13 October 2022
If you’re going on a winter trip, take a pause on the bulky jackets and thick socks. Here are some cold-weather packing hacks to maximise your luggage space.
Travelling during the colder months is great. Think: Exploring new hike trails and bustling Christmas markets in the chilly wind while you’re bundled up in your warmest jacket. But before things get cosy, packing for a winter holiday can be quite the hassle. You’ll have to consider how to aptly fold your bulky clothing and worry about how many heat-retaining devices you need to bring. To make things worse, you’ll end up with an even bulkier luggage after the trip is over.
Lightweight winter must-haves
The first thing you should consider is to search for winter necessities that are compressible and multi-functioning. Having water-resistant gear and heating devices on hand makes total sense if you’ll be going on long walking tours.
So, if you’re the sort to have two separate bags when you travel, a foldable waterproof backpack slides easily into your luggage without taking up much space. And if you’re more prone to feeling chilly when you travel, you’ll definitely need a light but durable thermos for your hot water needs.
Long bus or train rides can sometimes get uncomfortable during the winter months, and having a heated pillow for your naps sounds too good to be true. It’s not a must to pack in, a compact and inflatable heating massage pillow will prove to be exceptionally useful on bumpy bus rides.
Sleek Winter Wear That'll Keep You Warm
Before you decide to pack in your biggest, heaviest and fluffiest coat, you may want to look at other options. Ethical and eco-friendly down jackets are a great option for travel because they roll up well without losing their shape or warming properties. Plus, you can be sure that no animals were hurt to accommodate your travel needs.
It's no surprise that strong winds don’t make it to anyone’s list of ‘Favourite Things About Winter”. Layer up with a windbreaker and pop on warm headgear if you plan to go outdoors during your trip. Look for versatile pieces that’ll keep you looking sharp even during the cold days. If beanies aren’t your thing, tweed vintage caps will dress up any outfit in the winter.
Additional gadgets to make travelling in winter a smooth process
Lots of things can go wrong during a winter trip. Not enough luggage space, numb toes thanks to improper footwear and your phone battery going bust due to the sudden low temperatures are just some typical (but overlooked) problems you may face.
Vacuum sealing your winter wear is one of the best space-saving hacks around. And this doesn’t mean you only look for hotels with a vacuum cleaner in the room. Instead, a pocket-sized vacuum will make things a whole lot easier. Whip it out at the end of your trip and start sealing things up - you’ll be surprised by how much space you’re left with.
To save even more space and weight, consider bringing devices that have more ports. Look for portable chargers and adapters with multiple ports. That way, you only have to bring one of each.
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