Essential winter travel packing list

Hat, gloves, scarf, waterproof footwear, long underwear, add a fleece vest but other than that our list doesn't change that much. The light weight sweater in summer becomes a medium weight in the winter. Short sleeve shirts become long sleeve. The main light weight summer pants becomes lined pants in winter. We take one less change of clothes because we do not get as dirty or sweaty in the winter. Our overall luggage weight does not vary much. Think layers of light weight synthetic clothing.

We've been to London in Nov/Dec a lot. Layers are what you need to plan for. You maysimilar in Ireland/France/Italy. Here's what I usually took: Wear on plane: black cotton-blend pants, long sleeve turtleneck/T-shirt and a long-sleeved "big shirt" {button up that can look a bit like a jacket}, water resistant winter coat with hood and removalbe liner, good walking shoes - black. Pack in carry-on suitcase: 2-3 pair black or khaki cotton-blend pants (I am allergic to wool and rather hot-natured), 3 or 4 T-shirts/turtlenecks (1 short sleeve, rest long) 1 or 2 "big shirts", optional 1-2 sweaters/cardigans that go with all of above, 3-5 bras, enough panties for at least 1 week (often enough for entire trip) same with socks, hand wipes, stain wipes, first aid "kit" in a baggie- band-aids, small packets of Neosporin, dental floss, Advil or Aleve, Benadryl, Dramamine, Nyquil gel capsules, etc.), sewing "kit"( various colors thread wrapped around a small piece of cardboard, 2 needles, buttons, safety pins), medications, medical info sheet, copy of insurance info, 3-1-1 bag with deodorant, perfume, shampoo, lipstick, chap stick, toothpaste, etc., another quart baggie with eye shadow, blush, powder, comb, brush, tweezers, razor, clippers, etc. , "feminine supplies" if needed, wash cloth in a baggie, gloves, hat or hooded scarf. Totally optional- scarves, phone, charger, adapter plug, camera & charger, extra memory cards for camera, paper & pen, extra shoe liners, umbrella, day pack. Hubby gets by with a bit less - no need to duplicate first aid/sewing kits, etc. My suitcase will weigh about 14-15 lbs. and his will weigh 10-12 or a little less.
We even did an around the world trip with the same type stuff! It all fits in Rick's bags that we bought more than 20 years ago and that still look almost new. I carry a day pack and move stuff into it as needed.

The one indispensable item for winter travel for me is a SILK thermal long-sleeve undershirt (bought from Lands End). I also travel with a fleece vest and a lightweight fleece hoodie (also from LE). A wind/rain resistant Columbia jacket completes the outerwear. I layer as the conditions dictate.

It's still all about layering. Ireland is likely to be wet. France, depending on where you are, can have a wide variety of temperatures. Italy, especially further south, might seem cool at worst. Here's my visual men's pack list: http://www.polyvore.com/mens_travel_pack_list/set?id=1440268 For true winter travel make sure your walking shoes are water proof shoes. Bring wool (or wool blend) socks, a pair of gloves, scarf and ski cap. Silk long johns are another warm layer that doesn't take up much room in your bag. If I'm layering a t-shirt, button-up shirt, sweater, fleece and shell - along with a hat, scarf and gloves - I can survive in just about any cold weather. Since some of your time will be spent indoors and/or comfortable weather, you won't want to be bundled all the time. Removable layers gives you the flexibility to handle all the possibilities.

For the skiers in the group, layering comes naturally. My packing list is essentially the same in the summer or winter. I just wear more of my clothes in the winter. In the summer I wear a lightweight jacket on the plane but have a medium weight sweater in my bag just in case - might wear one or the other. In the winter I wear a down parka on the plane, but might wear it and the sweater on a cold day. One year we went to Germany over New Years. I wasn't quite expecting how the high humidity intensifies the cold. I bought a knit cap in Karlsruhe.

Last year in cold and rainy Italy, I wore layers, which kept me warm when I was outside or inside without heating, but when I was inside with heating, I was way too hot. It's fine to take off your coat, but to strip down to thermal underwear isn't practical or asthetic in a restaurant or even a museum. My one must-have is disposable chemical handwarmers. I love to take photos, and there is no glove that will simultaneously keep my hands warm and allow me to use my camera.

Def. take silk underwear ( top and bottom, and you may not need the bottoms as much as the top), Smartwool socks (my favorites, 2 or 3 pair- they do not smelleven after a couple of days), 2 pairs shoes, and a vest of some kind- can be fleece but could also be a stylish vest or a performance fabric).I also like a black cashmere sweater that can dress up or down. In winter we can wear jeans instead of khakis. Last December in Venice I sometimes had on 3 or 4 layers in a hotel due to the chill or rain, but Milan had some sunny days that only required a long sleeve shirt and vest with a ( nondown) jacket. Other days I wore a chalet length Eddie Bauer down coat, down gloves, and a wool or cashmere scarf.

I am with Chani, I often find it way too warm with layers. If you are going to be doing lots of inside activities, like visiting museums, riding trains from here to there, etc. a good coat is all you might need, especially one that is long, coming down to your knees. Then you can take it off when you go inside and be comfortable. If you are doing more outside activities, then layering makes sense. This is when I think a coat with a liner is a good idea. Long coats though are the way to go though, for the best warmth.

I spent New Years in Paris a few years ago. I was unsure how to pack and I ended up taking layers, which is the usual advice here. It was a very cold time period and in order to dress warm enough for outside, I roasted once I got inside. How many layers can one take off in public?? If I ever do a winter trip again I will take a longer down coat. Something that covers the backside but is above the knee. I could take off the coat and I wouldn't have to feel like I need to get totally undressed when I go into a museum or anywhere else indoors. A coat with a zip out lining would work well too. I do recommend the silk 'thermals', as they are very warm and lightweight.

