Imagine this: You score an amazing deal on a flight to a snowy destination. You can almost imagine the snowflakes falling on your tongue and the hot chocolate warming your hands.
To be honest, part of the fun is figuring out which cute winter coats and scarves are going to accompany you on the trip, until the crushing realization that that great deal isn’t so great anymore after all of the checked bag fees, time waiting at baggage claim, and the annoyance of dragging suitcases over cobblestone.
Don’t give up your winter wonderland dreams just yet, you can still look fab and pack carry on only luggage in the winter. I’ve got the full system here.
It’s all possible with one simple tactic: layering.
What’s in my bag:
- 2-3 thin, long-sleeved shirts
- 1 thermal shirt
- 1-2 sweater tops
- 1-2 sweater dresses
- 1 super warm jacket
- OR 1 wool jacket
(temperature dependent)
- 1 pair of snow boots
- 1 pair of short boots
- 2 pairs of leggings
- 1-2 pairs fleece lined leggings
- gloves, hat, and a cute knitted headband
- 1 pair of loose jeans that leggings can fit under
- enough winter socks and your comfiest underwear for a week
- 1 bag large enough to fit a computer, knit hat, and gloves
- 1 small clutch for daily use that fits inside your carry-on bag in transit
- 35 L or smaller carry-on bag
All of these things can fit into a carry on sized backpack, even though at first it might not seem like it. This is how I do it:
Wear bulky items on the flight
I typically wear my snow boots, winter coat, and biggest scarf on the flight. I can almost always stuff the coat into the overhead bin, or use it on the freezing cold flight as a blanket or pillow. It’s usually been much better to have it with me than to have it packed for this reason.
When it comes to jackets, I suggest bringing the one that most suits the weather you’re likely to encounter. If I know I’m going to be in temperatures well below freezing, I tend to bring along my puffy red jacket. It has kept me warm in -30 F previously.
However on my recent trip to the Christmas markets, the temperatures were mostly just around freezing or above, so I stuck to my more stylish wool coat and layered sweaters underneath.
The same goes for leggings. If I know it’s going to be particularly cold, I wear ski underwear with a snow pants shell over, but if I can get away with layering more stylish pairs of leggings or even yoga pants, I do that instead.
Use a packing cube
Here’s a video that walks you through the process in more detail:
As you can see from the video, the biggest key is to have a packing cube, which allows you to roll and stuff your clothing in side by side. I’ve been using the same one for years now and swear by it. I even devoted an entire post to why I love it so much here.
While everyone else struggles with heavy bags, I love the ease of walking around with my light bag, skipping baggage claim, having no worries that my bag might get lost by the airline, and easily taking public transportation rather than missing the fun of people-watching in a cab.
It’s just about creatively layering and alternating, washing clothing regularly, and being choosey about what you bring and what you leave at home.
As you can see, it’s still possible to travel carry-on only in the winter. Give it a try, and let me know in the comments how it works out for you! I hope this helped you to travel lighter. Happy travels!
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paro says
But most flights have free baggage right? So isn’t it a waste of money to not bring some?
Kristin says
Quite the opposite. Most charge you to check a bag. It would only be a waste of money if you paid for baggage and then didn’t check any.
Sarah says
Most flights from the US to Europe do include a free checked bag (well, on major carriers at least; cheap airlines like Wow probably not). But being easily able to carry your luggage around is worth having a few less wardrobe choices for a week or two! I have basically never regretted packing carry-on only, but I have regretted having a giant suitcase to carry over cobblestone streets and centuries old stone stairs.
I spent a week outside at German Christmas markets last year, carry-on only. The key for me was good wool layers-toasty warm and wool doesn’t get smelly like synthetic do, so you can re-wear items (and thus pack fewer things! With more room for souveniers!) I think I brought 3 pairs of mid weight wool leggings, 3 wool tees or thin turtlenecks, and 3 big cozy sweaters for 7 or 8 days.
GG says
Hey Sarah: Yes, most airlines, even some discount ones offer 1 free checked bag for flights to Europe from the U.S (domestic not so much).. For more details on the policies for a whole bunch of airlines regarding fees and size restrictions, you can look at the cheapair.com site and click on help and it will have a FAQ on baggage fees. For just info on fees on the first bag, you can google farecompare and baggage fees and click on the farecompare and get a comprehensive listing of airline rates from the U.S. Yes, WOW and Ryanair charge for first checked bag, international or not. That being said, even if free, many people like keeping their bag(s) near them and avoid the potential hassle of lost bags, and long waits at the carousel. I prefer carry-on only and I pack the minimum but sometimes I do admit going with checking a bag if it is free so I don’t have to schlep it around the airport worrying about it (even if it is light weight, it is a pain if have to go to the bathroom or there is a delay). It depends on the airline and where I am flying to though! And after a long flight the last thing I want to do is wait at the baggage claim carousel! There is no right answer here, just some good advice from people like yourself.
