The Ultimate Winter Packing List: What to Pack for Cold Destinations

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Most people shy away from the cold, but I’m here to tell you that winter is the perfect time to get out and explore! There is no shortage of activities, and with my ultimate winter packing list, you won’t even realize that you are in the cold with items that are meant to keep you warm and safe.

Keeping It Warm In The Outdoors

Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, I grew accustomed to cold, snowy winters. Snow angels, snowball fights, and catching snowflakes on our tongues while standing knee-deep in a snowdrift are some of my favorite winter pastimes.

Most people stay indoors next to a fire with a cup of hot cocoa, bundled up under a cozy blanket when the temperature drops and the snow starts falling, while others are skiing down powdery slopes, climbing mountains with ice picks, or quietly crossing a snow-filled meadow on snowshoes. Either you hide from the cold and snow, or you embrace it and see it as a winter playground for new sports.

I can go either way, really. Watching a familiar movie from the comfort of my warm couch with my favorite snacks sounds delightful, but so does exploring a new world under a blanket of fresh snow, especially since I have always found the world after a snowstorm to be peaceful. It’s quiet. It’s bright. It’s inviting. And, with the right gear to keep you warm, you won’t even realize it is winter!

Take it from someone who is perpetually cold. To stay comfortable while exploring a cold destination, I pack layers, bring life-saving items, and know how to make the most of one of the harshest seasons of the year, all while keeping it manageable in my suitcase. Follow along to find out more on how to be comfortable in the cold and snow!

*See the free printable PDF at the bottom of this post. Available in completed or blank versions.*

The Things Inside: The Must-Haves For Winter Travel

To stay comfortable, I pack layers and bring everything on this list.

Outerwear Essentials
Rain Jacket: this is essential when trying to stay dry in a wet environment and can serve as an extra layer if need be
Puffer Coat: this is a surefire way to stay warm when the weather is bitter. I prefer one that goes to my knees to keep more of me covered
Hat: keep your head warm and dry while in cold weather with a hat. I have found that beanies are ideal since they cover your ears as well and can help keep snow off your head
Scarf: I wasn’t a believer in scarves until I was on a cold cruise, but believe me when I tell you it really locks in the heat
Gloves: keep your hands warm, but still phone-ready with these gloves

Universal Winter Essentials
Thermal Underlayers: these are a non-negotiable item when the temperature drops, especially if there is wind chill
Moisture-Wicking Shirts: the last thing you want while in a cold destination is getting wet. If you are planning on doing a lot of active activities, then you will certainly want to incorporate moisture-wicking shirts into your winter packing
Sweaters: a wool-blend sweater is the perfect top to include to keep you stylish and warm while out and about
Water-Resistant Fleece-Lined Joggers: these were life-changing when I discovered them years ago, especially when embarking on a cold but active outing. These keep you warm and dry. Pro-tip: wear them with thermal underlayers to keep you extra warm!
Wool Socks: Smartwool is my go-to wool socks because they are stylish, come in a variety of styles depending on activity, and keep my feet dry and blister-free
Waterproof Shoes: a cold destination means you will be either hiking in the snow or trekking through wet city streets, so waterproof shoes or boots are critical

Winter Sports Gear
Hiking Boots: now, there might be some debate about the best hiking boot brand, but my Columbia’s have never let me down. They are comfortable, waterproof, and come in a variety of styles
Microspikes: I didn’t realize how important microspikes were until they damn near saved my life on a trail. If you plan to do any winter hiking, these are a must for icy trails. And believe me when I say that cleats are practically useless, so get the right thing from the get-go
Trekking Poles: another life-saving item to include in your ultimate winter packing is trekking poles. They have caught me so many times on slippery trails and can be used as casual ski poles
Waterproof Backpack Cover: one of these handy dandy covers helps keep your backpack, and all of its contents, dry during a storm
Gaiters: sometimes the snow is a bit deeper than we expect, so leg gaiters keep our lower legs warm and dry in deep snow; they are also great for keeping debris out of your shoes
Snowshoes: if you don’t want to end up post-holing in fresh snow, but still want to explore the backcountry after a snowstorm, then snowshoes are the way to go
Helmet: extreme sports require equipment to keep us safe, and a helmet is probably one of the most important items to pack if you are doing any winter activity that requires one
Goggles: if you intend on skiing or snowboarding, then goggles are a must to keep snow, ice, and the sun out of your eyes
Skis/Snowboard: these are only essential to pack if you plan to ski or snowboard at your travel destination (please note the requirements for TSA)
Shovel: a shovel is critical if heading to the backcountry to keep you safe in case of an avalanche

The Unexpected Essentials
Sunscreen: don’t discount the cold weather. The UV rays still can hit you hard, so protect your skin with a high SPF sunscreen
Chapstick: the air is typically drier in the winter, and switching from the cold outdoors to the warm indoors during the winter can really dry out your skin, so chapstick keeps your lips from chapping, and one with SPF will keep them safe from harmful UV rays
Swimsuit: this is probably the last item you would expect on an ultimate winter packing list, but it could come in handy. Hot springs and hot tubs are the perfect way to relax at a cold destination and after a long day playing in the snow

The Life-Saving Essentials
Hand Warmers: one of the small items that save the day when spending the day in a cold environment. I like to carry both a rechargeable one, as well as single-use ones, in case of an emergency
Sunglasses: the sun can be quite harsh during winter, especially when it reflects off snow, so sunglasses are a must
Headlamp: winter means less daylight, so a headlamp is highly important to pack, especially if you intend on doing a lot of outdoor activities
Cold/Flu Medication: winter means cold and flu season, so pack your Vitamin C and emergency medications, such as TheraFlu, in case you catch a bug while away from home
Electrolytes: most people tend to drink less water during winter because the cold tricks our bodies into thinking we need less of it; electrolytes keep us hydrated when water intake slows down. These do the trick and are tasty!
Power Bank: cold temperatures can cause phone batteries to die a lot quicker. A portable power bank ensures full battery life at any time of day
First Aid Kit: this is critical to include in your ultimate winter packing list if you are planning on doing any outdoor sport, but also if you have little ones that may get injured at a cold destination

Know Before You Go

Check the Weather Conditions.
You’re planning to go to a cold destination, but the weather can still be unpredictable. Will it snow or rain while you are there? What kind of gear will you need for the changing conditions?
Plan for Activities Accordingly.
There is no shortage of exciting activities during the winter months, so whether you are planning to spend your time zipping down snowy slopes, climbing icy peaks, gliding across a glassy lake, or checking things off your holiday list, make sure you pack the necessary items to keep you comfortable at your destination.

My Top Packing Tips

Maximize your luggage space. You don’t need to buy a new, larger suitcase when planning a trip to a winter destination; simply wear your bulky items on the plane rather than packing them. You can even layer some items such as a tank top, sweater, and coat while on the plane.
Use packing cubes. I will die on this hill because packing cubes have helped me stay organized and give me additional space with their compression capabilities. I never pack for a trip without them.
Use expanding luggage. My expandable carry-on luggage and backpack are game changers. Not only can I pack bulky items, but I can also pack up to two weeks’ worth of items all in these!
Bring items that keep you warm and dry. Pack items that are made with wool, fleece, or down. These keep you warm and comfortable, but are breathable and lightweight.

And there you have it! The ultimate packing list to keep you dry and warm during the winter months or when traveling to a cold destination.

Below you’ll find free printable lists you can use for your next trip. And if you are looking for more travel resources, visit my resources page for more items that might suit your travel needs.

Ultimate Winter Packing List Prefilled PDF Download

Ultimate Winter Packing List Blank PDF Download