While winter days at home may mean cozying up by the fireplace or under the covers in your comfiest pair of sweats, winter vacations will likely make you more inclined to spend time outdoors, whether that means whipping down ski slopes, sitting under a heat lamp at après ski, or walking around a new town square. As such, you’ll want to make sure your winter clothing and accessories are up to snuff.
We’ve spent time searching for the best winter gear and cold weather clothing for every situation—thermal leggings for outdoor runs, insulated boots for hiking, and camping supplies for even the most inexperienced outdoorsman. We also broke down the basics of dressing for colder temps, asking outdoorsy travelers what fabrics they love (and which they stay away from) and how to know if a boot is snow-worthy (hint: if you’re doubling up on socks, it’s not a good winter boot). Armed with the proper layers and a comfortable pair of shoes, a winter spent outdoors seems a little less daunting. Read on for our very best winter packing tips, clothing, and gear for your next adventure.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Winter packing tips
How to pack light when you’re headed somewhere cold
For these types of trips, extra space in your bag is precious, so we asked experts how to pack light for winter travel; their tips include insight into what winter clothes won’t weigh us down. To kick things off, some tough love from Tumi’s creative director Victor Sanz: “Lay everything out that you think you will need and then remove half of it; that will get you closer to where you need to be.”
How to dress for cold weather
We asked professional ice carvers, polar expedition leaders, and snowshoe guides to share the products that keep them warm all winter long.
Warm clothes for winter
Winter leggings
There are plenty of cold weather leggings on the market that claim to keep you warm, so we had more than a dozen Condé Nast Traveler editors put some of the most popular to the test. Our editors each tried out a different pair of warm leggings (or two) for several weeks to find the ones worth your dollars. Below, a few of our favorites from Lululemon, Baleaf, Skims, and Under Armour.
Winter coats for women
When cold weather hits, you need outerwear that will stand up to chilly temperatures. The best winter coats keep you warm, look chic no matter what you’re wearing, and are as packable as possible. Deciding on the best option for you depends on where you’re headed, what the current climate is, and your personal style. We’ve narrowed it down to the 21 best winter coats for women that will keep you warm whether you’re headed to a snowy mountain lodge, a rainy metropolis, or a windy desert.
Winter coats for men
Up your winter style with one of these heavy-duty coats. Pangaia’s flower-warmth recycled puffer is especially great investment, as it has some serious sustainability credentials—it’s made from none other than wildflowers. The oversized coat keeps you warm and looking effortlessly cool, too.
Lightweight, packable jackets
There’s much to be said for a packable jacket that’ll keep you warm and dry, without the bulk. Here, we round up the best options from Aritzia, Girlfriend Collective, Patagonia, Columbia, and more.
Plus-size winter gear for women
Finding high-quality winter gear can be difficult for plus-size shoppers, and more often than not, the options that do exist lack style. Traveler contributor Erika Owen found the best picks that check both boxes, from Arctix’s insulated overalls to Alder Apparel’s open air pants. We also love outerwear from Girlfriend Collective, a sustainable clothing brand with an impressive size range of 2XS–6XL.
Essential fleece layers
We love how lightweight and cozy fleece is, making it a great material for outerwear. From sweaters and vests to wear-everywhere zip-ups, these fleece layers are easy to pair with heavier coats and long-sleeve shirts underneath.
Versatile vests
Thanks to their sleeveless design and ability to be layered under coats or worn as your only piece of outerwear when temperatures allow, it’s no surprise that vests are among the most versatile of wardrobe staples. We gathered 24 of the best vests for travelers, whether you’re packing for extremely cold temperatures or a rainy city day.
Winter wedding dresses
From formal gowns to velvet midi dresses to comfortable jumpsuits, we’ve rounded up 30+ of the best winter wedding guest dresses that will keep you comfortable throughout the ceremony, reception, and after-party.
Winter shoes
Women’s winter boots
When looking for winter boots, you want to make sure to find a shoe that is waterproof and well insulated with good tread. A rubber sole is great for traction and will keep your feet warm and dry even in the harshest conditions. We especially recommend these cozy options from Ugg, Bogs, and Sorel.
Men’s winter boots
When it comes time to stock up on new footwear to brave the elements this season, you’ve got to hedge your bets between looks that can get you through the day and night with pieces that are actually winter-proof and can keep you upright while hoisting your luggage into the back of a taxi or hurdling over snow banks to reach the Paris Metro in time. Whatever your need is, we’ve got you covered with the best winter boots for men this year, from high-traction hiking boots to sturdy, timeless combat boots.
Winter hiking boots
Insulated winter hiking boots with nonslip soles are key to staying warm and dry—and to avoid sliding on the ice. While a good pair of lined hiking boots can be a bit of a splurge, these practical boots are meant to last years. Click through for men’s and women’s styles we recommend.
Winter accessories
Beanies and hats
Warm clothes aside, you’ll also want some accessories to keep the winter chill at bay. The best beanies are lightweight and easy to pack, keep your head and ears warm, and add an effortlessly cool touch to any look. To help you pick out your new go-to beanie, we’ve gathered a list of options to wear this winter from some of our favorite brands in a range of prices, styles, and colors.
Blanket scarves
With a super soft, oversized wrap, not only will you feel like a little chicer as you stroll through the airport, you’ll be toasty for the duration of the flight, and might just get some shut-eye. From cashmere scarves to chunky knit wraps, these blanket scarves are worth adding to your travel uniform.
Gloves
A trusty pair of gloves isn’t just about a secure fit, but also about having the right handwear for each situation: a lightweight polyester pair for exercising, a warm wool one for hanging out outside, and a waterproof polyester variety for those long, intense days in the cold.
Winter socks
A good pair of socks can make or break your comfort level. Wear a pair of wool socks under boots to keep toes toasty while out and about. For afternoons spent indoors, pad around in a pair of Brother Vellies’ cozy Cloud socks.
Packable traction cleats
Traveler contributor Ashlea Halpern swears by Yaktrax Pro traction cleats for making any shoe better suited for cold, snowy climates—slide them on a sneaker or boot to make walking on snow and ice a breeze.
Winter home essentials
Whether you’re counting down the days to a Caribbean cruise or are holing up in a romantic cabin this season, there’s no time like the present to kit out your space with items designed to make you feel warm and fuzzy at all times of the day, from extra-plush robes, soothing sheets, and fluffy pillows to make your bed a cozy hibernation spot to a heated neck wrap from Ostrich.
Ski and snowboarding gear
Ski trip essentials
For those planning to ski this year, here are the clothes, shoes, and winter gear accessories to consider adding to your packing list. In short, don’t forget hand warmers.
Ski sweaters
Winter fashion can be tricky. There’s been something of a ski sweater renaissance of late, though, as brands start to rediscover the natural look and feel of knitwear. Take a look around and you’ll find heritage-style knits that feel like a step back in history, as well as more contemporary styles that work just as well on the Matterhorn as they do in Manhattan.
One-piece ski suits
Now that it’s winter, those living in cities with freezing temperatures are looking to ski suits as an all-in-one winter outfit that’ll make afternoons outdoors more enjoyable, whether on the slopes or sipping hot toddies on sidewalks.
Winter running gear
For those who’ve sworn off running in the winter, we’ve found gear that may change your mind, from tights to insulated vests.
Winter camping gear
A beginner’s guide to winter camping
From power stations and portable stoves to popular Stanley mugs, we’ve got you covered for your next camping trip, even if you’re a true beginner.
