The 10 worst winter packing mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Yes, you can blame those cozy layers for your overstuffed suitcase. Winter clothing simply takes up more room than your breezy summer outfits. But with a little strategy (and the right fabrics), you can pack light and stay warm.

Here are the 10 biggest winter packing mistakes travelers make, and the insider fixes to help you pack like a sub-zero pro.

1. Relying on one “big coat”

That giant parka may seem like an easy answer, but winter weather rarely stays consistent. The smarter approach: layer up.Use three pieces:

• Base layer: moisture-wicking (not cotton)

• Mid-layer: insulating fleece or down

• Outer layer: waterproof and wind-resistant

This combo lets you adapt from Park City ski lifts to Parisian Christmas markets without overheating. Packable options like the Icebreaker Merino 260 Quantum Zip Hoodie are great mid-layers: it’s warm, breathable, and stylish enough for travel photos.

2. Packing the wrong materials

Cotton is cozy in July, but cruel in January. Once it’s damp, it stays that way—leaving you chilled and miserable. Choose fleece, Thinsulate, or merino wool instead. Merino is naturally odor-resistant, soft, and quick-drying (no itch, no stink, no regrets).

Think of it as your winter travel MVP: lightweight but warm enough for that icy stroll along the Charles Bridge in Prague.

3. Forgoing a hat

Yes, “hat hair” is real—but frostbite is worse. You lose significant heat through your head, so a thermal, moisture-wicking beanie is non-negotiable. Toss a folding hairbrush with mirror into your daypack if you’re worried about your look. (Bonus: it doubles as a pocket mirror for sunscreen touch-ups.)

4. Choosing the wrong gloves

If you’re constantly yanking off your gloves to answer texts, they’re not the right pair. Pick touchscreen-compatible gloves, like Cevapro Winter Gloves—that keep your hands warm and let you scroll, snap, or navigate without freezing your fingers off.

5. Leaving behind sunglasses (and sunscreen)

It may be winter, but the sun still bites, especially around snow. Pack polarized sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen or lip balm. Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, meaning you can get sunburned faster in Aspen than on a Caribbean beach.

6. Not bringing layers

One sweater won’t cut it when the wind howls. Build your outfit in three parts:

• Base: thermal or fleece-lined leggings, moisture-wicking tops

• Insulation: merino wool sweater or light synthetic down jacket

• Shell: waterproof outer layer

Skip real down; it’s useless when wet. Synthetic insulation keeps working even in sleet or snow.

7. Wearing the wrong shoes

Sneakers are not winter warriors. You need insulated, waterproof boots with solid traction that can handle ice, salt, and long walks.

• For women: Sorel Waterproof Boots or Teva Anaya Booties—stylish, cozy, and salt-resistant.

• For men: London Fog or Tusayan Chelsea Boots—sleek but sturdy.

Pro tip: wear your heaviest pair on the plane to save suitcase space.

8. Not packing multi-use items

Since winter clothes are bulky, choose pieces that pull double duty—leggings that work as pants or under dresses, tops that can layer or stand alone, and versatile accessories that dress up or down. Multi-use = less bulk and more space for souvenirs.

9. Forgetting waterproof packing

Between airport slush, melted snow, and damp boots, things get soggy fast. Line your suitcase with a trash bag or waterproof packing cubes. You’ll thank yourself when your sweaters stay dry (and your clean clothes don’t smell like wet wool).

10. Choosing the wrong coat for your destination

A heavy parka in Rome will roast you. A thin jacket in Banff will ruin you. Before packing, check both destination forecasts and your itinerary.

• If you’ll be walking a lot, bring a lightweight, breathable coat.

• For true cold climates, choose something insulated and waterproof.

Packable winter puffy coats are travel-friendly and smush up smaller than a hoodie.

My pro tip: pack for real life, not just Instagram

• Heading for Europe’s winter markets? Focus on waterproof boots and layers. There’s nothing worse than sweating like crazy when you go from freezing temperatures outside, to an overheated restaurant or train.

• Ski trip in Colorado or Switzerland? Invest in warm socks and moisture-wicking thermals.

• Escaping the winter chill for Cancun? Pack for two seasons—winter there, summer here.

As a travel advisor, I help my clients plan every detail—from destination and flights to packing lists that make sense for their trip. No guesswork, no frostbite, no stress.