Here’s what i pack for a winter trip to western Europe

Traveling during winter in Western Europe is fun! Compared to the weather at home, it’s rather mild (5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). Plus if you go during the holidays, there are those adorable winter outdoor markets. Packing during this time is pretty straight forward, but tends to take up more space. Layers are crucial here and so is packing wisely.

Musts

• Passport
• Visa (if needed)
• Wallet
• Phone (+ charger, 6’ cable, adapter)

Okay, onto the list!

This is what I packed for a month in Europe in a 32L backpack.

Knits

Notice that each item brings something different to the mix:

• 1x Fitted merino wool button up cardigan
• 1x Cashmere turtleneck sweater
• 1x Crewneck alpaca sweater in a relaxed fit
• 1x Bulky navy blue wool crewneck sweater

Tops

• 1x Gray quarter sleeve wool sleeve shirt
• 1x Cashmere plum short sleeve tee
• 1x Satin button up shirt
• 1x Merino wool mock neck long sleeve

Bottoms

• 1x Black wide leg pants (thick, denim-like cotton)
• 1x Wool leggings with pockets
• 1x Black wool straight leg cargo pants
• 1x Skort

Under Layers

• 2x Unders
• 3x Bras (1x nude, 1x black, 1x merino sport)
• 2x Wool socks (1x crew, 1x quarter crew)
• 2x Tights/pantyhose (tear resistant, machine washable, opaque)
• 1x Pair of wool tights
• 1x Set of pasties
• 1x Black belt
• 1x Pair wool leggings with pockets

Dresses and/or Jumpsuits

I choose something with sleeves, but one could also wear a cardigan over a short sleeve dress or jumpsuit. I encourage everyone to make it work with what they already own.

• 1x Wool dress

Weather

• 1x 600-700 fill puffer jacket or vest
• 1x Rain jacket (doubles as ski shell)
• 1x Wool peacoat
• Travel umbrella
• 1x Set of merino wool thermals (Uniqlo Heat Tech is another option)

Footwear

• 1x Pair of black velvet booties
• 1x Pair of stylish yet functional sneakers OR snow boots (depending on weather)

Accessories

• 1x Cashmere scarf (for warmth)
• 1x Silk scarf (for variety with my outfits)
• 1x Wool buff (simply the best budget friendly accessory)
• 1x Wool/alpaca/cashmere beanie
• 1x Pair of wool gloves (convertible mittens)
• Jewelry (2x chains with detachable pendants/charms, one pair of earrings, 4x rings. I use the charms on the earrings and necklaces for variety)
• 1x Bikini (my one and only “just in case” item)

Miscellaneous

• 2x Sunglasses (1x daily/dressy, 1x sporty. UV protection is a must)
• 1x Packable shopping bag
• 1x Medium lingerie bag (I use it as my dirty laundry bag so I always have something to wash my delicate clothing in)
• Sleep kit: eye mask, ear plugs
• 1x Mini Kula cloth
• 1x Headband pillow (doesn’t take up much room and is great for redeye flights & long car/bus rides)
• Laundry kit: Downy wrinkle release, Tide to Go mini pen, detergent sheets in a ziplock (for machine washes), mini sewing kit (or a needle with a long thread attached in a baggie), 9′ of paracord (DIY laundry line)

Toiletries (decant because you de-can, and opt for solid toiletries when possible.)

• Baking soda deodorant (decanted into a small tin)
• UL toothbrush (or a more reasonable Travel toothbrush)
• 1x Bite guard 
• Toothpaste tabs (or tiny airplane tubes)
• 2x Tooth flossers (clean and reuse)
• SPF 50 Face moisturizer (decanted into a lip gloss tube)
• Tinted sunscreen in a 1 oz tin or smaller (for my face)
• Sunscreen stick (for everywhere else)
• Diva cup 
• Solid conditioner bar in matador case (they also have solid shampoo)
• Dr Bronners soap in a matador case (soap for body, hair, & clothes)
• 1x Pack of hand soap flakes (bathrooms tend to lack soap)
• Hair Kit: hair brush, 1x hair clip, 2x hair ties (great for thick hair!)
• Makeup kit: SPF lip balm/blush, mascara, tinted brow gel, liquid eyeliner, makeup remover wipes in a ziplock baggie
• Lanolin lip balm (The best for chapped lips. Ignore the packaging in the link. I buy this one and decant it into lip gloss tubes)

