Winter Packing 101: What to pack for a winter vacation!

Growing up in a tropical country like the Philippines, there was no such thing as a winter. So as a child, one of my dreams was to be able to spend my holidays in different winter destinations. Fortunately enough, I have been able to spend the winter season in several different winter destinations such as Iceland, the Christmas markets in Europe, and most recently, Lapland. 
As someone who has spend most of my life in the Bay Area, I still do kind of freak out when our weather gets funky and starts to get below the 60's. It's true...ask any Bay Area native! Lol. 
Hence, the first time I traveled to the cold, I completely over-bulked my luggage!--rookie mistake!

One of the things I’ve learned (and probably the MOST IMPORTANT) in my travels to countries that border the arctic (i.e. Iceland and Finland), that the weather quickly! So LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS are your best friend!
When traveling to countries who are specifically known for being a winter destination, keep in mind that their indoor facilities are always kept warm: which is why layering comes in handy.
There is nothing worse than being bundled up and unable to remove your layers inside a warm restaurant... sweating, and then stepping out into the freezing cold. Talk about a sudden change of weather! lol. That'll get you sick in a heart beat!

To make things easier, I've created links to bring you directly to the products I've used for my trips, or highly recommended by those I've met during :) 

Full disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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​The top (p)layers:

 The key to dressing in layers is BALANCE. You don't want to dress in too many layers that you cannot move, but you also don't want to be left with not enough. I've found that at least THREE good quality material layers have kept me warm in the harsh sub-Arctic winters.
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​1. Base layer : Being that this will be closest to your body, you will want something that will keep you warm, is breathable, but will also dry quickly once you start getting sweaty. So DITCH THE COTTON! You won't need it :D
 I've found that 32 Degree top and bottom base layers work best for me. 
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​2. A wool(merino or cashmere) or fleece sweater over: Wool is one of the best performing material you can use as it regulates your temperature well. Cashmere will be your more expensive option, but may be worth the extra bucks as it is much warmer and softer, giving you the luxurious feel. However, for ease of use and care, Merino will be much easier to take care of, as it is much sturdier and doesn't require as much care in washing.
Cotton is  huge NO-NO, as it will absorb moisture, thus just making you colder than it already is. 

3. A warm and sturdy outer jacket: As your first line of defense against the harsh winds, you will want a good quality outer jacket. If there is anything you will want to splurge on, it will be your outermost layer. I say this because all the layering wont do you any justice if your outermost layer doesn't protect you. Hence, this being waterproof is a MUST. 

​bottoms (up!)

1. Base layer: A good moisture-wicking base layer is optimal in keeping you warm and dry!
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2. Winter pants (shell or insulated): Over you base layer, again, you will want something wind protecting, and moisture-whicking. Depending on your activity level, you will want to choose one over the other. If you will be going on low activity walks, then an insulated pair of snow pants is what you'll want packed. I found that overalls worked best in keeping me warm.
 However, if you plant do some high-intensity activity, like skiing, then a  pair of shell pants will be just enough.  

​The key to happy feet: 

1. Wool blend socks: Are a life saver from frozen toes! If you are like me, whose feet get a bit clammy at times (lol) then this will be your best option! Wool socks will keep your feet warm AND dry. So ditch the cotton socks! Those won't be enough for a cold winter.
Wool socks can be a bit expensive, but absolutely worth it, and can be bought for a good price, especially on Amazon! 
If you have a few extra bucks to spare, having talked to the Finnish, the brand Falke seems to be a go-to. A bit more expensive, but definitely worth it, as I've spoken 

​2. Shoes: If there is one thing that I learned from the Finns, it's that IF YOUR FEET ARE WARM, YOUR WHOLE BODY IS WARM. I cannot stress this enough when I made the mistake of walking around in my Uggs when I we decided to go for a walk in a snowy path. 
I was cold, fell multiple times, and was just plain uncomfortable despite how warm I dressed!
wet socks in the arctic is the WORST. So don't do what I did...get something warm, waterproof, and slip resistant.

 It's also important to be able to find something that isn't too heavy if you will be doing plenty of walking.

The rule of thumb is to purchase a size bigger than your usual, for two reasons: You will probably be wearing thicker socks. Also, the more snug your foot is, the colder it will feel. Keep the blood circulating, 

Caribou Sorel I saw these pair circling around quite a bit while I was out in Lapland, and after having read about them, I can totally get why! They are apparently very sturdy and can withstand far below freezing temps! Not to mention, they are cute! lol these ones are a bit on the heavier side, though. 

​accessories that you cannot go without!

