10 Minimalist Packing Tips For Cold Weather Travel | How To Pack Light & Keep Warm (Fall & Winter)

Our top minimalist packing tips on how to pack light & stay warm!

Fall and winter are coming fast—and you don’t want to be left out in the cold. Most folks on the Pack Hacker team have traveled long-term in a bunch of different climates, and we want to make sure you’re prepared for any destination. So we’ve put together our top ten packing tips for minimalist travel in cold weather.

0:00 - Intro
1:13 - Travel With A Backpack
2:41 - Layer Up
4:50 - Invest In A Rain Jacket
7:19 - Always Accessorize
8:12 - Pick A Theme
9:02 - Stay Dry
10:56 - Compress Everything
11:40 - Think Small
13:23 - Watch Your Weight
15:03 - Stay Prepared

PRODUCTS MENTIONED
Backpacks

Clothing

Accessories

Organizers & Pouches

MORE TRAVEL TIPS

CONNECT WITH US

TERMS

[rbeczig]

Because I’m 100% sure my AP Statistics teacher meant for me to watch endless packing videos instead of the three packets he handed out last week for us to do this weekend.

[TheSmbrown]

I was spending the 4th of July in the Cascade mountains, when a freak, 3 day snowstorm hit. I only had hot weather clothes so I froze. After that awful experience, I never traveled without an emergency cold weather kit again. My kit is a small packing cube with a pair of base layers, 1 pair merino wool socks, 1 pair merino wool undies & cami, a pashmina, beanie, light wool gloves, and my packable, weatherproof jacket.
All these items are light & pack small. It even fits in my daily crossbody purse without a problem. This worked out perfectly yesterday when we were an hour from home, volunteering. A storm of freezing rain blew in, & the temp dropped from 60° F to 38° within a few minutes. All I had to do was run into the restroom, get out my kit, and put everything on. Everyone else was soaked and freezing.

[missmayflower]

For those who have sensitive skin and find wool prickly, Icebreaker has a merino version base layer that is blended with Tencel that feels more comfortable.

[paulinedelaney]

You can add a light inexpensive layer of warmth by going to a thrift shop and finding a used cashmere sweater - I found one for $2.50. I read that cashmere is supposed to be eight times warmer than wool. I pack merino, but that cashmere layer is also a winner.

[juliereads]

Having a backpack that isn't just black is super helpful!! Sometimes you inevitably have to check your bag at the gate because the overhead bins have filled. If it gets lost and you're describing the bag you're looking for as a "black backpack" it's really difficult and frustrating for the people sorting through the luggage to try to find it.

[ArtificialPerson]

Another reason why a backpack is better than the rolling suitcase, the backpack allows you to put your hands on your pockets rather than freeze your hand in the cold 🤓

[katkatmewful]

Best travel hack I've ever discovered was that as a slim woman (34"chest) I can use my old merino wool buff as a vest (if you put it under your bra you get added security against it falling down). Cheaper and more versatile than vests, I even take one into work with me incase the aircon is too high. Wash on cold afterwards and it shrinks back down if it's streached at all.
Also high denier tights, I.e. 60+. High denier polyester tights: trap air, fold up smaller than their wooly counterparts (though not *quite* as warm), impossible to notice when layered under pants, can come with extremely high waistbands, and are surprisingly snag resistant.

[Jenesis]

Great post for the newly initiated cold weather nomads!

From my experience, I love my Columbia Glacial 1/2 zip fleece pullover. I wear it to hike, snowshoe, and travel. It is thinner and lighter than a Northface 1/4 zip fleece pullover. I also prefer thin quilted puffers using poly fill, not down, because down doesn’t dry well when wet. Absolutely no cotton pants or jeans. I wear synthetic water resistant travel pants and pack an Icebreaker 3/4 merino wool leggings if snow or wind is in the forecast.

Other accessories I keep in my daypack when hiking, snowshoeing, or winter travel are neck gaiter (Buff is terrific for neck and lower face), liner gloves+fingerless gloves, beanie, and spare pair of thin wool socks.

If the destination would snow or rain, I recommend bringing one combustible hiking pole. I bought a pair for $30 from Amazon that collapses to be about 18” long. They are not robust enough for winter backpacking in back country but for stability walking on snow or slick surface with any degree of incline or down grade, one pole is a life saver. If snow and ice happens daily, I bring my MicroSpikes to wear over my boots. A pole alone won’t help. Having good traction is safer.

Anyone who regularly hike into altitude in all kinds of weather master real soon the art of layering. So are people who do winter sports regularly. The balance between warmth, windchill, and heat output from exertion is constantly monitored biochemically without conscious thinking.

