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What to Pack for a Winter Trip
With winter in full force, many people are headed out for a winter getaway. Whether you’re headed to the slopes to ski, see the Northern Lights, or just going somewhere to experience winter beauty; you’ll want to take extra care with your packing list. From base layers to outerwear, packing weather-appropriate clothes will keep you nice and warm on the slopes or around town.
I had planned a winter trip to Lapland, Finland with my friend Caitlin. We were scheduled to scout for clients as well as for potential Atlas Adventures trips. At the last minute, I ended up having to cancel due to health issues. This is your friendly reminder to ALWAYS purchase trip insurance! While I wasn’t able to attend, this is what I planned on packing. Caitlin was still able to go on our winter adventure and all of these lovely photos are hers from the trip!
Base Layers
When planning what to pack for a winter trip, base layers should be the first thing on your packing list. They should fit tight to your body and wick away moisture. You’ll likely want to pack at least two base layer tops and bottoms as these don’t take up much room in your suitcase. I also love to pack turtlenecks as they provide warmth around your neck and are great for layering. You will absolutely want wool socks (double up in sub-zero temperatures) and if you’re skiing, you’ll want to pack ski-specific socks that are high-rise, padded, and keep your feet warm and dry.
Outerwear
If you’re skiing or participating in other outdoor activities, you’ll want to pack a ski jacket and pants that are insulated and/or have a waterproof shell. Some people prefer ski bibs so you don’t get snow in between your pants and jacket. Since I wasn’t going to be skiing this trip, I opted for a jacket and pants. If you’re mostly exploring around town and the temperatures are milder, you should be fine with either a longer parka or a warm wool coat, depending on the weather.
For winter accessories, you might want to pack a neck warmer or balaclava, and an ear warmer that fits under your helmet if you’re skiing. For our trip, I packed a warm hat to keep my head covered at all times when outside. You’ll also want to pack insulated, waterproof gloves or mittens. Mittens will keep your hands warmer while gloves allow for dexterity. It all comes down to personal preference. I picked up a pair of merino wool gloves for this trip. Make sure to pack a warm scarf as well!
Apres-Ski & Exploring
For days exploring around town or if you’re participating in any apres-ski activities, you’ll want to pack a few easy, comfortable outfits. A pair of jeans and cozy sweaters are all you need for walking around or dining out. Add your boots (make sure they have great traction), outerwear, and accessories; and you’ll be set. If there’s a hot tub or spa where you’re staying, you may want to pack a swimsuit. In Lapland, it’s very common to go from a sauna into an ice hole. Some people spend hours going back and forth between the two!
Lapland-Specific Winter Packing List
In Lapland, we were going to spend lots of time outside during both the day and night; exploring the landscape and seeing the Northern Lights. In addition to the above items, these are more specific things you’ll want to consider packing for this type of winter trip.
Crampons are an absolute must or you cannot walk around on ice. A headlamp comes in handy if you’re on a hike at night looking for the Northern Lights. If you’re planning on photographing the Northern Lights, you’ll want a tripod for long-exposure photos. A portable charger is a must on any trip but your phone and devices lose their charge quicker in extreme cold. Make sure you’ve got a backup at all times!
For your skin, you’ll want a very heavy cream to protect the skin barrier in sub-artic temperatures as well as a quality lip balm. To protect your other extremities, warmers for your feet and hands will be extremely important. They last all day and keep your fingers and toes warm. With sub-artic temperatures outside, you may want a hot water bottle if you need to warm up quickly. Caitlin used hers to warm up her bed on the nights she was sleeping in an igloo.
You’ll want a thermal, reusable water bottle as there aren’t many convenient stores to buy water. Some people suggest that Lapland has some of the most pure drinking water in the world. You can also use this to keep tea or coffee warm the entire day! Be sure to pack a lightweight day bag to store your valuables, water bottle, and other daily necessities. As you transition from outdoors to indoors, you’ll want to be able to easily store layers so you’re not juggling everything.
Hopefully, this post helps you better plan what to pack for a winter trip. Planning a trip to experience all the joys of winter is always a good idea! It can be easy to experience the winter blues from all the gray days. Immersing yourself in all the wonders of winter is such a mood booster! We’d love to help you plan your ideal winter trip! Schedule a consult with us today to help plan your next winter adventure.
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