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33+ Winter Packing List Essentials For Adventure Travelers

winter packing list

Every avid traveler needs a winter packing list. Knowing that you packed everything you need will ensure you can focus on having fun when you arrive.

Being born in snowy Colorado was the best place for me to see what works and what doesn’t. Trust me, there are tried and true things that work every winter and many that don’t!

These are the top-rated travel essentials for winter to keep you safe, warm, and stress-free this winter.

In this post, you will learn the best winter packing list items, winter packing tips, winter travel outfits, winter packing carry-on luggage, and more!

This post is all about winter packing list essentials.

The Basics

It totally depends where you are going and for how long, but one thing is for sure- you will always want to travel with your basics. Do your best to mix and match your basics with a few statement pieces so you can really bring them to life.

These are the winter basics I couldn’t live without while traveling:

On bottom

  1. Jeans. You gotta have your jeans babe! Pack atleast a pair or two for your trip and be sure to bring some warm ankle boots to go with ’em.
  2. Leggings. In all honesty, sometimes wearing jeans when it is cold is just not…cozy? Leggings, especially when its cold, can be the next best thing! The sherpa lined leggings I have linked below look adorable under a sweater dress with boots and will keep you toasty while strolling through the snow packed streets.
  3. Sweatsuit. Sweatsuits are super cute ways to travel and great for a casual outing in the morning or early afternoon. Another great option is a onesie. This solves the whole what to wear on top and bottom, looks super cute in the snow and is a great add-on for your winter packing list.

winter travel outfit

winter travel outfit

winter travel outfit

Up top

  1. Flannels. This is a super soft must have basic and is perfect for anyone traveling to the mountains or a cold winter town. They are easy to pack and pair well with jeans.
  2. Sweaters. These can be a bit bulky when packing and often it is better not to roll as they tend to get bigger. Wear your most bulky items on the plane and you will save some space.
  3. T-shirts. Wear your soft tees and tanks under your sweater for an added layer of warmth. Trust me, it helps!

winter travel outfit

winter travel outfit

winter travel outfit

Winter Outerwear

There is nothing more important for your winter packing list than what you wear outside. If you are traveling somewhere cold the weather can be a bit unpredictable. It’s always better to pack a little extra in this case.

Many of your outerwear items are small and can easily be stuffed in your coat pocket or luggage without taking up a ton of space.

Speaking of jackets, there is nothing better than a badass winter coat. Get yourself something warm, functional, and cute so you can stay outside even when the wind blows.

Below are some of the top-rated winter coats to pack when it’s cold out, especially the knee-length puffer jacket. It kept me warm during my stay at the Ice Hotel in Lapland, which was -7 degrees Celcius and dark outside for 22 hours a day!

winter packing list
Adventuring in the snowy mountains of California in my knee-length puffer coat.
  1. Jackets and coats.

winter travel outfit

winter travel outfit

winter travel outfit

Once you pick out a cute/warm winter coat you can continue accessorizing with the rest of your outerwear basics. There are a ton of different ways to mix and match but these would be my winter packing list must-haves continued:

2. Hat or beanie. Depending on what type of girl you are you may or may not appreciate a good beanie. They can definitely keep you toasty and will really change the look of any winter outfit.

If it is super cold a beanie may not do the trick. You may need to step it up a notch with something a bit warmer. Heat leaves through the top of your head so don’t forget this part! These are the top-rated winter hats

winter travel outfit

winter travel outfit

3. Gloves. Yes, gloves, girl! Your fingers can freeze without them. Plus, they’re super cute. Always pack a variety so you can switch it up based on the temperature and where you are going. For example, if you need to use your fingers (like you’re taking lots of cute photos during your trip) You should try a pair of fingerless gloves. If you aren’t the one behind the camera you might want a winter wonderland vibe and could go with furry mittens. They even have options for furry mittens that convert to fingerless gloves!

For those in extreme weather conditions, you will want something lined with shearling. Your hands will stay dry and you will feel a huge difference from a regular glove.