[Saiarts_yt]

I keep my bag light even in daily situations. A lot of your tips I adapted in carrying like in this video. Like a compact bag I buy from dollar store, fold it like a pillow or socks (from down to top) and I got a men's lazy tote bag. And using pvc rain jackets to not only staying dry but chosing a theme when traveling. Also lashing a elastic cord through my backpack molle web to dry off any equipment. Speaking of staying dry, drum liners or trash bag is recommended. I also pack a headphone and a bluetooth reciever to use headset on the go. For a functional item I would recommend scrim net or sniper veil - a functional mesh cloth that can be used as scarf and a beach towel. Also lastly, have a facemask when you travel. Whether it is dispoable or reusable ones, the flight humidity is really dry. So wearing a mask is recommended. Safe travels guys!

[Saiarts_yt]

Travel tips I use are;
- to pack a backpack about 50-80% full for the reason simply to packing any other souvenirs.
- Keep a travel size vapo rub and it can be purchases in News stand, Deli, and Pharmacy if lucky.
- For my sanitation kit I keep my toiletries simple of having tissues, microfiber cloth, dawn original dish soap, tin of vaseline, and a travel size tooth brush with a hotel tooth paste inside it.
- It will be recommended to have a e reader or high performance tablet for saving functionality.
- Plus I use a sniper veil or scrim net (for those of you in UK) as a utility cloth. (using it as a beach towel, scarf, and a source to blend in)
- I pack a pillow case for a reason being it can be improvised into anything; one of which I cut a slit to make a day bag, making a travel pillow, using it as a flotation device (for enjoying swimming w/ friends), making a diy heavy bag for workouts, laundry, and a insulator for a quilt/sleeping bag
- I must pack a blank paper spiral notebook at all times to get my ideas free and traditional like values
- Its important to stay hydrated, investing a (2) 32oz water bottles to stay hydrated or investing in a hydration bladder and a 32oz bottle.
- I do keep two bandannas because you have two of everything; one for utility and the other as accessories. How about improvising socks if you don't have one.
- packing a plastic cloth or cheap walmart backpacking tarp is great when you need to cover your stuffs from rain storm and protecting from an element
- have a long sleeve shirt/t-shirt, swimming trunks, and socks pack is very convenient for when you need a back up clothes otg (on the go).

[Nabagabo]

Some great tips - thanks! A key principle to keeping warm is 'Dry' - dry skin and breathable layers - the outer shell is often the problem - even expensive Gortex jackets don't breathe well - if you're below zero C - think instead a classic Pertex Wind Shirt - mine's from Buffalo - as a pull over anorak style with large front pocket - it's super light, wind not waterproof - snow just brushes off and super breathable. Above zero C - think of an umbrella to pair with your Windshirt - fibreglass light wt hiking umbrellas from Euroschirm - the Silver finish also makes a great Parasol for hot country travel. So when do you need a 'mountain jacket'? Answer - when you're up a mountain - especially in strong wind and rain - when an umbrella won't cut it - for less extreme conditions - umbrellas work great! Happy travels!

[serafin]

Dark aesthetic... Black, charcoal, grey... All of my gear matches.

[msthing]

Coming from a Siberian: warm leg underwear, even some ski stuff will do. I don't get out of them from november to april :)

[Mebius]

Solid tips. For accessories I’m a big fan of shemaghs. Good for all seasons, many different ways to wear it, and can be used as a towel or a blanket.

[catdeeann]

I agree with choosing a theme. I spent 17 days touring Italy and chose plain, single color T-shirts to make my clothing choices simpler.

[lauraburgess]

The Merino wool Buff Is with me at all times! I carry it in my purse as an emergency mask (I always double it), to keep my hair out of my face, as a headband, as a scarf, or a head covering. It's amazing.

[christysmith]

Aloha and great tips !!
I’m heading to Northern California in December. From my home in Hawaii.
Great tips on layering . I am still building my kit.

[markleon]

The Black Wolf Royale is a backpack as well as a wheeled suitcase that doesn't comply with unnecessary squared corners. It is the most versatile for every situation. Straps are hidden until you need them.

[ilostwaldo]

Love my woman's Fairview! Travelled with it for 6 wks in Europe and it never let me down. I also loved all my Patagonia layers, I just wish I knew it packed into it's pocket before my trip 🤦 Other than that, I lived on compressible everything.

[BankruptMonkey]

Overboots are key for rain or snow. They pack down small, but you can out them over your shoes and instantly avoid wet socks or wind freezing your toes in all season shoes.