A Professional Packer’s 15 Best Tips for Winter Travel

Winter is, by far and away, the hardest season to pack for, especially if you’re trying to travel light. Clothes are bulkier, you have to bring multiple layers, and — depending on the weather at your destination — you may need extra cold-weather accessories like hats, gloves, and scarves to keep out the chill. 

Even though I travel for a living — I’m a journalist and the founder of a packing newsletter — prepping for my first winter trip is a struggle every year. I have to refamiliarize myself with my cold-weather clothes and heavy winter coats (which have been buried in my closet for the last several months) and take the time to think through the factors like low temperatures and outdoor activities that may affect what I’m packing.

In 2024, I took a late fall trip to the Dolomites, which counted as my winter packing list trial run for this season. Not even a full day in, I realized the contents of my suitcase fell short in a few areas: I hadn’t made room for cozy lounge socks (crucial for fireside reading) or switched to an extra-hydrating moisturizer to make up for the dry air. Recently, as I packed for a few weeks in chilly Wyoming, I made sure I didn’t repeat those same mistakes.

So you don’t suffer from any “I wish I had packed…” regret, ahead I’ve compiled the 15 essentials to bring on your next winter trip.

Suitcase With Compression Features

July Checked Plus Luggage

Whether you’re checking a bag or going carry-on-only, you’ll want a suitcase that can handle the heavier sweaters and puffy jackets you’ll wear on your trip. Look for luggage that’s designed with specific compression features; the July Checked Plus suitcase, for example, features the brand’s Y-Strap Compression System, which has a heavy-duty strap that can be pulled down to allow for additional space.

Compression Packing Cubes

Bagsmart 6 Set Compression Packing Cubes

Winter is the season to invest in compression packing cubes (if you haven’t already). Built to cut down on extra air and bulk from your clothes, they’re one of my favorite “packing hacks.” I love travel accessories that help keep me organized or allow me to pack one or two more items — and compression packing cubes do both. 

Cozy Sweatpants

Athleta Forever Fleece High Rise Jogger

I didn’t even think about packing sweatpants for Italy. I was so focused on the “nice” clothes in my suitcase, that I didn’t stop to consider how a cozy pair of sweats would pair perfectly with the trip’s agenda: spa days, afternoons spent reading, and post-hike naps. You can be sure they made it in my bag on the next go around. 

Base Layers

Halfdays Clare Lightweight Bamboo Top

Halfdays Ruth Lightweight Bamboo Legging

Base layers aren’t just for skiing or snowboarding. Typically made with breathable, sweat-wicking Merino wool, these form-fitting pieces are ideal for any winter trip where you’ll spend a lot of time in low temperatures. Because they’re made to keep you warm, you’ll actually need fewer layers; for instance, I just went for a brisk walk in 25-degree weather in Jackson Hole wearing only my base layers and a medium-weight jacket.

Warm Pajamas

J Crew Cotton Flannel Pajama Set

Since they’re not something you wear during the day, pajamas are probably one of the easiest things to forget to pack. I’ve trained myself to grab them for each trip by using a specific packing cube just for PJs, underwear, and socks. No matter what trick you use, be sure to switch out your warm-weather nightwear for something more substantial on your winter trip, like these cozy J.Crew cotton flannel pajamas. 

Mid-layer Jacket

Patagonia Down Jacket

Deciding what type of outerwear to bring is always one of the most time-consuming parts of packing. In an ideal world, you’d only need to bring one jacket or coat. But weather can be unpredictable; while you may have planned on wearing your heavy down coat every day, the varying temperatures say otherwise. To prepare for any type of winter day, I always have a packable jacket — one I can either wear on its own or layer under a heavier coat — tightly rolled away in my suitcase. This Patagonia puffer has an interior pocket that the entire item packs into for easy storage; shoppers say it takes up little space in their bags.

Windproof Outerwear

33000 Ft Womens Insulated Coat

Even if your destination doesn’t have snow in the forecast, it might still have a pretty biting windchill. To keep warm, pack an insulated coat or jacket designed to block out the wind. While windproof jackets aren’t necessarily as stylish as other types of outerwear, you’ll be thankful you chose function when you’re slammed with a powerful gust while exploring.

