Packing light can be difficult at the best of times, but what about when you want to pack for a winter vacation?If you’re not seeking out winter sun when the temperatures start to drop, you’re going to need to uncover some of the best tips and tricks around if you want to fit a pile of comfortable and insulating clothing into a single suitcase.
Fortunately, we’ve put together a list of the most important guidelines you need to follow if you want to learn how to pack for a winter vacation.
The Golden Rule
First things first, the number one rule in how to pack for a winter vacation is pack layers – instead of bulky clothing. Dressing in thinner, insulating layers of clothes will allow you to stay warm, while ensuring you don’t take up too much space in your luggage.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s move on to some more specific advice.
1. Start with Base Layers
Despite its thin nature, a great base layer can be essential to giving you all the warmth of a huge coat or a bulky sweater. Paired with a shirt and pants, a base layer should insulate you from the cold without adding too much extra weight to your luggage.
Remember that wool is often the best fabric to use, as it will help to keep you warm while wicking away sweat and moisture. Sports clothing can also be useful too, but be sure to shop around for cheaper options if you’re unlikely to use the same layers again outside of your vacation.
2. Get Serious About Socks
The next step in learning how to pack for a winter vacation, is all about focusing on your feet. When the weather’s cold, you’re going to need socks to keep your toes warm, and ensure that you don’t lose too much excess heat through the bottom of your feet. The best compromise for light packing and cozy feet, is to choose thinner socks that still keep you warm.
Not only will thinner socks dry faster if you find yourself stuck in a position where you need to trudge through the rain and snow to get to your destination, but they’ll also take up less space in your bag. You can always wear multiple pairs if you’re feeling really icy.
3. The Perfect Coat
Finally, when selecting a coat, make sure you pick one that you’re happy to wear on the flight over. Wearing your coat during the journey to your destination will mean that you can avoid packing it altogether. The best option to look for is something that’s waterproof, comfortable, and hopefully full of extra pockets so you can store gloves and other essential items easily.
If you’re wearing your base layer, then you should be able to wear a lighter coat without worrying too much about the cold.
Bonus Tip: Accessories
If you’re heading out to a cold climate, you’re going to need a couple of accessories with you too. For instance, a windproof travel umbrella can help you brave a storm if the rain starts pouring or you find yourself caught in a sudden pour of hail. On the other hand, remember to bring the traditional items too, such as a hat, scarf, and gloves that you can shove into the pockets of your coat or jacket.