4. Scarf. Your neck is another vulnerable to the cold area and you will want to keep it covered! Either wear something soft and traditional like a cashmere scarf, try a circle loop scarf, or if you really want to try something different go for a balaclava for maximum protection!

5. Boots and snow boots. What you choose to walk around in when you travel can make or break your trip. It’s always better to have the right fit than to throw a fit because your feet hurt. If it is icy or snowy you will want a bit of a grip on the sole. If it is rainy and wet make sure they are waterproof. Take your time to read reviews when purchasing to ensure the size chart is correct as they often run large. These are the best boot options for every occasion.

winter travel outfit

winter travel outfit

winter travel outfit

Winter Underware

You may not always need more thermal layers for under your clothing, but it is so nice to have them when you’re on a grand snowy adventure! Check out the best options below to keep you snug and sound.

  1. Long underware. This feels great if you get cold easily and you would especially want to wear long underware if you plan to be outdoors all day.
  2. Socks. Please get yourself winter socks! They truly are not the same as the socks you probably have in your drawer at home. For one, they are waterproof and snow can definitely find a way into your shoes from time to time. Two, they make your feet feel like the sun is out even when its freezing.
  3. Tights. Yes, thermal pantyhose are now a thing. Thankfully! Get a couple pairs to go with your skirts, dresses and winter boots!

winter travel outfit

winter travel outfit
Snowy Yosemite bundled up in my favorite scarf and gloves from my trip to Lapland.

Dressy Winterware

What do you do if it is freezing and you still need to look amazing without sacrificing your bare skin for the cause? Get a sultry outfit that still makes you feel snuggled in.

winter travel outfit

winter travel outfit

Extra Winter Packing List Items

Ok, now that we have what you are wearing covered you might want to look into some extra items to help you feel at ease. These are foul-weather proofed and ready to help you shine, even when the sky is gray.

  1. Waterproof headphones. These headphones can be a game changer if you want to play your favorite podcast while its pouring. The other waterproof headphone option is best used when playing extreme sports outside, that way they stay on nice and tight!
  2. Hand/foot warmers. There are rechargable hand warmers if you spend a ton of time in the cold or disposable hand warmers for the one time user.
  3. Apple Watch. This is the best weather proof watch on the market and can save you tons of time taking your gloves on and off to respond to texts when its frigid outside. Plus, its waterproof and can easily link to your headphones so you can play hands free.

winter travel outfit

4. Car blanket. This travel blanket is easy to pack and will keep you warm in the car, airplane, or outside on a rocking chair as you sip your coffee and stare a the frosty sky.

5. Weather Proof Luggage. Get hard case luggage. You truly never know what could happen when traveling somewhere new. One time while traveling to Thailand it went into a downpour as we traveled to our hostel. Those that had soft luggage got everything they owned soaked. A weatherproof day bag is also a good idea in case you like to venture out into the great unknown.

6. The last few winter packing list items are to keep you healthy! When it is cold it is usually dry and our immune system takes a bit more to stay on track. Keep your chapstick on hand, skin protector for all the chapped areas, and moisturizer with sunscreen to keep your skin from cracking. Also, pocket kleenex is great to keep in your coat pocket when you’re on the go.

7. Cold weather gear for your fur baby. They get cold too! These weatherproof jackets can go a long way. Keep your dog or cat warm as you travel to ensure they feel at home too.

winter travel outfit

winter travel outfit

winter travel outfit

Winter Packing Tips

  1. Roll as many of your clothes as possible to save space.
  2. Flatten sweaters or wear on the plane as they tend to bulk when rolled.
  3. Stuff scarves, mittens and hats into coat pocket and wear on the plane.
  4. Wear your bogger boots on the plane to save space.
  5. Always make sure you have the right luggage.
  6. Winter clothes weigh more, plan ahead so youre not stuck with an extra charge for added weight.
  7. Plan outfits ahead of time.
  8. Layer up!
  9. Basics can help you mix and match so you get more outfits out of less!
  10. Use packing cubes to space save.

Save and share this post with friends and family that are planning a winter getaway to ensure you have everything you need!

This post is all about winter packing list essentials.

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