windy conditions. I’m also a fan of Mountain Warehouse, which is a UK brand with an online store in the US.
I bring one waterproof puffer coat, similar to the ones above, plus a long wool coat—something a little more chic. Last year I thrifted the most beautiful long black 100% wool winter coat, and it’s definitely coming on more winter trips this season. Check your local thrift stores as buying a new wool coat is a bit of an investment. I would wear the wool coat on the plane and fold up the puffer coat in my bag as tightly as possible.
Finally, if you’re planning any more adventurous winter activities like snowshoeing, long ice skating sessions, or even ice canoeing, I recommend bringing an oversized windbreaker. Something lightweight and packable works best. You’ll use it as a shell over your base and mid layers.
It keeps the wind and elements out without overheating you like a winter coat can, and it gives you way more freedom to move since it doesn’t cover or restrict your legs.
To recap:
Bring a long winter coat (packable if you plan to bring a second coat), a wool coat, and wind breaker if you plan to do outdoor adventures.
Trousers for Winter Travel
If any clothing item is least important, it’s probably pants/trousers. Most of your warmth and insulation comes from the upper part of your body and your toes. So, while you shouldn’t be warming shorts, the need for extreme winter pants is small.
With that being said, please do try to keep your legs warm! I recommend doing this by wearing your thermal base layer leggings with any pair of pants overtop. You might want to bring pants that are one size up just to make sure they’re comfortable with the leggings.
When you’re not wearing the wool leggings, you can opt for a pair of tights. I’m trying out those viral fleece-lined tights this year!
And for freezing conditions, I definitely recommend a pair of snow pants. I wore these throughout my time in Quebec City and Montreal last year.
To recap:
Bring thermal leggings, optional tights or fleece-lined tights, snow pants, and regular pants that generally fit a little looser.
Winter Accessories (A Must-Have!)
Any winter packing list is incomplete without a few cold weather accessories in your suitcase or on your person. These items will help you stay warm while you explore cities and nature sites.
Hat: Thick beanie that covers your ears, wool berets, warm ear muffs, a knitted bonnet, a winter headband—whatever your style is! I’m partial to wool beret and ear muffs plus anything I’ve knitted myself.
Gloves or mittens: Essential! You don’t realize how much warmth leaves your body until you’ve walked around a winter city without gloves on! I recommend any pair of thick gloves that have the touch-screen feature on the pointer finger. Having that will help you use Maps and text on the go.
Scarf or neck gaiter: Something to keep your neck and mouth warm, particular handy in windy conditions. I like the Merino.tech neck gaiter.
Wool socks: Once again, avoid cotton socks and stick to cold-weather wool socks.
Winter Shoes to Pack
For winter travel, you really only need one pair of quality winter boots. This is great news because that means shoes won’t take up any space in your suitcase.
When you’re looking for a pair of winter boots for snowy or icy conditions, you’re going to need three main components: traction, warmth, and waterproof materials.
Both of my winter boots are from niche European brands, but I do have some recommendations all the same.
First of all, you can wear waterproof hiking boots will thick wool socks. I have a pair of Columbia Crestwood boots, and they’re a budget-friendly option that will work for winter travel.
However, if winter travel is going to become somewhat of a regular thing for you, it’s worth investing in a good pair. These Columbia snow boots are perfect for both cities and nature!
If you can’t tell already, I’m a big fan of Columbia.
Note! You may also want to pack a pair of sandals or flip flops if you plan on using a hotel sauna or visiting a sauna spa during your winter trip.
Toiletries & Personal Care for Winter Travel
Winter has a sneaky way of pulling the moisture right out of you, and it’s not just in your head.
Cold air simply can’t hold onto much moisture. So when temperatures drop, the air becomes drier and tries to steal hydration from wherever it can. Add with windy conditions, that moisture evaporates even faster, leaving your skin feeling tight, flaky, or irritated.
And the fun doesn’t stop outside. Indoor heat is unkind to our skin, too. Radiators, space heaters, and blasting the heat all do the same thing: they strip humidity from the air.
So, you need to combat the winter weather by packing along a few essential winter travel toiletries. This includes: lip balm, hand cream, and face moisturizer. You’ll likely need a heavier face moisturizer than you use for your daily routine at home.
Other Winter Travel Gear to Consider
So we’ve covered all our main bases, so you know how to dress, accessorize, and keep your skin moisturized for your upcoming winter travels. Now let’s get into a few other items you might need depending on your trip.
Swimsuit: Whether it’s just the sauna or jacuzzi at your hotel or you plan to visit a sauna spa (a popular treat in Northern Europe and Quebec), you’ll need to pack along a swimsuit. Don’t forget flip flops or a pair of sandals to go with it!
Water bottle: It’s also a good idea to travel with a water bottle. You can choose a collapsible bottle to save space.
Tote bag or packable mini backpack: Something to put any souvenirs you buy throughout the day!
Compact phone tripod: I swear by this collapsible travel tripod! The best for taking photos of yourself while traveling solo or as a couple/group
Kindle: For train rides or quiet evenings, I always bring my Kindle or a book with me on trips.
eSIM: If you’re going abroad, don’t use whatever plan your current phone provider offers. It’s likely $10+ a day. Instead, get this international eSIM. It’s way more affordable, super convenient, and prevents any surprise charges from your phone plan. I won’t go abroad without one now!
Travel insurance: Because accidents happen. I recommend SafetyWing; they’re reliable, affordable, and offer excellent coverage.
Ice skates: When you bring your own skates, you can skate on frozen lakes or get discounts/free entry to ice skating rinks.
Final Thoughts: Packing Smart for Winter Travel
Ok, if you’ve followed this winter packing guide, you’re ready for your next trip! Remember your layers, no cotton, winter accessories, and warm boots.
And to make things even easier, I’ve included a printable winter packing list. Feel free to use this as a reference guide when packing for cold weather!
Thank you for reading, and I wish you happy travels! Winter is such a superior time to travel, particularly when there’s snow and holiday cheer in the air.
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