I’ve always been a winter baby, dreaming of playing in the snow, building snowmen, and living my very own winter wonderland. But as much as I love the chilly weather, I used to struggle with staying warm. No matter how many layers I wore or how fancy my winter caps were, the cold always got to me(because my winter packing list was outdated! phew!).
I still remember our trip to Dalhousie back in 2016. It suddenly started snowing, and even though we had our winter clothes on, we couldn’t stop shivering.
Fast forward to 2024, we visited Tawang and Anini, and this time, my love for snow wasn’t overshadowed by the freezing cold. Through trial and error over the years, I finally figured out how to dress properly and what essentials to pack for a winter trip.
Now, I’m here to share my tried-and-tested tips with you, so you can enjoy the magic of winter without freezing!
Winter travel is magical, but it comes with its own set of challenges. The weather can be incredibly unpredictable- one moment, the sun might peek through, and the next, you’re caught in a snowstorm or battling freezing winds. For beginners, this can lead to a packing dilemma: how much is too much?
The Ultimate Winter Packing List : For First-Time Travelers
Clothing Essentials
In my early days of traveling, I had no clue about proper winter layering. I’d wear a thick sweater over a T-shirt or warmer and then pile on a jacket. The result? I looked bulky, felt restricted, and, worst of all, I was still cold. It was so frustrating to carry around all those heavy clothes and still not feel comfortable.
That’s when I realized I was doing it all wrong.
When it comes to dressing for winter, layering is the secret sauce; which is all about wearing the right clothes in the right order.
Let me break it down in a simple way, so you can avoid those mistakes and pack like a pro.
1. Base Layers: Your Second Skin
These are the first layer of clothing that touches your skin, and they’re super important for trapping body heat. Think thermal tops and leggings made of materials like merino wool or synthetic blends.
During our Tawang trip, we wore thermal leggings underneath our trousers, and it made a huge difference. I’ve been using Jockey thermals for years, and they’ve been reliable during winter trips. They are affordable and good for layering.
If you’re willing to invest a bit more, Uniqlo HeatTech is a game-changer. These thermals are designed with high-tech fibers that provide superior warmth while remaining lightweight and comfortable. We both own a pair of Uniqlo HeatTech warmers, and we’ve been extremely satisfied.
2. Mid-Layers: Cozy and Warm
This is where you add a bit of insulation- think fleece jackets, wool sweaters, or hoodies. Choose pieces that are easy to take on and off because you’ll likely need to adjust depending on the weather.
I usually carry one lightweight down jacket and one woolen sweater. On our Dalhousie trip, I had only thick woolen sweaters, which felt heavy and restricted my movements. Now I know to mix and match!
Decathalon and Columbia offers variety of good basic fleece jackets , which are perfect for layering while Decathalon ones are light on pocket too.
3. Outerwear: The Shield Against the Cold
This layer is your main protection against wind, snow, and rain. A good waterproof snow jacket or a down coat is essential. Look for something insulated and lightweight with a hood for extra warmth.
I used to think any puffy jacket would do, but then I learned the importance of waterproofing. In Tawang, my waterproof jacket saved me when snow turned into slush. Plus, it’s a lifesaver when you don’t want to carry an umbrella.
During our trip, I layered a Decathlon -20 Snow jacket and it kept me comfortable throughout the day; while Animesh opted for a lightweight down-feather jacket from H&M, which is designed to be both stylish and functional.
4. Snow Pants
If you’re planning to spend time in the snow- whether it’s skiing, snowball fights, or just walking around, snow pants are a must. They’re waterproof, insulated, and keep you warm and dry no matter how much snow you’re in. I didn’t realize their importance until my first trip where regular pants left me soaked and freezing!
We both got our snow pants from Decathlon, and let me tell you- they worked wonders! I even made a snow angel (or snow fairy, as I like to call it!) without getting wet or cold.
Accessories: Small Items, Big Impact
Don’t underestimate the power of a good beanie, gloves, scarves, and thermal socks! These smaller items can make or break your winter experience.
