Packing for a Winter Trip

Now that it is getting really cold, some places are raining hard, other placing are even snowing. This kind of weather has its charm, but poses challenges to the backpacker who wants to explore different city while carrying the lightest possible gear.

Because, let’s face it, light packing for winter is such a hard task, that discourage many travelers from backpacking in winter.

But fear not! We are here to help you, with some tips from experience, to pack as lightly as possible, without leaving a chance for the cold wind to sneak through your layers of clothes.

Let’s begin!

Generally, Do not overpack 

Whatever you think you need, pack half of it

This is a general rule of thumb, but it is even more import to avoid overpacking on winter trips; winter clothes are bulky, and take too much valuable space is your backpack. But the real problem is that you might forget packing the essential stuff, such as thermals, because you packed 4 sweatshirts! Frightening!

You need just one overall WATERPROOF Jacket

There’s a compromise to make here, you only need one super warm jacket that is big enough to fit several layers beneath it, and you don’t need more than one. The most important thing about that jacket, is to be waterproof.

You need a maximum of 2 shoes, no more!

If you are traveling for 2 weeks or less, you really need only two shoes without feeling unfashionable. You need a waterproof boot and another walking-friendly shoes/sneaker. Those shoes better be waterproof too, you don’t want to get your socks wet when it is freezing outside at all.

Wear your bulky clothes

While traveling from a city to another, or on a plane, you better wear your bulkiest clothes and shoes too. This help keep you warm and leave more space for other items in your backpack.

Pack in layers

Before packing, think of whatever you are going to pack in terms of layers, not outfits. When you are thinking in layers, you think of what you wear for the days, not how many sweatshirts you need, this will help to remember the essentials that will keep you warm all through the day. Let me give you an example, it is much more efficient to pack that way:

• Jacket
• Sweatshirt
• Undershirt
• Thermal top
• Jeans
• Thermal bottom
• Socks
• Scarf
• Beanie
• Gloves

Merino Wool is your best friend

So Merino wool is a type of wool that keeps you super-warm, not only that, but the biggest benefit of it is that when it gets warm, it regulates your temperature, so you don’t feel super-hot and sweaty. Another awesome feature is that its antibacterial, meaning can be worn for several days in a row without being smelly or feels dirty. On top of that, it is a thin material, it won’t take much space at all. All in all, it is the best fabric for clothes you need to pack for a winter trip.

Pack fitted clothes

To save on space, it is always recommended that you pack fitted shirts, sweatshirts, even jackets. Loosely fit clothes might look cooler for some, but they sure take much space, so packing wisely, will give you more options to choose from and you won’t feel that you sacrificed much valuable space for few items.

Stuff small stuff in shoes (for extra space) 

Your shoes must be treated as extra storage space, usually used for socks, chargers; don’t underestimate that space, it can free some valuable space you need for your other essentials.

Don’t forget your sidekicks: gloves, scarves, and beanies

Those are on the same level of importance as your thermals, they cover up the unlucky parts of your body that are left to face the cold air, when all your other parts are warm and cozy under your jackets, and pants. So don’t forget them. You would need at least one of each, that will be enough for the whole trip.

Use the extra space on the outside of the Backpack

Assuming of course you are an adventurer who is packing your Adventure Backpack 45L (click here): the backpack has 8 loops on the front, you can use them to attach other bulky items without taking up large space inside the backpack. For instance, I personally pack the bulkiest jacket on the front of the backpack, it is an efficient way to pack more, without sacrificing warmth on the trip -also it looks super cool when packed-

Now for the Packing list:  

Traveling to different countries, even within the same winter season, calls for different items to be packed. Also, the nature of the trip and accommodation. So, I made few assumptions, to narrow the list and make it relevant to travelers:

The following packing list is for a 2 weeks trip to EU cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, or Berlin 

Packing list 

1 Overall waterproof jacket
1 Another jacket
1 Boots
1 Sneakers
3 Long sleeved shirts
2 Fitted Sweaters
2 Pants/Jeans
2 Merino wool thermals Top
2 Thermal bottoms
10 Socks
10 Underwear
2 Beanies
1 Scarf
1 Pair of Gloves
1 Toiletries bag (incl. toothbrush, toothpaste, travel sized hair shampoo deodorant, comb)

These are some tips we found valuable, compiling them personally and through other travelers, hope it helps, and let us know what other tips, you think are valuable for packing for winter trips; send us on yourstory@sevenyears.co