I joke that I’m a weather chameleon and like to think that I adapt to the weather where I live because I move so much. Since we’re back in the land of 90+ degree summers, I worried that I wouldn’t be able to handle the cold of a European December. So creating a packing list for Europe in winter honestly concerned me. As always, I over-researched everything then decided to wing it. I prefer to pack plenty of layers to deal with cold weather and to adjust temperatures easily when going in and out of buildings. Since my feet get cold really easily, I also packed a few pairs of ankle socks to layer under crew socks when wearing boots.
We traveled for about two total weeks. Some of those days were spent at my in-laws, and two were our international flights. We also spent a few days at my brother-in-law and sister-in-law-‘s house in Germany without any plans. Here’s what made the cut for my packing list for Europe in winter.
Note: I linked to the most similar items I could find. My coat and a few other items are several years old and aren’t currently available in the exact color or style.
What I packed
10 tops (three sweaters, three long-sleeved shirts, and four t-shirts)
3 camisoles / undershirts
One puffer vest
3 pairs of jeggings
2 pairs of leggings
Pajamas (a long-sleeve tee and comfy leggings)
10 pairs of socks (including boot socks and thicker socks)
Wool pea coat
Gloves and a hat
Undies
Riding boots
Bean boots
Sneakers
I also packed my Travelon anti-theft tote bag. I ordered this for my study abroad trip in 2017 because we went to a lot of high-theft areas in London and Paris. It’s a good-sized tote bag that could hold my camera gear, so I took the chance to use it again.
What I would change
- We dealt with pouring-down rain for most of the days we were in Germany. While my peacoat was warm enough, it wasn’t super water-repellent. I would also bring an umbrella.
- My leggings weren’t thick enough for the weather, so I only wore them one day that we were out and about. I would bring fleece-lined leggings instead.
- I forgot a hat and had to buy one in Germany. The best 15 Euro I spent on the trip.
- I didn’t need three pairs of shoes. I packed the sneakers to have a more comfy option on the plane. But I wound up wearing my riding boots on the flight back. While they didn’t add a lot of weight, I only wore them once.
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This is a great list! I once read in a travel magazine that the writer never went on a trip without a rain jacket and it has always stuck with me. I’ve packed a rain coat (with a ridiculous hood) for every trip and I have ALWAYS been thankful for it.
Silly me totally didn’t think that the rain would be a genuine deluge. I’m now going to pack my waterproof shell for every trip.
I am checking out that anti-theft tote bag! We’re going to go on an international trip and I’m worried about getting robbed. One of my students just came back from Paris and his mom, dad, and grandfather all got pick-pocketed!
It’s designed so that you can’t cut through the straps (which is a way a lot of bags are stolen in the European touristy areas). I like the crossbody design because I could keep the actual bag in front of me, as well!