The Ultimate Winter Packing List + Free Printable Checklist
Planning a cozy getaway or an exciting chilly adventure?
Whether you’re venturing to a snowy mountain retreat, a European Christmas Village, or any other frosty locale, packing for a winter trip can be quite a challenge.
But don’t worry, my frosty friend! Because I’ve got you covered with The Ultimate Winter Packing List Guide!
With years of experience packing for cold weather trips like Iceland, Canada, and countless ski trips across the country, I’m here to share my winter packing list, and tips for conquering super cold climates. And to make your packing process even more effortless.
And as a bonus, I’ve included a free printable winter travel checklist to simplify your packing process.
So let’s get packing, I suppose!
Table of Contents
Why You Need This Winter Packing Checklist
The Ultimate Winter Packing List
- Winter Clothing Essentials
- Toiletries and Personal Care
- Winter Sports Gear and Accessories
- Travel Documents and Essentials
- Electronics and Entertainment
- Medications and First Aid
- Miscellaneous Must-Have Items
How to Get the Free Printable Checklist
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Why You Need This Winter Packing Checklist
So, you might be wondering, “Why should I bother with a winter travel packing list?”
Well, here’s the deal – winter travel comes with its unique set of challenges. As if packing wasn’t already stressful enough, now you have the added stress of worrying if you packed the right winter wardrobe to stay warm. Are you sure you covered all your winter outdoor activities?
Or maybe you have to navigate outfits for changing climates if you are leaving warm climates and heading to cold climates. And how in the heck are you going to get it to all fit in your suitcase?? Especially if your goal is to pack carry on luggage only!
I don’t know about you, but I despise feeling cold! The thought of being underprepared can really stress a person out! It might lead us to overpack for those “just in case” scenarios. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
That’s where my trusty checklist comes in. This list keeps you on track, ensures you don’t forget essential items, and saves you from last-minute packing stress.
The Ultimate Winter Packing List
1. Winter Clothing Essentials:
For your winter clothing essentials, Pack items that can be LAYERED!
Begin with high-quality thermal base layers to retain body heat so you stay toasty warm. Opt for merino wool base layers, a natural choice that provides better moisture-wicking benefits to keep sweating at bay.
Then, add an insulating layer like a fleece or down jacket to trap heat and cap it all off with a waterproof and windproof outer layer for maximum warmth.
For the foundation of your winter clothes, investing in proper footwear is paramount. Waterproof boots with proper insulation are your best bet for keeping your feet dry and warm. Ensure your winter boots are comfy for walking by breaking them in before your trip!
Don’t overlook the finer details that make a significant difference in cold weather travel. Accessorize yourself with a cozy wool or fleece hat, gloves, and a scarf to seal in the warmth. And because winter can be unpredictable, consider packing an extra pair of gloves—just in case one gets wet.
For the tech-savvy, touchscreen-friendly gloves are convenient, and you won’t sacrifice warmth.
Oh, and speaking of warmth, never underestimate the importance of a few pairs of warm socks—preferably in the warmth of wool socks. Your feet will thank you for the extra insulation as you traverse through your winter wonderland.
List of Clothes to Pack for Winter Travel:
- Thermal Tops (merino wool base layers)
- Thermal Bottoms (merino wool base layers)
- Insulated Winter Jacket or Parka
- Waterproof and Windproof Outer Shell
- Fleece or Down Jacket – mid layer
- Sweaters and Long-sleeve Shirts
- Thermal Socks (preferably wool socks)
- Thin Socks
- Fleece Lined Leggings or Pants
- Waterproof and Insulated Winter Boots
- Hat or Beanie
- Scarf or Neck Gaiter
- Gloves or Mittens (consider a thin liner pair and a thicker, insulated pair)
- Sunglasses
- Ear Muffs or Ear Warmers
- Multiple changes of underwear
- Warm Pajamas
2. Toiletries and Personal Care:
In your personal care kit, PRIORITIZE MOISTURIZING!!
Cold weather and biting winds can be harsh on your skin, so make sure your toiletries packing list is stocked with the essentials.
