Figuring out what to pack is often my least favorite part of travel prep.
How am I supposed to know what I’m going to want to wear and what I’ll end up using for the next week, month, or year?
A native Californian, I really feared winter. I figured none of the clothing I had would work for a cold German winter. Then, I took on a freelancing project around the Christmas markets in Germany and the time came to accept that I would have to rise to the occasion and face a real winter.
Everyone told me I would freeze. It would be horrible, it would be so scary!
But with one simple tactic, I found that they were all wrong: layering.
Besides, making snow angels is awesome:
Per usual, I wanted to travel carry-on only. 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.
I traveled for an entire year previously in Southeast Asia with only carry-on luggage. I had believed that was because I was only traveling with light clothing, but as it turns out, it’s also possible in the winter months, here’s my exact list:
What’s in my bag:
- 2-3 thin, long-sleeved shirts
- 2 tank tops
- 1 thermal shirt
- 1 sweater top
- 3 sweater dresses
- 1 thermal jacket
- 1 Toggle-front wool jacket
- 1 pair of snow boots
- 1 pair of short boots
- 3 pairs of leggings
- 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
I still keep several cameras on me, a light computer, toiletries under 3 oz/ 100ml, and a small makeup bag, just like I did in Southeast Asia.
For the exact dresses and shoes pictured here as well as others I wore regularly, check out my winter European fashion guide.
As usual, the real secret is rolling and stuffing clothing into a quality packing cube
Otherwise, it’s just about creatively layering and alternating, washing clothing regularly, and being choosey about what you bring and what you leave at home.
I’ve put together a video here to help show you exactly what I pack and how.
Hope it helps, and happy travels!
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!
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.
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.
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.