How to Pack Like a Pro for Winter Travel

December 15, 2025

I once heard in Norway that there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes. And they would know! As a New Englander who absolutely loves winter, I agree. Enjoying a cold weather destination relies heavily on you making sure you pack all the right gear. Whether it’s wandering around cities like Madison and Quebec City or hitting the slopes in places like Big Sky, there’s an art to packing for winter travel, and I’m here to share all I know.

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Packing Tips for Winter Travel

Winter weather CAN feel different even if the temperatures are the same

There is such a difference between dry and humid winter climates! I always say if you’re traveling anywhere in Europe in winter, know that the weather tends to be much wetter, so not only will you want to make sure you have a warm jacket and boots, you also want to make sure both are waterproof. It’s not just enough that they’re water or weather resistant.

Packing will also depend on what you’re doing

Another thing to keep in mind is that you’ll want to pack differently depending on what you’ll be doing on your trip. Chances are you don’t need to wear the same outfit on the slopes as you do wandering around Christmas markets.

Pick your base layers wisely

Am I the only one who doesn’t quite know the difference between long underwear, long johns, and base layers? As far as I can tell they all mean the same thing – a layer of clothing you wear against your skin. The key to a good base layer isn’t necessarily that it insulates you against the elements but that it keeps your skin dry. It’s why you want to look at thinner, moisture-wicking material. Sweating, after all, is a cooling process, and that’s the last thing you want to go through in subzero temperatures. There’s a reason winter athletes don’t recommend wearing cotton as a base layer despite it being warm and feeling nice against the skin.

If you’re looking for less expensive options, most synthetic shirts and leggings will do the job. For more natural materials, look at merino wool and silk. Lands’ End often has great deals on their silk base layers!

Wear fitted middle layers for better insulation

Now when it comes to actually staying warm, you want to make sure the middle layers keep your body heat in. Make sure they’re fitted so you don’t feel like Randy in A Christmas Story when his mom gets him ready for school! You can never go wrong with wool (merino or otherwise), cashmere, or thicker cotton especially in terms of overall longevity. If any of those fabrics sound cost prohibitive, I recommend checking secondhand shops both in person and online. You’d be surprised at what you can find!

Here’s how to choose your outerwear

When it comes to outerwear, keep in mind that this is what’s going to shield you from whatever weather you find yourself in. Icy winds, sudden snowfalls, (*shudder*) freezing rain… if you invest in anything, let it be a solid winter coat.

While everyone has different style preferences I’m a big fan of parkas. Personally, I prefer one that goes below my bum but doesn’t make me feel like I’m walking in a sleeping bag. My parka also has to have a great pocket system and be water resistant at least (waterproof is better).

I always say get your jacket to fit a bit looser so that it can accommodate all the layers you need while still allowing for a bit of airflow. If you’re planning to do a lot of outdoor activities, you may even want to look at jackets that have side zips.
As a bonus, get a parka with a fur or faux fur trim. They’re scientifically proven to keep your face warmer. And if you already have a jacket without one, consider getting a ruff to attach and detach as needed.

And not to forget outwear for your legs…

Of course, I’m not going to forget about your bottom half! For the most part you should be okay with a base layer and your normal pants, though you may want to size up with your jeans to allow more room.

If you know you’re going to be outdoors for extended time, you’re going to want some sort of snowpant. Even if you’re not skiing or doing intense physical activities, you’ll find snow pants can really help you stay outside for longer. If you’re worried about looking too bulky, look at cross-country ski pants. They tend to be sleeker while still managing to block out wind and water better than a regular pair of jeans or trousers.
And, of course, if you plan on running outside – fleeced lined leggings are a must! Lands’ End makes incredible pairs.

Focus on your head and your feet

As I was always told growing up, body heat escapes through your head and your feet first, so don’t neglect them! If you go out in subzero temperatures without any headgear and thin socks… you’re going to struggle to get warm the rest of the day.

When it comes to hats, I keep mine on both indoors and outdoors in the winter because once that thing goes on, there’s no way I’m taking it off and dealing with crazy hat hair!! With that in mind, I look for ones that can balance style and function.
And as for your feet, sturdy socks are a must! Get them well over the ankle for extra warmth and layers. I always go for merino wool because they’re also odor resistant. When it comes to brands, Darn Tough is based in Vermont, and if there’s a state that knows a thing or two about dressing for the cold…

Forget about your nice shoes

If you’re going somewhere with snow, save yourself the luggage weight and do not even look in the direction of your nice, dainty shoes. I could see maybe bringing a thin pair of flats if you’re staying in a fancier resort and need to dress up for meals, but otherwise you are not going to wear them.

Instead, you’re going to want to invest in boots.

There’s a lot to consider with boots – walkability, warmth, sturdiness against the elements… None of the options that fit these terms are exactly sexy but they will keep your feet warm and dry. I would recommend two pairs. Get a hiking boot style for walks and sightseeing and then a heavy duty pair for everything else you do.

Danner, Merrell, Oboz, Keen, Sorels, and Salomon make great options, and for really serious outdoors activities, Bogs is a classic. I actually once asked a Maine lobsterman what he wears in the winter, and he replied, “I only wear Bogs.”

Keep your skin hydrated

Just remember, your skin is going to take a beating. Heated buildings mean much drier air and those snowy landscapes mean the sun is going to reflect right back up at you. I’m pretty sure the UV rays are, in fact, more intense when reflected off snow!

Don’t neglect your SPF and bring extra moisturizing products to counteract how dry the heat will feel. I love hydrating sticks from Mustela and Jones Road. I actually discovered the Mustela Nourishing Stick because I bought it for my twins when they were babies! It was so hydrating and soft, I still get it now. Just roll it over your cheeks, lips, and under your nose. Aquaphor is another tried and true brand for extra moisture and protection from the elements.

Mittens or Gloves?

Ahh the age old winter question when it comes to your hands – mittens or gloves?

Gloves, which cover each individual finger, offer much better dexterity but mittens, which cover the hand as a whole, are warmer. Honestly? Just pack both! For regular wear, I love Namakan’s faux-fur driving mittens and really any glove you can pick up at your nearby outdoors shop. (Although, here’s a throwback for fellow 80s kids – Freaky Freezies are very much still a thing!)

If you have the funds, you could also invest in a pair that has both options like these Swany mittens. You can just unzip to have access to your fingers without taking the whole thing off.

Don’t neglect the neck!

The head and the feet are important but don’t neglect your neck! A nice, thick scarf really can make the difference. I would know, I have them in all fabrics and colors even when it’s not winter out.

If you want something that’ll take up less room, look at neck gaiters. It’s what you’ll also see skiers and snowboarders wearing over their mouths and around their necks! You can choose between simple fleece ones or more technical merino wool options. I like to travel with 1-2 just because they tend to get wet so it’s nice to have a dry one handy just in case.

Save yourself from slippin’ and slidin’

Fun fact: there are some winter destinations that never use salt. Even in NYC, there are often times I find myself on icy sidewalks! Waddling like a penguin is not particularly fun or efficient and, even worse, is breaking a hip somewhere where you don’t speak the language! Get a pair of microspikes from Kahtoola. It’s what runners use when they train in the winter, but they sell spikes for a variety of needs. The rubber grippers can be slid over just about any shoe or boot and it’s not quite as intense getting spikes.

For extra warmth – get some hand warmers

If you find yourself needing even more warmth, look into packing some hand warmers. While the single use ones are popular, if you’re worried about the waste, you can also get rechargeable ones.