I’ve never traveled in winter with a carryon!

What we did, for our trip in early December to Bavaria and Austria, was to plan to have our laundry done at our hotel mid way through our trip. Cost was 20 Euro. Well worth it for not having to pack so much heavy clothing. We dropped it of in the morning and by the time we came back in the afternoon, all clean and folded.

I will visit Paris next month and am concerned about the same thing. Would it help to plan your oufits in layers? That would mean, rather than bulky sweaters or jeans, thin but warm items like shells/base layers made from merino wool or "technical material" (that is, plastic/fossil fuel derivatives like nylon) and pants with tights underneath. For outerwear I use a long waterproof raincoat over a merino wool zip up hooded jacket. I will wear those items on the plane, plus my hiking boots, and that should allow me to pack 3-4 changes of clothes in my carry on pack. The one item I would not skimp on is socks: I plan to pack lots of thin wool socks (SmartWool and Darn Tough brands), so that I have options to keep my feet warm and dry. I also have a thin wool beanie hat that, while it does my hair no favors, keeps my head warm.

I am definitely not a "fashionista"-- my style happily veers towards practical and dowdy -- so I am OK with wearing the same clothes on vacation. I will bring some colorful scarves (silk and wool options) for extra warmth and to add some visual interest.

Another advantage of layers, besides ease of packing, is that you can adjust your outfit easily as you travel between the cold outdoors and (over)heated indoor spaces.

Lightweight puffa coat! I have a knee-length one that’s so light and airy, I can squish it into my small Roka backpack.

Also: thin fleeces. So light and so warm.

London isn’t usually all that cold - rarely drops below freezing - but it’s the damp that gets you.

Or, you could always check your luggage!

The idea of thinner layers makes sense. Much less room taken when rolled. I’m going shopping today so I’ll see what’s out there. I did a little trial this morning. 14 items of clothing, can mix and match fairly well and not all the same color palette either.

My son doesn’t use all his room, so I might ask him to put a pair of nicer heeled booties in his for going out at night. I might cut down on some toiletries and buy there. That’s hard though as I have all my fav hair products. Cut back on other stuff…minimal jewelry, just a couple things. It seems it’s all those extras that really fill up the suitcase. Makeup, toiletries, curling iron, small travel mirror, cords, pajamas, underwear and socks, etc. I’m taking a small backpack too, which helps.

I didn’t start traveling with carryon until 9 years ago, and it’s very freeing when there. But getting it thought thru….ugh! My husband has a harder time.

Lulu, I agree it isn't clothes I struggle with in packing-most of my wardrobe mixes and matches anyway. It is the 'other stuff' that really adds up and is hard to weed out. However, each trip I do get better. And, I never pack for more than a week, no matter how long I plan to be gone.

If you know the brand Uniqlo their "heattech" clothes make great layers and are inexpensive.

Silk long underwear is a great layer that takes up little space beneath clothes or in luggage.

I do carryon only, and often travel in the winter. What works for me is to do layers, like many here have already said. For city trips, I do take jeans, but they are the very thin kind so not heavy/bulky. I also take fleece lined leggings. For tops, I prefer thinner merino wool tops and then one thin sweater. One, possibly two scarves let me change up my look so it doesn't look like I am wearing the exact same thing each day:). The thinner tops are nice because restaurants etc tend to be warm and this way I can take the sweater off the not roast. I take wool socks only, so my feet stay toasty warm. I am a minimalist when it comes to hair/makeup. I do not take any appliances and just use the hotel hairdryer. My makeup is all in travel size containers, and moisturizer etc goes in contact lens cases since I need very little of that. I only take the jewelry I wear every day, which is two rings, a necklace and my watch. I am not one to take a laptop or iPad, just my phone. I only take one pair of shoes, and those are worn on the plane.

Great suggestions. Additionally, I wear the heaviest/bulkiest “must have” jeans or sweater on the plane to save packing room.

If you must have the jeans, wear them on plane (I'd go with leggings and skirts instead)--and maybe wear the booties on plane. I'd skip them because they take so long to dry and are heavy.
I am lucky to have hair that does what wants--I don't even pack a brush tbh.
I also love wool, and it has this mysterious ability to not smell after a few wears. Thin layers--and a great coat--is all you need.
But depending on your overall plans and flight specifics, I would have no qualms about checking a bag in winter.

Definitely layers. And yes, Uniqlo, the Japanese equivalent of Gap, has great layering options. I was in one of their stores this past Tuesday and they had merino wool crews and cardigans on sale for $40. Both men and women.
With a few thin base layers and one warm sweater and coat I could go for 2 weeks without needing to wash anything but socks and underwear. I bring one pair of tights for underneath my pants if we are going to be outside all day. On museum or indoor days I would be overheated with too much clothing.
With a nice coat and a few scarves you will look fine.

