Boots, coats, gloves, scarves, and layers, oh my! Packing for winter travel is challenging. It requires greater planning and strategy. Keep reading if you’re looking for a winter trip packing guide.
Travelers, unfortunately, can’t take their entire closet and are therefore limited to what their suitcases can hold. One carry on luggage and a personal item fly free on most airlines. Our family of four takes advantage of the fly-free choices and normally travels with one checked bag and four carry-on sized luggage, or no checked baggage and four carry on luggage.
Why travel in winter?
Winter is picturesque and therefore perfect for a family vacation. Snow topped trees, outdoor skating rinks, skiing, tobogganing, and winter wonderland walks are family-friendly activities. Cold weather destinations offer a wealth of engaging opportunities to disconnect from technology and create intimate family bonds and memories. The world offers varying destinations to fit any budget.
Winter trips don’t have to include freezing. I have witnessed families in the cold that obviously did not know what to pack for winter vacation. Don’t be that family! Pack for winter travel and protect yourself from the climate so that you can enjoy the many outdoor activities.
Winter packing essentials
Packing for winter travel should include a checklist. In extreme weather, all parts of the body need protection, but extra care and attention are required for the head, neck, hands, toes, and back. Once you know the basic travel essentials, you can survive any cold climate.
1. Proper shoes
Winter boots with a climate rating of at least -20 Fahrenheit are necessary for winter travel. Choose waterproof. insulated, light, thick-soled, flexible, and slip-resistant boots. Slipping on ice is best when avoided. Opt for lightweight boots. Wearing multiple layers is already cumbersome, you don’t want to carry around shoes that feel like weights. It’s an extra bonus if the boots have removable liners and insoles. Rubber soles are the best for boots. For additional traction and mobility on ice and snow, add crampons to the sole of your boots. Boots come in tall and short varieties. Choosing one or the other is based on preference. Taller boots are harder to take off, but I prefer a taller boot.
2. Mittens or Gloves
Not all gloves and mittens are created equal. Pretty knit and thin leather gloves get wet, therefore they are best reserved for driving in winter or layering under other weatherproof mittens. Using thin gloves or mittens to play outdoors for an extended amount of time will make you very wet, cold, and unhappy.
This is not an area to skimp. Buy or borrow a quality pair of insulated, waterproof, adjustable gloves or mittens. I prefer leather waterproof mittens with goose down interior for extreme cold. Mittens aren’t as flexible as gloves but still work well when skiing. Gloves are great for intense exercise or quick walks in and out of buildings. Mittens are warmer than gloves because they allow your hands to generate greater heat together, Some gloves are touch screen friendly.
3. Snow pants
Not just for children or winter sports, snow pants are waterproof, warm, windproof, insulated and convenient. Ideal for winter travel, outdoor winter sports, building snowmen, sledding, walking and combatting cold outdoor temperatures. Layer snow pants with warm leggings or thermals and a fitted long-sleeve undershirt. I like matching coats but it’s not necessary. Some snow pants are low and others have an attached bib or suspenders. The snow pants with a bib stop the wind from going onto your lower back. Your coat can move while sledding or falling and the bib provides wind protection to the tailbone area.
4. Best Winter socks
Avoid cotton socks. Wool socks mixed with other materials like nylon are an excellent choice for winter socks. Synthetic fiber blend socks are also a good option. Socks made of nylon, wool combinations or elastane with some lycra are great options. You want the sock to form to your foot and regulate body temperature. I like to layer fitted socks under wool socks but make sure the socks don’t immobilize my feet.
5. Winter Coat
Coats have evolved. A coat’s main job is to keep you warm and stylish. Packable down coats are warm with varying levels of thickness. Winter weather survivors are no longer limited to bulky options that take up their entire suitcase. Down coats come in different lengths. For sporting activities, I prefer a shorter active nylon coat. If the sole purpose of my trip is cuteness, and lots of walking are involved I prefer mid-length wool or structured down coat.
6. Pack Layers for your winter vacation
You will not survive cold weather without layers. If you are similar to me and don’t like being cold ever, for winter travel, layers are necessary from top to bottom. A fitted long sleeve shirt that tucks into your pants layered with a sweater and coat will work wonders. For the legs layer thick leggings under jeans or snow pants. Add as many layers as necessary.
7. Hat, Neck, ear covers and or face covering
Nothing is worse than walking outside in the cold to only have your face hurt. Don’t let mother nature cut you, no one deserves to live like that. So be smart when packing for winter travel. Protect your face from the elements. Scarves are great to protect the neck. Sometimes the weather or activity calls for more. For further protection of your neck or face buy or borrow a windproof neck gaiter or face mask. Hats protect your head, ears, and hair from the cold. They come in so many colors. Make sure your hat fits well is comfortable and offers the proper insulation. My daughter has lots of hair and opts to wear ear coverings instead of a hat.
8. Earbuds
Walking in the cold and holding your phone is a no. Holding your phone and talking is an opportunity for being cold. The goal of this article is to stop the phenomenon. Earbuds keep you hands-free while talking on the phone.
9. Roll don’t fold
We roll all of our clothing items and accessories as small as possible. Put underwear, thin-layered pieces, and socks inside shoes to save space.
This what to pack for a winter travel guide is not exhaustive but offers guidance on the basics to enjoy your family winter trip. Not all winter weather is the same. Vancouver is moderate while Quebec is extreme. You will find a review of our Vancouver family vacation here. If you pack all of these items you are prepared for whatever level of coldness mother nature decides to harness. Did I forget anything? What items do you think are necessary to pack for winter vacation?
