Don’t spend your weekend trip to an urban winter wonderland indoors, follow this compact backpack packing guide and you will be sure to enjoy everything a snowy city has to offer without worrying about the cold. Scroll to the bottom for a free printable packing checklist and a ‘pack with with me’ video where you can see what I packed when getting ready for a two day trip to Riga at -10cº to -15cº.
I grew up in a city with cold winters and am not a stranger to dressing well for the weather. However it never occurred to me how unprepared people from even slightly warmer climates can be for this experience until I went on a trip to Tallinn in Estonia with my partner and it was about -7cº outside. Even I myself had forgotten how frosty it can get.
Right before Christmas the city was beautiful and snowy, wrapped in a magical atmosphere. Snow made it delightful to wander through the medieval town, but on day one we already knew that we weren’t quite warm enough and would have to go shopping. After this harsh reminder, when it came to getting ready for the next trip, we were armed with proper clothes and layers that allowed us to be outdoors for extended periods of time despite the weather.
And this brings us to the following packing list. It doesn’t have to be expensive either. I have put together this guide considering that most people don’t want to purchase a whole new wardrobe for just two days and as we progress through the list alternatives will be discussed.
We are looking at a limited luggage volume – a backpack on this occasion. A different kind of sports bag will usually work as well, just be mindful that budget airlines will make you pay extra if you bring a bag that’s too big. I chose a cycling bag that passes the size restrictions, fits enough and is fairly comfortable for a backpack.
When packing for such a short trip do it in 4 steps.
- Gather and set aside clothes you will wear. when leaving your home.
- Gather all the other clothes.
- Gather any loose bits and documents.
- Fill your bag and put it by the door.
Clothes for leaving the house:
If flying in evenings you may choose a comfy simple layer, a tracksuit or a dress to put on before leaving for the airport. However with an early morning flight your airplane clothes are your first day clothes. As you are going somewhere cold, make sure to choose items that can be layered.
When limited by luggage space wear your coat from the start. You may have to carry it in your arms until you get to your destination, but you are saving valuable packing space.
No winter coat? What’s the closest thing you’ve got? A trench coat or a jacket is too thin for under 0cº temperatures, however if you put a couple of jumpers underneath, you can get quite cozy. Important to note that a jacket should be long enough to cover your lower back. If you don’t have anything that’s suitable, it’s time to hit the local thrift store or call in a favour from a friend with a big wardrobe.
For a winter adventure you will also need a pair of boots. Most of us don’t own insulated winter boots so a pair of wool socks will save you. They will create a warm layer that protects your toes. Do not think that an extra layer of regular socks will do the trick, this one is very, very, very important if you don’t want to spend your holiday googling symptoms of frostbite.
Other suitable shoes (with a wool sock) include hiking boots, any Dr.Martens (and alike) and anything that is waterproof with a good sole grip. Don’t wear heels or you’ll be like a new born deer on ice.
Other clothes:
Now that you have gathered your ‘leave the house clothes’ put them aside and get the rest:
- Basic layer for day 2.
- All undergarments and socks (yes you still wear regular socks under the wool ones).
- Two jumpers that can be layered above one another if it gets colder + an extra thick one, if you don’t have a winter coat.
- It can be nice to bring a comfy layer for indoors, just a t-shirt and trousers (this could just be your pyjamas).
- A clothes under-layer. You can get these at sports stores and they are meant for people doing skying and other outdoor sports in winter. If that feels weird, I get it, I never used to wear this when I lived in a colder climate, but I’ve found that since ever I moved to UK I no longer have clothing suitable for walking around in bellow zero temperatures. So instead of getting a whole new wardrobe, this proved to be an efficient solution. When I was going to school, it was common to just wear a thin long sleeve top and leggings or tights under your normal clothes if the weather was extra bad, so that could be your alternative without buying anything extra.
- Very last are a hat, scarf and a pair of gloves.
- Bring an extra tote bag for dirty laundry.
The other bits:
Now that your clothes are ready, you can prepare all the other things. As you are leaving for a short trip, recommendation is to fit all your extra stuff in one pouch, like a big shower or cosmetics bag. This means you can only bring the basics and wont overpack, prioritise what’s important to you. This bag will look different person to person, but the following is my personal list:
- Phone charger
- Power adaptor (obviously important, but often forgotten)
- Battery pack
- GoPro
- Charging cable
- Extra SD card
- Phone holding adapter
- Selfie stick and tripod
- Cheap headphones (won’t be sad if lost or forgotten at hosts)
- Tiny notebook
- Pen
- Liquids bag (added after getting through security)
About the airport liquids restrictions:
- You are permitted up to 10 items
- Less than 100ml each
- All in a single transparent bag
On such a short trip I bring only deodorant, toothpaste, chapstick and moisturiser. If your face is not used to cold climate it will get dry really fast and your lips will crack, so even if you wouldn’t normally use these, it’s time to make an exception. For heavy make-up users, main advice is to go practical with minimum maintenance.
Bring something to keep you busy during periods of waiting or before sleep like a book, magazine or a tablet (keep this one outside the pouch, as you will want it on the airplane).
The important bits:
- Passport
- Tickets
- Wallet
- Keys
Keep your documents together, some find it helpful to use a separate sleeve. Cycling bags have a special detachable pocket for easy access and regular backpacks have a selection of small pockets to choose from. Keep your important things in a safe way to prevent pickpocketing.
Fitting it all in one backpack:
Finally you have all your belongings in one place. If you can already see that it wont fit, don’t lie to yourself and get rid of something.
- Unfold all the clothes and roll them as it saves space.
- Put aside the gloves, scarf, hat, one jumper and under-layer.
- Everything else that you are not wearing on day one goes at the very bottom.
At this point the bag is about halfway or 2/3 full
- Next in goes the big pouch with all the loose bits.
- The under-layer, jumper, hat, gloves, scarf and book go near the top for easy access.
- Finish off with important things the liquids bag, passport, tickets, wallet and keys.
Once the bag is packed, it can go by the door with your coat and boots.
Now you are ready for your winter adventure.
Here is the packing list download. And bellow you can watch my ‘pack with me’ video.
Anta Azure 