Another fan of fleece-lined leggings here.......wearing a pair right now :)

What I would take in the way of clothing:
2 pair black fleece-lined leggings (I have LandsEnd, because they sell talls)...they have good year-end sales now. (one wear on the plane)
2 black cotton turtlenecks (one wear on the plane)
1 zip black fleece jacket (even better if it has inside pockets, too)
1 light-weight (I have Columbia) colorful fold-up rain jacket with a really good hood (that projects over glasses)
3-4 colorful scarves (not flimsy fabric, but not anything too bulky
MAYBE two colorful shawls (if going out to dinner somewhere nice)
1 hat, maybe 2 (ballcap and then one with brim for sun protection (maybe not needed in London proper in the winter, I realize)
1 pair of light-weight fleece gloves (black)
3-4 pairs of black socks
1 pair ballet flats (black)
1 pair of good walking shoes (which would be worn on the plane, too, to avoid bulk in luggage)
Enough clean underwear for a pair each day and then a spare

If you take a heavy jacket, wear it on the plane, of course, or at least wear the zip fleece jacket.
If not traveling in business or first, I have been known to pack two pillow cases, and once on board, roll up the jackets and stick them in the pillow cases to supplement the pitiful little airline pillow......I've even done that when in First.

Initial reaction might be, "but it will appear as though I am wearing the same thing each day" (except the change in scarves). Who will notice? Who will care? It is a basic from which you can change accessories.

On several previous group tours, when luggage was collected in the lobby, from time to time, I have had a tour director ask "where is the rest of your luggage." I would say, "that's it." Others within hearing range would ask how I pulled that off, adding, but "you always looked so nice." They never noticed my repeats, because change a scarf and no one notices the basics did not change :)

Have fun. Oh, and if you forget the gloves, I will never forget when we were in St. Petersburg, it was the coldest June on record, and we were freezing......again, totally without any vanity, I wore a pair of my husband's black socks for gloves. I do not think anyone "noticed," but I occasionally called attention to them with 2-3 minute "sock puppet" shows, as we discussed the freeeeeezing weather.

Travelers do what they must.

Have a safe trip!!!! And, if you need anything, you already know it is easy to shop and find things in London :)

Maggie--That is hilarious about the sock gloves! I lost a pair of gloves once n Iceland in the winter. I now take 2 pair with me as that was miserable until I could buy a new pair. My leggings are Orvis from Costco. When I bought the first pair and realized how much I loved them, I bought 5 more!

We wear the bulky clothes on the airplane going over. We also book apartments with washing machines on our trip--allowing us to carry less.

And we rotate clothes daily--wearing the same clothes every few days. By the time we get to the next stop, no one will know we're wearing clothes for the second or third time.

Hi Lulu, I packed the 32 degree micro-thin scoop neck long-sleeve tops because I am allergic to wool. They take no room, are very inexpensive, and I either wear them under a shirt or layer two colors together with a necklace. Also, a pair of tights are good for a layer of warmth, if needed.

Since people are mostly seeing my coat during that season, plus that’s what is in several photos, I take one of my nicer ones and a cute scarf to match.

You don't mention how long your holiday is? London and the PNW are similar as far as damp and seldom below freezing kind of cold, but regardless I use the 10 day forecast and then readjust from my preliminary carry on packing round. Granted especially towards the end it may change, but I have found it pretty accurate overall.
I struggled for Montreal packing a year ago where snow and ice were a huge factor. If you are okay with rewearing your clothes that was (and always is) the key for me. It's also easier than in summer. I just washed my silkish long sleeve ( took 2 for the week) and unders overnight.
I wore a gorgeous thick wool turtleneck on the plane and packed two pr of black merino pants. Wore yoga style pants on the plane (then used them to hang out in the hotel) with my clunky boots and winter/waterproof 3/4 length coat. BTW, if wearing a coat load up the pockets with some of your stuff!
Especially with a coat, nobody will notice what's underneath. With a simple gold necklace and earrings my long sleeved merino top was fine for the one night that involved a nice restaurant.
Have a safe and wonderful trip!

I have traveled with a winter wardrobe in my carryon, most recently in Ireland in October(!). Even though my winter pants and tops are long rather than short and take up more room, I find that I can wear most outer layers at least 2x before washing. It’s a lot different when packing and laundry in the heat of the summer and perspiring. I also wear everything bulky like shoes, coat, etc on the plane coming and going. I stuff my coat pockets with gloves and a hat. I lay my pants and tops out on the bed before making final decision about compatibility. Ideally I could reach blindly into my suitcase, pull out anything and they would coordinate. It can be done!

Follow the layering guidelines of base layer, mid layer and outer layer. Base layers can be anything from a t-shirt all the way to long underwear of various weights. The only thing is your base layer should not be cotton in cold weather as it absorbs moisture. For the mid layer anything from a polo to a fleece jacket. Outer layer a good windproof rain jacket or if it is really going to be cold a fleece or down jacket that is water resistant. As for shoes, take a look at pair of boots like Blundstones which will go with anything.