Gloves: Don’t Rely on Fancy Ones!
I’ve always been a fan of fancy gloves (they are so cute) , but let me tell you- don’t make the same mistake, those aren’t always enough in snowy conditions.
I wore double gloves- fleece gloves underneath and woolen gloves on top- for both warmth and a cute look in the pictures. However, they turned out to be impractical. It was super inconvenient to keep removing them every time I needed to do something, whether it was taking photos or using my phone.
The double-layer just didn’t work as effectively as I’d hoped, making it difficult to stay functional in the cold.
Animesh, on the other hand, opted for Uniqlo touch-sensitive gloves, which turned out to be incredibly warm and functional. The heat retention was excellent, and they were perfect for using phones or navigating in the cold without removing the gloves.
The same goes for beanies, socks, and scarves. It’s worth investing in good-quality ones if you want them to keep you warm and last longer. Fancy items might look great in photos, but they often don’t do the job when it comes to real winter protection.
I also tried ear muffs and they worked wonders. They’re super comfortable(very cute!) and saved my ears from the biting cold wind!
Prioritize functionality over looks for a comfortable and cozy experience!
Footwear
Your feet will take the brunt of winter weather, so invest in waterproof boots or snow boots with good grip. They’ll keep your feet warm and dry while preventing slips on icy surfaces. Don’t forget to pair them with thick thermal socks.
I learned this the hard way in Dalhousie when my regular sneakers got soaked in the snow. For Tawang, I bought waterproof boots, and it was a game-changer. They kept my feet dry even while walking through snow, and the grip made climbing easier.
Some good footwear brands for winter include Decathlon, Columbia, Moon Boots(Expensive ones but worth the investment). When choosing winter boots, make sure they are insulated as well to keep your feet warm.
Personal Tip: Consider purchasing your boots one size bigger to accommodate thick thermal socks or multiple layers. This ensures a comfortable fit without squeezing your feet.
Skincare Essentials
This part is often overlooked by most people while traveling, and I know because I was one of them. The joy of traveling in winter is so overwhelming that we tend to get lost in the adventure, often neglecting our skin. But truth be told, this has to be one of the most crucial aspects of winter travel.
I have super sensitive and acne-prone skin, and for years, I failed miserably in taking care of my skin during trips. I’d come back home with dry patches, irritation, and even breakouts. It wasn’t until I became more conscious of my skin and started following a consistent routine that I began to see a difference.
I’ve even started guiding my family and friends to adopt the same routine, and it’s worked wonders for them too.
So, here’s my tried-and-tested skin care routine that I’ll be sharing with you to help keep your skin healthy and glowing during your winter travels.
1. Moisturise! Moisturise! Moisturise!
Based on your skin type, it’s essential to keep a good hydrating moisturizer with you.
For me, I’ve found Re’equil and CeraVe to be absolute game-changers during winter travels.
2. SPF is your Best Friend
After applying a generous layer of moisturizer, don’t skip the sunscreen- yes, you read that right! Sunscreen is just as, if not more, important during winter as it is in summer. The winter sun can be harsh, reflecting off snow and making UV rays stronger than you might expect.
Go for an SPF 50++ to ensure strong sun protection. Brands like Re’equil, Foxtale, and Dot & Key offer great sunscreen options. Personally, I prefer Foxtale’s 70 SPF for its high protection.
Personal Tip: Reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours, especially if you’re out in the snow. You can also carry a sunscreen stick for easy on-the-go application. It’s convenient to apply and won’t mess up your makeup or skincare.
3. Why Lip Balms are Underrated?
Chapped lips are a common problem during winter, and I’ve always struggled with them. No matter how many fancy lipsticks or lip glosses I try, they can’t do what a good lip balm does. We swear by wishcare lipbalm as it comes with 50+ SPF for extra protection.