Combat the cold wind’s assault on your lips by including a moisturizing lip balm with SPF protection. Regularly apply this lifesaver and stash a spare in your coat pocket and bag for on-the-go coverage.
Extend your hydration defense beyond your lips. A top-notch hand and skin moisturizer is a must to ward off the dryness that cold weather can bring.
Here’s a handy tip: apply moisturizer right after showering to lock in the hydration.
Don’t forget SUNSCREEN!!
Despite the colder temperatures, remember that the snow reflects the sun’s UV rays, greatly increasing the risk of sunburn. Save your skin by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 on exposed areas, and don’t forget to reapply throughout the day!
List of Toiletries to Pack for Winter Travel:
- Lip Balm with SPF
- Moisturizing Lotion
- Sunscreen with high SPF
- Hydrating Face Serum (or other skincare)
- Hand and Foot Cream
- Shampoo and Conditioner (if not provided by accommodation)
- Leave in Conditioner
- Dry Shampoo
- Body Wash or Soap
- Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Dental Floss
- Deodorant
- Razor and Shaving Cream
- Hairbrush or Comb
- Hair Ties or Accessories
- Personal Hygiene Items (Tampons, Period Cup, Pads, etc.)
- Nail clippers and Files
- Contact Lenses or Eyeglasses (if applicable)
- Contact Solution
3. Winter Sports Gear and Accessories:
For your winter sports gear and outdoor activities, snow goggles with anti-fog and UV protection shield your eyes from the glare off the snow and the wind. It’s wise to pack an extra pair of goggles in case one becomes scratched or fogged during your adventures. Or bring a second interchangeable lens for your goggles.
Pocket-sized hand and toe warmers offer immediate warmth; tuck them inside your gloves and boots. Remember to shake hand warmers before use to activate the heat.
Or, if you opt for a rechargeable hand warmer, make sure you charge it up between your cold weather activities.
If you’re planning to hit the slopes on a ski trip, consider renting your skis. But, if renting is not an option and you want to bring your own skis, I have an entire article on how to travel with skis. Check it out here!
Tip: Ensure your gear is in top shape by getting it serviced before your trip, and carry a small repair kit just in case.
List of Winter Sports Gear and Accessories to Pack:
- Snowshoes
- Skis, Poles, and Ski Boots
- Snowboard, Boots, and Bindings
- Ski/Snowboard Jacket
- Snow Pants or Insulated Ski/Snowboard Pants
- Snow Goggles with UV protection (plus extra lens)
- Snow Chains (if you are road-tripping to your locale)
- Winter Tires for your vehicle
- Snow Sled or Toboggan (if you plan on sledding)
- Ice Cleats or Crampons for icy conditions
- Leg Gaiters (to keep snow out of your boots)
- Snowmobile Gear (if applicable)
- Avalanche Safety Equipment (Transceiver, Probe, and Shovel) for backcountry adventures
4. Travel Documents and Essentials:
For seamless winter trips, the first thing to check is ensuring your travel documents are in order.
Begin by double-checking the expiration dates on your passport and ID, making sure they’re up-to-date and easy to find.
Keep in mind that most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. So plan accordingly to avoid any unexpected difficulties during your winter vacation.
For extra security, make copies or digital scans of your travel documents. This precaution can be a lifesaver in case you lose your primary documents. This offers you a backup plan to navigate through any unexpected twists during your winter trips
Now, let’s talk about travel insurance.
Winter can throw curveballs, especially if you are doing one of winter’s extreme sports. So it’s smart to have travel insurance that covers medical stuff and also trip changes or cancelations. Take the time to read through all the insurance details so you know what’s what.
Lastly, keep a digital and paper copy of your plans. It should have all the addresses, phone numbers, and reservations. Share this with a friend or family member you trust; it’s like having an extra layer of safety in case something goes awry.
List of Travel Documents You Will Want to Pack for Winter Travel:
- Passport and a Photocopy
- Visa (if required)
- Global Entry or Nexus Card
- ID Card or Driver’s License
- Travel Insurance Documents
- Health Insurance Card
- Plane, Train, or Bus Tickets
- Accommodation Reservations
- Rental Car Documents (if applicable)
- Emergency Contact List
- Wallet (with Cash, Credit/Debit Cards)
5. Electronics and Entertainment:
It’s time to talk gadgets and the fun stuff.
