Winter is filled with exciting activities and beautiful sites to explore. While packing light can be challenging all year round, it’s particularly harder in winter when you must pack heavy, bulk clothing while maximizing space. Outlined below are four packing tips for winter travel.
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Pack wool instead of cotton
While wool and cotton are natural, versatile fibers used to make a broad range of warm apparel, wool is the best fabric for winter wear. Wool does better in wet and cold weather, and cotton performs well in hot, dry weather. Wool is an excellent insulator as its air pockets are more than cotton’s. Wool fibers also have small scales that help in air trapping. The fibers have a natural crimp that makes the material more lofty. As a result, wool will retain heat better, keeping you warmer in cold weather. Unlike cotton, wool is heavier and thicker and provides better moisture-wicking features and breathability.
Wool is fast drying, and its antimicrobial properties help keep odors low. Wool is wrinkle-resistant, meaning you can pack and fold it, and it won’t require ironing. Wool fabric’s density provides element protection. Rain and wind can’t seep through the dense material easily. In addition, wool is more water-resistant than cotton and doesn’t absorb moisture as quickly. Wool maintains loft even when damp and offers insulation, making it perfect for winter. You can visit sites like Quince for quality cashmere wool winter wear.
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Leverage packing cubes or compression bags
For winter holidays involving getting onto a plane, packing cubes or compression bags can come in handy. Packing bulky accessories and sweaters can be challenging. However, packing cubes will enable you to make the most out of your suitcase space. For oversized items like large sweaters and jackets, sealing them in compression bags, which take out as much air as possible and flatten them out, making them easier to pack.
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Consider layering
You don’t have to purchase thick jackets when traveling during winter. Nonetheless, wearing several thin layers can keep you warmer than one single layer. Layering traps warm air, acting like an insulator. Adjusting your warmth level by adding or removing the extra layer becomes easier when you layer up. The following are three vital layers you can leverage to protect yourself in cold weather:
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Base layer: It wicks away moisture. The best base layers should help retain body heat and possess perspiration-wicking properties to help you stay warm, dry, and comfortable. Avoid pure cotton clothes for the base layer because they absorb sweat, making you feel extra cold
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Mid layer: It helps retain the heat your body radiates. This layer should be great at heat-trapping, keeping you warmer
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Outer layer: It safeguards against rain and wind. When looking for outer layers, ensure they’re waterproof and windproof. The best outer layer should be breathable enough to channel moisture out while keeping water and wind from getting into your inner layers.
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Prepare a winter packing list
A winter travel packing list helps make packing less stressful. Also, it means you’re less likely to forget essential items. A packing checklist enables you to stay organized as you pack. Rather than taking a lot of time sorting through the closet, sticking to a checklist enables you to pack whatever you need quickly. The best packing list should include winter clothes, toiletries, and other cold-weather travel essentials.
Endnote
Packing light, particularly for winter travel, can be daunting. Consider implementing these tips when packing for winter travel.