I don't layer for the reasons noted by Chani and Jo- unless you're spending hours of your time outdoors, layering is entirely too hot when indoors. I find a good coat, gloves, a scarf and a sweater are enough for most circumstances. I almost never wear thermal underwear, even when skiing. It should be pointed out that your list of countries don't usually experience severely cold winters. In Ireland, you should probably put more emphasis on staying dry.

As Tom said, the temperatures don't usually dive into the "red zone" but as Lee said, the cold is often accompanied by dampness and the high humidity drives the cold deep into your bones.

I tend to agree with layering. Although I too am like Tom and Jo... The longer I have been here, the less I need to layer. I think there is some aclimatization going on! :-) I remember the first winter I was here, I was frozen all the time, wore long underwear to work, etc. Now, after a few winters, it doesn't phase me and all I need is a coat, hat, and gloves. (I usually wear a scarf, but mainly because everybody seems to wear one over here and I get them as gifts all the time.) I swear by hats, though. Your head is like a chimney and a hat really does help to conserve heat. I used to not be a hat person, but now ...this being Vienna... I've got some pretty nice lids that I wear to the office when the temps get down to freezing.

Every year I travel Nov/Dec to random areas of Europe. So far, Rome was the warmest, Prague and Spain (weird cold snap when I went 7 years ago) were the coldest. My typical Europe wear is the following: Dark blue jeans, a long sleeve thermal-esque thin shirt from gap which goes under my long sleeve thicker shirt (fleece or sweater), smart wool socks. I wear boots by Keen, they are water resistant, warm, yet light enough to be worn for walking all day long. I like to call them my winter walking boots. I bring gloves and a scarf but have found that I wear them mostly at night or if it is just outright cold/rainy. My jacket is of the thin-sulate material; it is the Apex jacket by North Face. I guess how I describe it is for runner who run outdoors in the winter. It is also meant to go under some kind of outer shell, whether thick or thin (like a windbreaker).But for me it helps keep me dry for when it rains. I also never leave without an umbrella. So I am light and on the go for my winter destinations. I know many say jeans in the winter aren't the best but they hold up well, can be worn many times, and don't show stains as much as other pants that people travel with. Plus everyone wears them in Europe, so I guess one step closer to fitting in (although I know they know I am a tourist). Sleepy time wear is a long sleeve t-shirt with yoga pants and thick yet soft socks, even though the socks are always on the floor by time I wake up. My day bag is a messenger bag by Timbuk2. It is also water resistant and severely secured by straps and the worlds loudest Velcro (I pity the fool who tries to stealthily slip their hands in, the Velcro sound is worse than the worst sounding alarm clock).
If I know my destination will be below 30 degrees at some point, I will pack a pair of tights to be worn under my pants, mainly at night. Ive really never had to use them

We often travel in the winter. I pack my winter shirts and slacks, which I wear here in Bostonwhich essentially means long pants, as i think about it. I have never worn long underwear except skiing, and then rarely. I don't even take my heavy winter coat. I wear my 3 season leather jacket, a sweater or blazer under it if it is exceptionally cold...boiled wool is particularly helpful. I'd say the only real difference in packing for winter than summer are the gloves, scarf and/or hat and sturdy shoes. Remember, you are from Missoula, MT. I bet you find it quite comfortable, relatively, in Europe. I'm from Boston. Winters seem more mild in Europe to me. I was really only cold on one trip in London, Edinburgh was balmy in comparison during that trip. France is always lovely no matter what the weather! (IMO) I believe you will find Italy warm. Note where people are from when you decide if their list is relevant as you are already used to the cold, as am I.

Note where people are from when you decide if their list is relevant as you are already used to the cold, as am I. My husband grew up in Calgary, Canada, and lived here pretty much all his life. You might think he's used to cold! However, the first time he went to Germany over Christmas his most memorable comment was that he never felt that cold in his entire life!!! and the temperature actually did not drop below 0 C, it was just grey skies and damp all the time. We, too, layer when we go skiing or hiking. But travelling in Europe in winter it's the one big winter coat that gets used all the time. So much easier to take off or put on when you are switching between indoor and outdoor activities. Really make sure you have warm and waterproof foot wear. And do not put it in your checked luggage! Disruptions in flight times etc. and delays for getting your checked luggage are more likely with winter weather than in the summer. I love those little heat packs you can put in your shoes for those days when you spend a lot of time in the outdoors.

"Note where people are from when you decide if their list is relevant as you are already used to the cold, as am I." As Beatrice said, it depends. I grew up in Chicago and I was never ever as cold as my first winter in Jerusalem, where the temperatures were rarely below freezing. Instead of a wind-chill factor, there should be a damp-chill factor. People in Louisiana told me the same thing.

One of my favorite scenarios is to pair a below the knee velvet coat with either jeans or a longer skirt. I also bring some sort of a wool wrap/shawl that I can either layer over the coat if it is really cold or by itself. I also wear leggings with my skirt and my winter shoes are the Haflinger wool shoes. I usually can even wear them without socks in the winter and my feet really do not get cold. Sometimes will throw on socks or tights. All dark colors and soft fleecy fabrics. Also, a few scarves, gloves and hats. In Ireland I froze at night so I was really happy I had my fleece sleeping bag. I always take it in the winter now.

Layers with gloves as essentials. Take something for dry, chapped lips and hand cream.

Don't forget to go to camping/sporting goods stores. There are a lot of light weight shirts, leggings, etc. that are made to keep outdoor enthusiasts warm with very little fabric weight.