Don’t forget to pack chargers for all your gadgets, and bring a portable power bank just in case you run out of juice.
Keep your cables neat and tidy using a travel organizer – no more tangled mess!
Winter nights are perfect for diving into a good read. So, bring along an e-reader or a good old-fashioned book. E-books save space if you’re short on room.
For long flights or train rides, noise-canceling headphones are like magic. Plus, make sure to download your favorite tunes and movies ahead of time – it’ll make your trip go by faster!
List of Gadgets and Entertainment to Pack:
- Smartphone and Charger
- Laptop or Tablet and Charger
- Camera and Charger/Batteries
- GoPro and Charger/Batteries
- Video Equipment and Charger/Batteries (if applicable)
- Power Bank
- Hard Drive
- International Power Adapters/Converter
- Headphones or Earbuds
- E-reader or Physical Books
- Music
- Audiobooks
- Podcasts
- Movies/Videos (downloaded)
- Travel-size Speaker (if desired)
- Cables and Memory Cards for Electronics
- Electronic organizer
6. Medications and First Aid:
Don’t forget to secure an adequate supply of prescription medications for your trip. It’s advisable to have extra on hand in case of unexpected delays.
Keep your medications in their original containers with clear labels for easy identification.
Tip: Pack your prescriptions you can’t live without in your personal item. I had a friend get forced to gate-check her carry-on, and they lost her bag. She was incredibly sick for almost the duration of the trip because it took a week to get her suitcase with her meds in it.
Also, depending on where you are traveling, it might be a good idea to talk to your doctor about carrying certain Rx medications with you for emergencies. Such as antibiotics for traveler’s diarrhea or other infections and illnesses you might catch while there.
In your first aid kit, include essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
Customize your first aid kit based on your specific destination and planned activities to ensure you’re prepared for potential minor mishaps.
List of Medications and First Aid Supplies:
- Prescription Meds (personal)
- Emergency Rx Meds (Antibiotics, Anti-nausea Meds)
- Written Rx’s (if you’ll need a refill)
- OTC Medications (Pain reliever, Allergy med, Imodium, Motion Sickness med, Pepto tablets, Immunity supplements)
- First aid kit (Bandages, Antiseptic Wipes, Antibiotic Ointment)
7. Miscellaneous Must-have Items:
When gearing up for a winter getaway, it’s crucial to remember that packing goes beyond the essentials. It’s not just about warm clothing and travel documents; there are some miscellaneous items that will greatly enhance your winter adventure.
These little helpers can make your journey not only more convenient but also more enjoyable.
Let’s take a closer look at these often overlooked yet indispensable miscellaneous must-haves that can be real game-changers during your winter trip.
List of Must-have Miscellaneous Items:
- Travel guidebooks or Maps
- Language translation apps
- Umbrella or Raincoat
- Reusable water bottle
- Travel-sized laundry detergent and stain remover
- Plastic bags for wet or dirty items
- Notepad and pen
- Travel locks for securing your luggage
- Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
- Travel pillow and eye mask
- Thermal travel mug for hot beverages on the go
- Snacks and energy bars
- Entertainment for kids (if traveling with children)
- GPS device (if traveling in remote areas)
- Day Pack/Backpack
- Rechargeable Hand Warmer and Toe Warmers
- Vacuum-Seal Compression Bags
Bonus Winter Packing Tips:
Check the Weather Forecast:
Before you leave, regularly monitor the weather forecast for your destination. I like to look at the weather a week before I leave and then three days before. This way, I can adjust my packing and plans accordingly if I need to.
Research Your Destination:
Understand the climate, local customs, and potential weather-related challenges at your destination. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions and pack more efficiently. Also, do a Google or Pinterest search to see what others have packed for your location. Forums and blogs are really useful tools to help you plan. Like this one!
Layering for Comfort:
Layering is the key to staying comfortable in any cold situation. Start with a high-quality, moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin. I really love my Smartwool tops and Smartwool bottoms! I can’t recommend them enough!!