Adrienne says
Actually the checked bags on US carriers are not free. If you book an economy ticket, you are paying ~$90 more than the Basic economy ticket to get a “free” checked bag, be able to select your seat, and to make changes to your itinerary if needed.
Nikita says
Love this! I never thought carry-on only would be possible in the winter… Then again, I’m in love with gigantic wool sweaters, which don’t exactly condense that easily. Great tips though, will keep this in mind for my winter journeys! 😀
Marissa says
That video was so helpful. I’m heading out on a 4 month trip to Europe and really didn’t want to take anything other than my carry on bag. Time to invest in packing cubes tho!!
Kristin says
Packing cubes are the real secret!
Carm says
Hi there! I’m from Chicago by way of Manila, and I’ve been reading this blog for a while. Really cool entries! I recently went backpacking across Europe for 2 weeks with just carry on. Went to Spain, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, with just a travel backpack containing a week’s worth of clothes, a camera, and a laptop this past December. I also spent 2 weeks in Denmark, Norway and Sweden in the winter of 2013, also with just a travel backpack. It’s so much easier to get around, less space to occupy in public transit and less worry about losing luggage. Having a parka or any other jacket with extra pockets helps too. Learning how to do laundry in France and Norway were really trippy experiences. Berlin is amazing in the wintertime! Went there in 2012 and had a blast! The Tiergarten looks more otherwordly when it’s covered in snow. Cheers!
Kristin says
Completely agree and awesome that you’ve tried it too and it worked out!
Jimmy Dau says
Incredible! I’m the worst at packing. Too much gear!
Jimmy Dau says
Maybe I’ll start wearing leggings 😛
Kristin says
They’re so slimming!
Kristin says
I hate it too which is why I like it simplified. If I have fewer things the chances of losing something are smaller 🙂
Thøger says
I love the idea of traveling carry-on only, but most airlines have a limit for the amount of bags that you’re allowed to bring as well as their size, right? Or maybe that’s just my point of view as a European who is used to low-cost airlines such as Ryanair 🙂
Kristin says
I wouldn’t mess with Ryan Air but every other airline has been fine with the 35L. I just have that one and a smaller bag that I keep my wallet, passport, and cameras in.
Kathleen O’Donnell says
My 35L has been fine on Ryanair! I don’t overpack it (have been traveling with just 3 outfits for the last month) and it fits weight and size requirements for them.
GG says
Hi Kathleen: Ryanair’s new policy as of November is if you are a non-priority flyer then you can only bring a tiny carry-on (really a “personal item”) which appears to be <25L. You are fine if priority customer but out of luck for a 35L if not. Don't know if you are a priority customer or what that requires, I will check that out. In an odd twist, they say this is a good thing because they allow larger personal items (?) which is not saying much and that checked bags are a little cheaper. For carry-on folks who fly non-priority that isn't very helpful :). They say it will reduce delays, not familiar with the planes they use, but other airlines seem to deal with it and allow 35L carry-on, hmm….:)
Dat Dude says
Your awesome!
Any cubes better than others?
Kristin says
I use Eagle Creek and it has served me well for two years despite much overstuffing 🙂
Jenia from HTL says
This is very useful – thank you 🙂 I usually also pack an extra duffel, in case I do have luggage allowance or decide that I want to purchase check in luggage for those times I pick up good souvenirs, like wine from France )
Kristin says
Definitely a good idea if you’re not on an open-ended journey and know you’ll be returning home after a few weeks or months.
Mike says
Loving the new site. It’s awesome….it’s more emersive.
Kristin says
Thanks that’s what I was hoping 🙂
Ragan Wesson says
I’ve never tried packing a carry-on with winter clothes…I have always been intimidated but you have given me courage!
Kristin says
I was too but turns out it’s doable and i’m so glad that it is.
Mary says
Do you still travel with your packsafe? I didn’t have one when I was in Thailand, but I had an apartment in a non touristy part of town.
Kristin says
I sure do. Still so useful. I have even more of their products now. Definitely swear by them.
Andrea says
Hi Kristin,
One month with that carry on? wow. I’m going to Europe for a week plus only (can i fit any stuffs into one carry on trolley luggage). What is i wish to but some souvenirs?
May i know where to buy the compression bag (for bags and shoes) that you have in the video?
I think i need to find ways to get some plastic compression bag to stuck my bulky sweater/ clothing ..
Kristin says
I use these: http://amzn.to/1H1X2nA so cheap and SO useful!
I actually did a carry on for a full year in Southeast Asia, and again when I went to Africa for 3.5 months this year. It’s doable, but not if you want big souvenirs. You might have to mail those home.
Sarah says
Haha, I love the video. I thought it was hilarious.
