When you’re heading off to a cold-weather destination, you want to make sure you have everything you need to be comfortable, but that winter gear can add up quickly. Here are some tips for packing for your next winter adventure.
Types of winter trips
Winter trips come in all shapes and sizes. Your packing list will look different depending on where you’re going and how you’re traveling there.
Whether you’re getting cozy in a rental cabin or braving the elements, make sure you come prepared with everything you need. Outdoorsy vacations like ski trips, climbing or hiking excursions will require the most gear, which can be especially challenging if you’re flying to your destination. A road trip may give you a bit more breathing room since you can fill your car with all the essentials. If you’re heading to a big city, you’ll want to ensure you have enough layers to stay warm on long walks without needing to carry too much with you.
If you’re looking for flights, accommodations, rental cars or experiences for your winter trip, the Citi Travel® portal is a good place to start if you have an eligible Citi credit card.
Winter packing list
Here’s a list of items to consider packing.
Outerwear
- Coat
- Ski jacket or parka
- Ski pants
If you’re planning to be doing a lot of outdoor activities, particularly in the snow, pack a waterproof ski jacket and snow pants. For a city trip, you may want a less heavy-duty coat.
Layering
- Tops
- Pants
- Sweaters
- Sweatshirts
- Long underwear
- Base layers
- Fleece
No matter where you’re going, it’s a good idea to layer up to stay warm, but depending on your destination, you might have different style preferences. You could opt for a fashionable sweater if you’re exploring a city or mountain town, while utilitarian sweatshirts or fleeces might get the job done for a snowshoeing excursion or hanging out around the fire pit at a cabin. Base layers and long underwear are a must for ski trips, but they can be helpful for any vacation where you’ll be outside for long periods of time.
Shoes
- Snow boots
- Hiking boots
- Sneakers
- Ski or snowboard boots
Waterproof boots will keep your feet dry if you’re heading anywhere with snow on the ground. For a ski trip, you may also need to bring special footwear depending on the sport you’re doing. You may want hiking boots if you’ll be outdoors but expecting dryer conditions. Sneakers are a good option for walking around a city as long as the ground isn’t too wet.
Accessories and gear
- Hat or earmuffs
- Scarf
- Gloves or mittens
- Warm socks
- Ski mask
- Special gear like skis, snowboard, or snowshoes
Keeping your head, hands and feet warm will make your adventures more pleasant no matter where you are. In the city, you might take earmuffs, a scarf, and wool gloves, while on a ski trip, you’ll likely prefer a heavy-duty ski mask and waterproof mittens. Make sure to account for any big, specialized gear for outdoor activities, particularly if you’ll need to take it on a plane or public transit.
Winter packing tips
Once you’ve checked off everything on your packing list, figure out the best way to get it to your destination. Here are some ideas for how to make the most of your packing.
- Layer up some heavier items for plane travel to make more room in your suitcase
- Pack layers you can wear a few times to cut down on the amount of clothes you’re bringing
- Use packing cubes or bags to stay organized
- Pay attention to the forecast so you have the right outfits for the weather
- If bringing bulky gear like skis or snowboards is too difficult, look into renting them at your destination
- Consider a larger suitcase with room for everything you need