In the last two years my wife and I have traveled to both Antartica and Yellowstone in January and February. We were always able to stay very warm on both trips with the right layers. They do not have to be bulky to keep you warm.

I was worried about this going to Paris in late November and followed the layering tactic, bringing a lot of midlayer items and one Eddie Bauer rainjacket which was discussed here on the Forum.

Carryon only and it worked out fine. I had two pullover sweaters (thin), a zippered hoodie (also thin), a new jac-shirt or shacket from Duluth Trading that has amazing warmth vs. weight performance, and a couple pairs of long warm socks that go all the way up to the knees. Also an Eddie Bauer travel sportcoat that is cut like a sportcoat but made with synthetic machine washable fabrics. Two neckties instead of a scarf. Chilly weather wool fedora by Sunday Afternoons.

I was somewhat active and found the raincoat OR the jac-shirt OR the sportcoat sufficient, rarely needed to combine. I think these plus some baselayers would have served me in a temperature range from well below freezing to well above beachcombing temperatures. And my carryon zipped closed with less trouble than usual.

I take a pair of tights to wear under jeans when it’s too warm for thermals but too cold to wear only jeans. If it’s really cold I wear wool socks over the tights. Works fine.

Do try on all of your layers at once. Long ago, I took a lot of layers when car camping when it was freezing some nights, but neglected to put them all on together. They were all the same size and would not layer!

My other tip is to pack a vest. It will keep you warm but without adding another pair of sleeves under your long-sleeve layers, so you don't get that "I can barely move my arms" feeling.

Whoever said not to wear cotton is 100% correct.

I just returned from London and traveled just with one carry on (21 inch suitcase) and personal item (tote). I traveled on United, so luckily, I didn’t have a weight limit for my carry on. However, I did keep the weigh under 20 pounds.

The weather was cold, but I was fortunate that it was only windy and rainy a few days. You have already received some great suggestions, so I will add a few to consider:

• Shoes: I have a pair of waterproof Chelsea boots that I wore on the plane and on the rainy days and then packed my regular sneakers for the rest of the time. While my sneakers are more comfortable for walking, I could have just taken the Chelsea boots to save on space as I can walk miles in those boots. They can also dress up and down.
• Fleece-lined leggings hardly take up any space and are very comfortable. I took jeans, but if I wanted to cut down on the weight, taking two pair of leggings would have worked better.
• Fleece-lined tights with a light weight skirt. I wore this for the theatre and for going out to dinner. Super warm, comfortable, and lightweight.
• Lightweight cashmere or merino wool sweaters combined with scarves kept me warm, but not so warm when I went in and out of places.
• I wore a puffer jacket with a hood. It is water resistant, not waterproof, but worked well when it was windy and I could not use my umbrella.

Such great suggestions. I do like the idea of a light weight puffer vest. I have a 32 degree packable one. Although I have fleece lined leggings, I don’t wear skirts, just not my thing. I do like the idea of tights under my jeans on really chilly days. My jeans aren’t real heavy thick ones I’m taking.

I will also look for the 32 degrees micro thin layer top.

Where can’t you use an umbrella? The water proof/resistant cost I’m taking does not have a hood. I’m just taking a beanie if that cold. We will be there 7 nights in London.

I did go shopping yesterday and found some thinner tops that take up less room than the sweaters I have. I even thought of just wearing a sleeveless tank under them too, for extra warmth.

Although I have fleece lined leggings, I don’t wear skirts, just not my thing. I do like the idea of tights under my jeans on really chilly days. My jeans aren’t real heavy thick ones I’m taking.

I’m not sure what you perceive as cold, but shops and public transport and tourist attractions will be heated, and as I said above, temps don’t usually fall below freezing.

I’d avoid umbrellas on crowded streets. Also we’ve had a lot of very windy days recently.

I find winter easier than summer for lightweight packing becasue nothing gets sweaty and dirty. You only ever need to change your base layer. Jeans, sweaters, fleeces etc can be reworn everyday for multiple days. I would take several heatech base layers and just wash these. They dry super quick. Nothing else touches skin so just have a max of 2 sweaters and 2 pairs of jeans in case of any emergency.

For London I’d typically wear jeans, a heattech short sleeved vest, a thin or medium weight sweater and a puffa. Then also take a fleece for extra warmth if required. You can wear this outfit literally anywhere and for days on end.

Lulu, take a look at Cuddleduds. They have a v neck tank that I wore to London and it was perfect for the days when I wanted something as a layer, but my long sleeve cuddledud would be too much. I got mine at Macy’s for 50% off. I think they come in black, navy, and white.

Edit: Yay, just looked. They are on sale now, too. I might pick up a second one. Also, their leggings are really great. So thin you hardly know you have them on.

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/cuddl-duds-softwear-with-stretch-reversible-tank-top?ID=14467694&isDlp=true&swatchColor=Charcoal%20Heather

Mustluvdogs--I just ordered two of those, thanks! I often get too warm, so the tank top style will be really nice! I love the Cuddleduds as they are so thin, but work so well.