My first backpacking trip of three month around Europe started in august and ended in November. I went through three different climates (Spain and Italy were extremely hot, but Germany and Poland were cold by the time I got there). This meant I had to pack layers. Lots of layers. I used tank tops as skirt bottoms in the heat, and layered everything I had for Poland and Germany.
My problem is that I tend to be very attracted to hand-made items. I buy art from a lot of the countries I travel to. So… That’s where my packing becomes a problem.
Not only that, but my skin is so extremely sensitive that I have to use certain shampoos and conditioners and laundry detergents. If I don’t use the right stuff I break out in hives all over and it’s very itchy and uncomfortable. So, packing those things typically requires more than 3 oz. because it’s harder to find those products in certain places while traveling. You can usually find shampoo and conditioner of course, but finding stuff that won’t cause me hives. … curses… but, I’ve been working on packing lighter for the obvious benefits, so maybe i’ll jjust have to suffice with the 3oz bottles.
Kristin says
I mean I do love the convenience but I can’t always do carry-on only. Lately I have brought a lot more gear and tech with me so it just needs more space.
kassie says
Great post! Finally a travel list for the winter. I will be heading to India for a month in a few days and will use this as a rough guide. Thank you!!
Kristin says
No problem!
Maggie says
I have just started reading your blog and I love it! Very inspiring and getting me very excited for my 2017 trip to SE Asia and beyond. How do you go about packing when you will be gone for an extended period of time, covering multiple climates? Also, I saw some of your pictures of winter mountain trekking where you are all decked out in ski jacket, snow pants, etc. Do you just rent that gear as needed? Thank you for all your helpful tips and advice!
Kristin says
Recently you might have seen me in skiing attire in Austria and that’s a lot of clothing that’s just sensible for that particular sport so I had to kindly ask a friend to take a bunch of it and keep it at his place for me until I can pick it up. In SEA it’s mostly one climate type – hot and humid – so one small bag is totally cool. I rented or borrowed jackets on the rare occasion that I needed one. Otherwise I bought cheap and ditched things after that I didn’t need.
Sanggari says
Hey Kristin,
Great post. How much did your backpack weigh since most airlines have a 7kg limit for carry ons? 🙂
Kristin says
A lot more, but I haven’t often been asked to weigh it. That’s always a possibility, though.
Kristine Li says
This is absolutely amazing and helpful! I will be travelling to cold countries in a bit and thinking of downsizing my luggage. You made it look very possible now! Thank you Kristin for the post!
Kristin says
Carry-on is the best!
Wendy G says
I’m trying to decide which coats to bring for my first time visiting the Christmas markets in Europe this December – it is so tough! I’ll be in Venice, Rome, Vienna, and Budapest, so there will be a range of temperatures (anticipating 50F and dry or rainy down to 0F and snowy). Finding the right boots is challenging too. Good thing I have a few months to prepare! I am hoping layers under my Karbon Trillium jacket will suffice. I don’t want to lug my big parka (Calvin Klein 600-wt down with fur-trimmed hood) for only the last week of the trip (but even more than that, I don’t want to freeze!). I’m resigned to bringing my 32″ suitcase (I brought it last time I went to Europe, and I was grateful for the space!).
Kristin says
It’s all about the layering! Definitely prioritize comfort, though. It’s no fun being cold!
Christopher Jackson says
I wanted a strong backpack, and this fits the bill. It’s sturdy, doesn’t rip easily, and definitely a great quality tactical backpack. It fits a lot of stuff, it doesn’t feel bloated, or too heavy. It’s a solid solution.
Lina says
Thank you for such an informative article. How many kilograms was your packed bag?
Kristin says
I’m not entirely sure. Over the carry on limit but I usually don’t have an issue with it getting weighed.
Lyris says
Hi Kristin,
I’m going backpacking (for the first time!) starting in the South Caucuses and making my way West through Europe. I’m looking at getting the Aircontact 50L + 10 SL, by Deuter. Thanks to your tips I feel confident that I can pack light, so I’d really like to be able to go carry-on only and save myself the money and hassle of checking a bag. Because I’m so new to this I’m having a hard time gauging whether I can make that Deuter bag work as a carry-on. I know each airline has different rules, but if I don’t pack that 50L to the brim and compress the excess fabric at the top, do you think that it could qualify as a carry on? I think that it may wind up being bigger than I need for this 2 month trip, but I’m reluctant to downsize because that extra space may come in handy for future/longer term trips.
Any advice you can give would be much appreciated!
Kristin says
Sadly that’s going to be too big. 35L is going to be the max, maaaayyybe 40, but most European airlines are pretty strict, and you’d have to go even smaller if you end up flying Ryan Air.
Crystal says
LOVE this travel guide packing list. Will definitely bookmark, and I’m going to check out some of the products / clothes you suggested. What did you use for the product preview grid? Loved the ease of clicking through the products.
Thomas Smith says
Nice blog so for! Keep Posting like this.