You have taken the plunge and finally booked your dream winter vacation. But packing light for cold weather seems nearly impossible to most. The good news is that by following a handful of helpful tips, the process is relatively straightforward.
While packing your winter essentials as efficiently as possible is key to saving on extra travel costs, you won’t be faulted for squeezing in your favorite Dr Martens before heading out.
Pack for a Week
The biggest mistake most people make when packing for any vacation is taking more clothes than needed. The reality is, for any vacation longer than a week, you can do laundry, either in the bathroom of your hotel room, at a local laundrette, or by renting a house with washing facilities. Some high-end hotels even offer guests laundry services as part of their package stay.
Cold weather travel allows you to re-wear clothing pieces more often than in hot, sweaty weather, so you will automatically have fewer heavy clothing items to wash. Winter clothes made from merino wool are not only warm and lightweight but are naturally odor-resistant, giving you multiple wears without a smell.
Must-Have Jackets
Packing a thick winter jacket is a no-brainer for any winter travel. It is ideal for frigid temperatures and can easily be taken on and off as needed when properly layered with other clothing pieces.
But not all situations will require a heavy-duty winter jacket. For days spent exploring the surrounding areas or participating in winter activities, having a light, packable down jacket will keep you well-insulated without adding unnecessary weight. Many are designed with a nylon outer shell, making them windproof and water-resistant.
If your holiday destination is known for a winter rainfall system, packing a lightweight raincoat will be perfect for keeping you dry without taking up space in your luggage.
Layers are Key
The most important thing to pack for cold weather is lots of layers. By packing layers as opposed to a couple of heavy and thick jackets, you have better control when adapting to changing weather conditions and temperatures, and your luggage will be lighter. Base layers are also easier to wash, allowing you to frequently refresh your t-shirts and undershirts.
A good layer system would be a t-shirt, a lightweight but warm long-sleeved shirt, preferably made from merino wool, a sweater, and either a down jacket, lightweight waterproof raincoat, or winter coat, depending on the weather at the time.
For very cold temperatures, thermal leggings can be worn under your pants, which double as a comfortable option to sleep in. Furthermore, your layering system should include thick socks, gloves, scarves, and a beanie hat.
Quality Footwear over Quantity
When you travel to a snowy winter holiday destination, you essentially only need one pair of shoes. They need to be sturdy, warm, comfortable, and water-resistant, with quick-drying materials and a grippy rubber sole to maintain balance on slippery surfaces.
If you plan to go out for a cozy meal at a local restaurant or drinks with friends, packing an additional pair of shoes that can be dressed up or down as needed will be advantageous. Winter shoes are naturally bulky and heavy, so choose wisely and wear your heaviest pair on the plane.
Toiletry Essentials
The air in winter is bone dry. And the longer you spend outside enjoying your winter vacation, the more your chances of chapped lips and dry skin grows. Alongside your typical toiletries, it is worthwhile packing a high-quality chapstick and a heavy moisturizer suitable for your body and face.
Additionally, including sunscreen can prove to be surprisingly valuable. Although it may be cold and snowy, the sun reflecting off the white snow can cause a harsh glare, radiating more UV rays than water. This can damage your eyes and skin if not adequately protected.
Winter Sports Gear
Depending on how athletic or adventurous you are, there is a strong likelihood you are planning on trying a few winter sports while on vacation. For those more experienced, packing your own gear is an essential part of your luggage, and ensuring you have adequate space to accommodate it is vital.
For those just getting started, many tourist destinations have gear available to rent as needed. However, to save on cash, including your own goggles, gloves, rain pants, and travel crampons will take minimal space and let you avoid unnecessary costs.
Space Saving Hacks
How you pack your bag is almost as important as what you choose to take along. Using compression bags and packing cubes will allow you to pack your luggage in the most efficient way possible, whether it is a simple carry-on or a checked bag. Furthermore, it will help you stay organized and let you keep track of clean and dirty clothes far easier.
Another clever ‘packing’ tip is wearing your heaviest and bulkiest clothes and shoes on the airplane to save on space and weight in luggage. This can be done to ensure you are under the limits or to free up additional space for other items.
Clothing pieces like jeans, winter boots, warm sweaters, and a thick jacket may look like a usual flight outfit but will save you a packing headache.