4. Haircare is also important
Winter can be harsh on your hair, especially when you’re traveling. The combination of cold winds, dry indoor heating, and wearing hats all day can leave your hair feeling dry, frizzy, and lifeless. Trust me, I’ve been there! So I always stick to a few essentials that keep my hair manageable.
Packing a hydrating shampoo is a must for me to keep my hair soft and moisturized.
Never step out without a hat or a scarf to protect yourhair from the cold wind. It might sound simple, but staying hydrated is so important for both your skin and hair during winter.
I always carry a wide-tooth comb and bottle of my favorite serum. After a long day, I gently detangle my hair, apply serum to the ends, and let it breathe overnight. It’s my little ritual for keeping my hair happy during winter trips!
Other Essentials for Winter Travel
When it comes to winter packing, there are a few extra items that can make your trip way more comfortable and organized. Here are some essentials I swear by:
Ready-to-Use Warmers
These little lifesavers are perfect for keeping your hands and feet warm in extreme cold. They’re compact, easy to use, and can stay warm for hours. I always carry a few in my bag- great for those moments when the chill really hits.
Insulated Water Bottles
Staying hydrated is super important, even in winter! An insulated water bottle is a must-have for keeping your drinks warm. Imagine sipping on hot tea or coffee while surrounded by snowy landscapes- it’s pure bliss.
We personally swear by Milton insulated bottles– we’ve been using them for years, and they’ve never let us down. Additionally we also got travel friendly cups.
During one of our trips, we even had a little chai date right in the middle of a snowfall.😊 It was such a cozy and memorable moment, all thanks to having our insulated bottles with us.
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Sunglasses for Snow Glare
Snow glare is no joke! The sun reflecting off the white snow can strain your eyes, so pack a good pair of sunglasses. I’ve learned this the hard way, and now I never head out without them.
Polarized ones work best for cutting the glare. Brands like John Jacobs are affordable and have great designs too!
Vacuum Bags
Winter travel often means bulky clothing like jackets, sweaters, and scarves. Before I started using vacuum bags, these items would take up so much space that I’d have to sacrifice bringing along other essentials. But our recent winter trip to Arunachal Pradesh was stress free as we could easily pack multiple heavy jackets without worrying about space.
The bags compress them into manageable bundles, making it possible to bring along everything I need to stay warm and stylish.The process is simple: place your clothes inside the bag, seal it, and then use a vacuum or hand pump to remove the air.
The result? A compact, wrinkle-free bundle that fits perfectly into my luggage.
Checkout our guide on:6 Essential Packing Tips For International Travel- Avoid Stress and Stay Organised
Protein Bars
One of our travel essentials, especially for winter trips, is protein bars. They’re compact, easy to carry, and the perfect solution for a quick and healthy snack while you’re on the go.
They give us the energy boost we need without the hassle of stopping for food every now and then. Plus, they’re a healthier alternative to chips or sugary snacks.
While we love experimenting with different flavors and brands, we’re absolutely obsessed with Max Protein Choco Fudge Bars. They’re not just delicious but also pack a punch with 20 grams of protein!
If you’re looking for a tasty and wholesome travel snack, we highly recommend giving these a try!😋
Winter travel can be magical, but it’s all about being prepared!
Over the years, I’ve learned these tips through trial and error, and I hope they make your winter adventures warmer, cozier, and a lot more fun! I’ll also keep updating this winter packing list, as I discover new tips or hacks, so stay tuned.
If you have any winter travel tips, must-have items, or even funny winter travel stories, I’d love to hear them!
Leave a comment below and let’s help each other stay cozy and travel smart.
Happy winter travels! 😊
Thank you for this… Really helpful 👍
Hey Aarti,
Happy to help! Let me know if you need any more suggestions or tips!😊
The list is very much helpful and with such detailing you guys have put the information it’s phenomenal . Thank you will be using this list for all winter trips thereby .
The list was very much helpful.
Thankyou so much dear 🥰
The list was very helpful with lots of details
Thankyou so much dear 🥰