Cozy Socks

Barefoot Dreams Cozy Chic Heathered Socks

As I’ve gotten older, there are a few things I will no longer tolerate while traveling. Uncomfortable, low-quality socks are one of them. On cold-weather trips, I’ll always bring a few different types of socks: ones to wear with sneakers, ones to wear with boots, and a pair or two to keep my feet warm indoors. For the latter, I’ll go with something like these Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Heathered Socks. They’re super soft, machine-washable, and perfect for lounging around a hotel room or Airbnb.

Lined Boots

Danner Mountain Pass Shearling Boots

Footwear is hands down one of the most critical aspects of any winter packing list. If your feet are cold or uncomfortable, it’s nearly impossible to enjoy your trip. My solution is simple: find a pair of insulated, lace-up boots that are designed for long-term wear. Not only will they keep your toes warm and last you a lifetime, but they’re also relatively versatile and will go with most pieces in your travel uniform. Although these Danner boots are pricey, they can be worn walking around town or on a hike, and they’re built to last. Plus, they’re 100-percent waterproof, feature a cushioned footbed, and are made to be worn straight from of the box.

Slip-on Shoes

Birkenstock Boston Shearling Clogs

This one might not be for everyone, but slip-on shoes — like Birkenstock clogs — are a great secondary shoe to have in your suitcase. During your travels, you may encounter a situation where you don’t want to go through the hassle of lacing up your boots, like grabbing an extra key from the hotel front desk or popping down for a quick coffee. For those types of activities, you’ll want an easy, throw-and-go shoe like these clogs that still provide plenty of warmth and comfort.

Gloves or Mittens

Hestra Fall Line Mittens

My Hestra mittens were priority number one when I started packing for Wyoming. Yes, I’ll wear them skiing, but I also like to have them for daily wear in the winter. These are especially perfect because they have a removable fleece lining and a handy wrist strap, both of which are helpful features when the temperatures fluctuate.

Sunglasses

Ray Ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses

Sunglasses might be strongly associated with tropical destinations and trips to the beach, but they’re a year-round essential — yes, that includes the colder months. Even in the winter, the sun’s UV rays can be harmful (especially if they’re reflecting off snow or ice), so you’ll still need solid eye protection. Ray-Ban glasses offer 100-percent UV protection, plus polarized lenses that help reduce glare and improve visibility.

Scarf or Wrap

Nordstrom Transitional Knit Travel Wrap

I didn’t fully understand the importance of a scarf until I took a particularly cold trip to Bath last January. My coat wasn’t quite warm enough for the unexpectedly low temperatures, so I made the executive decision to add a thick wrap to my ensemble. It completely turned my day around, and I’ve since carried it with me on all my winter trips. This Nordstrom wrap is made of a super soft cotton blend, and it can be machine washed for easy care. Pro tip: pack it in your personal item bag on the plane. That way, you can use it as a makeshift blanket when the cabin gets a bit chilly.

Warm Hat or Headwear

Joeyoung Fleece Ear Warmer

Even if you’re not a “hat person,” you’ll still want to have some sort of headwear for your winter travels. After all, there’s hardly a more effective way to retain body heat. I personally prefer an ear warmer headband, as opposed to a knit hat or beanie, and it barely takes up any valuable suitcase real estate. This Amazon find is made of soft fleece and is designed to stay in place while you move.

Sunscreen and Moisturizer

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen 

La roche Posay Double Repair Face Moisturizer

When you’re packing your toiletry bag for a winter trip, there are a few essentials you’ll want to include. Sunscreen is, of course, one of the most important products, and Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen is a popular pick for how well it blends in and its lightweight feel. And if you’re someone with dry skin (like me!), you’ll benefit from having a travel-sized moisturizer at the ready, like La Roche-Posay’s double repair face cream. Otherwise, your post-plane winter skin won’t be too happy. I also refuse to travel without at least two lip balms — one in my purse, the other in my Dopp kit as a backup. With the cold, dry air and indoor heating, my lips require multiple applications a day.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.