Then add an insulating layer (like fleece) for warmth, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer shell for protection from the elements. This is the system that allows you to adjust your clothing based on the temperature and activity level.
I know that looking cute and fashionable is a priority, too! I totally get it! As long as you invest in good quality, warm base, and mid layers, you can switch up the outerwear to something more fashionable and still be comfortable and warm! It’s all about them layers, ladies!
Roll Your Clothes:
Yes, I’m a team roller! I stand by it! Rolling your clothes instead of folding them saves so much space in your suitcase and can help reduce wrinkles. It’s a handy packing technique, especially when trying to fit bulkier winter items.
Use Compression Packing Cubes!!!
Compression Packing cubes were a game changer for my packing game, especially for winter packing!! The compression bags help suck all the air out of your bulky sweaters, puffer coats, etc. They also keep your luggage organized and make it easy to find specific items without rummaging through your suitcase. They’re especially useful for separating clean and dirty clothes.
Pro Tip: Be sure to grab some tape and a marker to label what each gag contains. For example, I like to keep tops in one and bottoms in another.
Pack Smart:
Pack versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched, reducing the number of items you need to pack. This strategy allows you to create multiple outfits with fewer pieces.
When I’m packing, if an item doesn’t go with at least 90% of the other items, then It doesn’t get to go! Sometimes, this is heartbreaking, and it took me a while to break my old habits, but the more you do it, the easier it gets and the happier and less stressed you’ll be!
Travel-Sized Laundry Detergent:
If you plan to do laundry during your trip, bring a small amount of travel-sized laundry detergent. This way, you can wash essential items in your accommodation’s sink or use a local laundromat. This little trip helps you pack less on longer trips!
Plastic Bags:
Pack a few plastic bags for storing wet or dirty items separately from your clean clothes. They can also come in handy for organizing items within your luggage.
If you are anti-plastic, I found these handy wet bags on Amazon and have fallen in love with them! They are incredibly useful for more than I can tell you. But I’ll just say where it’s cold, there’s usually snow. So these little buggers help keep my bag from getting soggy!
Stay Hydrated:
Okay, so maybe I’m putting this tip in here to help remind myself, too! My husband says I’m terrible at drinking water! As much as I hate to admit it, he’s right! So, ladies and gents, please please remember to stay hydrated.
In cold weather, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water, but staying hydrated is essential for maintaining your energy levels and overall well-being. Plus, it really helps with jet lag! Carry a reusable water bottle and make an effort to drink regularly.
Emergency Snacks:
Nobody likes the Hangry Monster! So carry some emergency snacks like energy bars or trail mix in your daypack. You never know when you’ll need a quick energy boost during a busy day of sightseeing or winter sports.
Entertainment for Kids &/or Husband:
If you’re traveling with children or your husband (lol), entertainment is probably almost as important as remembering to pack your passport! Packing their favorite toy, gadget, or game can be a lifesaver on long travel days by helping them avoid a breakdown when they’re exhausted. Heck, the toy/game or gadget might even save you from a temper tantrum, too!
Plus, it helps with boredom by keeping them entertained during downtime!
GPS Device:
If you plan to travel to remote areas or engage in outdoor adventures, a GPS device can be invaluable for navigation and safety. Make sure it’s fully charged and loaded with the necessary maps.
How to Get the Free Printable Checklist
More Packing Posts:
Ultimate Hawaii Packing List For a Seven-Day Tropical Getaway
Fall Travel Outfit Ideas: What to Pack for Changing Weather
Road Trip Packing List: Items You Didn’t Know You Needed (Printable PDF)
Final Thoughts
With this Winter Packing List in hand, you’ll be ready to tackle your winter adventure head-on. Just remember, it’s all about staying warm, dry, and prepared.
Be adaptable, have a blast, and create amazing memories!
Thank you for stopping by and using my Winter Packing Checklist. If you found this helpful, be a kind friend and share it with others. And stay tuned for more travel tips and exciting destinations.
Happy travels, and enjoy your winter getaway!