Gloves: A no-brainer, yes, but not really... You'll want warm hands, yes..but I know you'll also want to be able to take photos without getting frost bite! Double up on those gloves-- A thinner pair (with finger pads) under a pair of thick winter mittens.
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beanie: Always ALWAYS wear a hat when you are outdoors. A regular beanie will do. If you plan to do some sports, one that's thinner might be better so that it can fit in a helmet.
One of my favorite hats to take are Ushankas--the Russian hats (or a bomber hat) with the earflaps! Ah, they are just perfect!
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A scarf is not only a great way to keep your neck warm, but is also a great fashion accessory!In the freezing weather that Finland has, a wool scarf is best in fighting the cold draft. 
Although I am a big fan of chunky knit scarves, it's just way too bulky to pack, and doesn't necessarily do the best job in keeping the cold out. Don't make the mistake I did in the second photo up top! Cute, but it was NOT warm--especially when the wind blew while we went husky sledding!

​Neck gaiters: IT's one thing to be in the freezing cold arctic, but it's ANOTHER thing when the freezing cold WIND blows at you. If you aren't already wearing a turtle neck, neck gaiters are a savior! Not only will it cover your neck, but also your face and lips. It'll prevent your skin from getting super dry from that crisp winter air!
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​ear muffs : I personally cannot stand it when my ears get cold. So a pair of ear muffs are a MUST when I go winter traveling :)

small backpack: A small, lightweight and water-resistant backpack to walk around in with snacks and water while you are out and about is easiest, I think. If you're not into it, a cute sling bag to keep your hands free also works out, too!

dry bags/Ziploc bags: If you are spending a lot of time outdoors in the snow/water, protect your electronic items by placing them in dry bags/Ziploc bags. 
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batteries and EXTRA batteries: I learned this one the hard way, and you won't want to either! The freezing cold temperatures will drain your batteries easily, so make sure to pack a back up, and a back up for that one as well!
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​cosmetics

sunscreen: Sound counter intuitive? Not quite! It is still absolutely important to wear sunscreen in the snow as the snow reflects the sun pretty well!

lip balm: the lips will definitely get dry while you are out there. My lips get extra dry, and I found that Aquaphor worked best for me. This is actually what we use in the hospital for our patients, and I noticed that it definitely heals dry skin!  It's my personal favorite because it's super moisturizing, and a little goes a LONG way! 

face and hand cream: The dry and cold air can be pretty cruel on our skin. Good hand and facial moisturizers are a MUST to protect the delicate skin on these parts of our body! You don't want dry and cracked skin while out there--OUCH!
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These are my favorites! The Mario Badescu night cream is thick and so silky to put on the face; and like most thick creams, a little goes a long way.
The Nivea cream has been my go-to body hand cream for a while now. It just leaves your hands feeling protected and baby's butt-soft!
It just leaves my body so nice and soft, that I actually started to use it for my whole body, lol. 

How will i make it all fit?!

Vacuum seal bags will be your absolute best friend! Besides keeping everything separated, it has been my saving grace when winter traveling. By allowing me compress the bulky clothing, I am able to fit more in to my luggage!

Packing cubes: Regardless of the season, I never travel without these! It just makes life much easier when traveling. Instead of scrambling, and having to choose my outfits last minute, it allows a more organized and systematic way of dressing up when I am out and about!
I organize each cube by clothing type (i.e. underwear, tops, bottoms, etc.) and I even arrange them by the day I plan to wear things. It saves so much time!

​To buy or not to buy?

​If you are super worried about what you have (and how much you will spend--because winter gear ain't cheap!) and how warm your feet will be with your chosen activities/tours, most companies will provide you with their recommended apparel/footwear if they do not see yours to be fit for the activity. Make sure to contact them about this!
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​And yes, as gross as it may sound to be wearing someone clothes that someone else had put on, you've gotta hear me out on this one:
1. You will save so much money on buying gear--because we all know that winter gear aint cheap!
2. You will save plenty of space in your luggage!
3. The tour companies will provide you with APPROPRIATE arctic clothing--there will be NO chance of you being cold!
4. Unless you frequent the snow, and the arctic, there wont be any need to add bulky clothing to your closet! :)

Here are things that they will usually supply:
1 Bunny snow suit--That's right, I'm talking a straight up onesie. But one that is made up of duvet-like material. SUPER warm!
2. Snow boots-- Definitely heavier duty than your typical snow shoe.

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Shopping tips:

Fit is absolutely important in shopping for clothes that will keep you warm, so I suggest trying things on. Though it may be hard to shop in your area especially if your weather is not the same as it will be in your destination....then you may have to resort to shopping online. In that case,  do make sure to order your items way ahead of time, so that you have enough time to return/exchange things that might not work out. Also, make sure to shop in a store that has a great return policy, just in case things don't work out for you. 

The layers under my outer coat: TOP: 1. turtle neck base layer 2. Pull-over sweater BOTTOM: 1. Base layer leggings 2. Snow overalls 3. wool socks

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I hope that this list helps you a ton, as it did for me! And if you've traveled to countries with similar weather, I'd love to hear some advice as well :)

Happy packing! :D