Imagine a scene straight from a winter postcard and fresh, crispy air as soon as you wake up. You take walks in the winter snow, amongst pine trees and quiet trails, before curling up by a fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa. If you’re planning your winter escape, just like this one that’s oh-so-cozy, you’ll want to stay warm and snuggly throughout your vacation.
Packing for a winter vacation requires more than tossing a few sweaters into your suitcase. If you want to stay dry, warm, and stylish no matter where your adventure takes you, planning and packing thoughtfully is essential. Getting there and staying comfortable can be achieved by a little prep to make your vacation effortless.
This guide will walk you through everything you’ll need for your winter trip, whether you’re leaving for the weekend or vacationing for a couple weeks. We’ll cover everything from waterproof outerwear to your cozy and stylish cabin attire, so you can focus on the most important part… enjoying your getaway!
Let’s get packing!
Essential Clothing & Layers
Layering is key when it comes to staying warm and comfortable during winter, so let's do the same for what gets packed for your getaway. Here’s a cheat sheet for a 3-layer system.
- Base Layer: Keeps your skin comfortable and wicks away moisture
- Mid Layer: Traps body heat and provides insulation
- Outer Layer: Protects you from the outside elements, such as wind, snow and rain.
With this system, you can adjust your outfit as temperatures and activities change, keeping you cozy and dry throughout your trip.
Base Layer for Next-to-Skin Comfort
What to Pack: If you’re traveling for 3 days, pack 2-3 thermal tops and leggings. However, if you’re traveling for 7 days, pack 4-6 pairs of leggings and tops.
Why It Matters: Your base layer will pull away sweat and keep you dry, which plays an important role when it comes to staying warm. We love to look for items made of merino wool when it comes to finding the best base layer pieces that also wick away moisture.
Mid Layer for Insulation
What to Pack: 1-2 sweaters, hoodies or fleece tops for a 3-day trip or 3-4 pieces for a 7-day trip
Why It Matters: Mid layers will keep you warm using your body heat and by creating a cozy barrier between you and the outside cold. When choosing your middle layers, opt for pieces that will be versatile, so you can wear them outdoors or dress them up for a stylish indoor look.
Outer Layer for Weather Protection
What to Pack: 1 waterproof jacket or parka, 1 pair of jeans, snow pants or weather-resistant pants for a 3-day trip. Pack an additional 2-3 pairs of bottoms for a 7-day trip. Of course, choose what to take based on what you’ll be doing. If you’ll be hanging out with your friends and want to look stylish, take an additional pair of jeans or a cute top with you. If you’ll be mostly curled up indoors, pack an additional pair of sweatpants or leggings.
Why It Matters: This will be your first line of defense against snow, wind and rain. Based on what adventure you go on, choose a skiing jacket or a parka that’s insulated, windproof and waterproof. Some features that might come in handy include adjustable hoods, zippered pockets and snow skirts.
Pro Tip
Plan your outfits and pack pieces you can mix and match. That means opting for neutral colors and simple designs that can create multiple outfits. Add a pop of color with a scarf, beanie or mittens!
Stay warm, stay dry and stay stylish!
Winter Accessories & Footwear
For every winter getaway, you need the right accessories to keep you warm, as well! While your outerwear and layers do most of the heavy lifting, it's the smaller details that will also play a huge role in keeping you cozy. Here's what to pack to stay warm from head to toe.
Beanie: Keeps You Fashionable and Warm
For any trip, packing 1-2 beanies will be the perfect amount. Choose a versatile style, such as a cashmere beanie, which will keep you warm without being bulky. Neutral colors like black, gray, or beige pair well with most outfits and a pop of color can brighten up a snowy day.
Scarves: Multi-purpose
What to Pack: 1 scarf that matches multiple outfits
Why It Matters: A scarf does more than keep your neck warm. It adds an extra layer of insulation, can double as a face covering and even works as a travel pillow in a pinch.
Gloves: Fully Functional Warm Hands
What to Pack: 1-2 pairs of touch-screen-friendly gloves
Why It Matters: Avoid numb fingers by keeping them warm. Touchscreen-compatible gloves will keep your hands cozy, while staying connected. Hello to fashion and function!
Socks
What to Pack: A pair of wool or thermal socks for each day of your stay.
Why It Matters: Cold feet can easily ruin your day. Wool and thermal socks provide superior insulation and moisture-wicking properties to keep your feet dry and warm. Pack a few extra pairs in case of wet weather.
Footwear: Functional, Yet Comfortable
What to Pack: 1 pair of waterproof boots and a pair of casual sneakers or slip-ons for indoor lounging or light walks.
Why It Matters: You’ll want durable, waterproof boots to keep your feet warm and dry while exploring the outdoors. Look for boots with good traction to prevent slipping on icy paths. Casual sneakers or slip-ons are perfect for hanging out indoors or running quick errands on dry terrain.
Pro Tip
Wear your bulky items such as boots, jackets and scarves during travel to free up space in your luggage. This strategy saves room for extra clothes and prevents overweight baggage fees.
Packing Tips
Packing for a winter getaway can get bulky with all the layers, but a few smart strategies will help you save space and stay organized. Compression bags are a game-changer for packing puffy jackets, sweaters and other bulky items. These bags remove excess air, shrinking the size of your clothes so you have more room for essentials.
Another trick to saving space is to roll your clothes instead of folding them. Rolling not only conserves space but also reduces wrinkles, keeping your clothes looking fresh and your outfits crisp. To further minimize bulk, focus on multi-purpose items that can serve more than one function. For example, a fleece can double as a cozy mid-layer and a lounge sweater for evenings by the fire.
