Whilst the cold weather usually has us warming ourselves inside and dreaming of sunnier climes to come in the summer months, it also transforms many destinations.
The winter is a fantastic time to experience certain destinations in a whole new environment. Whether it’s winter wonderland landscapes you’re after or snowy cityscapes, travelling in the winter months opens up a whole new range of experiences and opportunities.
One of the most difficult aspects of winter travel is what to pack, or more importantly, how to pack light! When it’s cold outside our first instinct is to don chunky knits, heavy coats and 3 pairs of socks. Whilst this may offer some comfort from the inclement conditions, it isn’t particularly conducive to travel.
To help you get outdoors and see the sights alongside Jack Frost, here at Economy Car Hire, we’ve come up with a few top tips to keep your body temperature up and packing list to a minimum.
Take Care of your Toes
If you’re going to be out and about in the winter weather your feet are the body part most likely to suffer. A pair of good boots, preferably with a rubber sole and a good tread, will not only shield your feet from the elements and protect them from the cold but also keep your toes comfy.
Save space (and weight) in your suitcase by wearing them when you travel and pack a lighter pair for evening wear or dressier occasions.
When it comes to socks we suggest packing a few pairs of thin or fine wool socks. This way you can layer them up to your desired warmth and hand wash them more easily. Whilst thick woolly socks are usually the go to option, they’re not necessarily more practical when you’re planning to be on your feet all day. They also take up more space and take longer to dry after hand washing them.
Leg Layers
It’s difficult and usually somewhat uncomfortable to choose any more than 2 layers for your legs. For this reason we recommend choosing quality over quantity.
Lightweight thermals are a timeless investment. They act as a great insulating base layer, meaning you won’t have to bundle yourself up and walk around resembling something like a sleeping bag with legs.
Besides the traditionally labelled ‘thermal’ leggings, you could also purchase sports and athletic base layers made from polyester at pretty reasonable prices. These act as a second skin, trapping the heat whilst wicking away any perspiration.
Avoid layering up with cotton based leggings. Cotton absorbs sweat and moisture and will cling to your skin, robbing you of your own body heat.
Core Temperature
Moving up, base layers once again make a world of difference. Rather than throwing on a chunky jumper over your top, consider layering up from underneath first.
Just like your legs, avoid cotton based tops and t-shirts. For your base layer choose something thermal or again go for a sports or active wear top. This base layer can be short or long sleeved. On top of that layer tops or shirts made using synthetic materials and lightweight jumpers made with wool.
When considering what jacket to pack, remember that it doesn’t need to be the thickest, heaviest one you’ve got hanging in your cupboard as you’ll be well insulated with all your layers. Go for something fleece lined if you’re still concerned about feeling cold, but whatever you choose make sure it’s waterproof.
Not only are waterproof jackets lighter and easier to carry, they are also better suited to help your other layers do their jobs. A heavy wool coat or down-filled parker is likely to feel cumbersome and will easily absorb water if it starts to rain.
On yer ‘ead!
Think of the top of your head like an open window at the top of a well heated house. Without something to cap it all (excuse the pun) the heat will escape. Choose a hat that covers the tops of your ears and the back of your neck for extensive protection against the cold.
When it comes to gloves, it is well worth investing in a new pair. If you’re going to be hiking across wintry landscapes consider a weatherproof pair that is tight fitting and quick drying.
Alternatively, if you’re going to be strolling the city streets with the help of your smartphone, choose a pair of touchscreen friendly leather gloves. Leather is a great material for keeping out the cold, whilst the in-built sensors in the thumb and index finger tips will save you from having to remove you gloves when outdoors.
How to pack it all…
First of all choose a colour scheme and stick with it. This will enable you to mix and match different items of clothing to make different outfits.
Secondly, save space in your suitcase by wearing the larger, bulkier items such as your winter boots and coat, and stuff your hat and gloves in your coat pockets.
Remember to roll, not fold, the rest of your belongings. Pack rolled underwear and socks in the corners and around the edge of the case. Fill the empty middle space with your second pair of shoes, and pack rolled tops and around them. Trousers and jumpers form the next layer, with pyjamas and toiletries the last to go in, neatly placed on the top.
If you have any handy packing tips for winter trips don’t forget to share your wisdom with us and leave a comment below!
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