Electronics

• 1x 30w charger that’s EU compliant (save yourself the bulk of a big adapter: buy the little adapters and put them on a US charger and it will work.)
• 1x 6’ charging cable (plugs are in weird spots in older buildings, get yourself a 6′-10′ charging cable and save yourself some hassle)
• Headphones

First Aid 

(I am not a doctor, these are suggestions)

• 4x Bandaids (different sizes)
• 1x “Swiss army knife” (never had an issue with TSA or EU equivalent)
• assorted meds in a 1 oz. tin or tiny zipped baggies
  • Imodium, Gas x, Pepto, Tums, Tagamet (for sensitive travel-bellies)
  • ibuprofen, Excedrin, melatonin
  • Azithromycin (for travelers diarrhea. Prescription often required)
• 1’ Of anti-blister tape (wrapped around a q tip) or Compeed (if needed)
• 1x Contact lens container with hydrocortisone cream and bug balm
• Electrolyte chewable tablets 

Packing method

My first tip is to wear ALL your bulky clothes on the flight. This means your clunkier boot, your thick chunky sweater, your puffy jacket, etc. This makes for more room in your bag!

For the shoes that you pack in your bag, I like to put a shower cap around the sole and pack them individually. This helps with getting items into the grooves at the bottom of the bag and keeps the dirty soles from touching anything else. I will also pack items like sunglasses or socks and tights in my shoes to save even more space.

Another space saving method is to slim down your toiletries (<<decant!) into a malleable kit like the Sea to Summit toiletry bag. It’s super lightweight, has a hook, a mirror, compartments, and is easy to clean. I don’t bring much and have even packed all my toiletries into a small 5″x4″ pouch. If you are packing a bite guard or retainer, check out this packing method to save space.

Packing cubes are not necessary! On my first couple of trips, I used to use gallon ziplock bags for compression bags because I didn’t want to buy extra stuff. I have since graduated to compression cubes and dry bags.

At this point I pack depending on the item. Does the item fight being folded into origami? Then maybe they just need a basic “brick fold” (which is essentially folding it into quarters). Does the item fit better in the suitcase/bag when separated? Think packing shoes separately, or packing your liquid toiletries separate from your solids.

Since I’m wearing the bulkiest items on the plane, I resort to whatever makes it work when it comes to packing my other items. If an item just won’t fit, then I reconsider bringing it and/or find an alternative.

Another tip I have is to test run items in your day to day life before you commit to packing them for a trip. Saw someone mention linen as a “must have” for a summer trip? Make sure you actually like the look and feel of linen before deciding to pack it for your trip of a lifetime. Heard me and others praise merino wool? Make sure it isn’t itchy for you before making it your main fabric choice. Everyone is different, and every body is different. Pack what works for you.

Baggage

It’s important to keep your valuables close. For my daily carry, I bring a sling. For evenings, I bring a wristlet.

For my main bag, I love my 32L Cragsmith from Patagonia. It fits everything I need, looks streamlined, opens fully from the back panel, and opens from the top. It has a little stash pocket in the lid for quick grabs, a hip belt, and water bottle pockets on the sides.

eSIM

I use Airalo when I travel abroad because it’s easy, works well, and the price is right. This is a data only eSIM. Through experience I’ve learned that I only need a data plan, and that it’s much cheaper than upgrading my domestic cellphone plan. Use referral code GWACO8480 to receive $3.00 off your next eSIM with Airalo!

I hope this list helps you pack lighter on your next trip. Remember, less is more!

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