This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on a link, we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. Please read our full policy below, thank you for your support!
Heading to Europe this winter? Use this winter packing list for Europe to help you choose minimalist clothes that will allow you to layer, mix and match, and stay warm and dry while you’re shopping for nutcrackers and at a German Christkindlmarket =)
Backpack
A sturdy 35-40 liter backpack is perfect for cold weather travel. You will have more clothes when it’s cold, but this size works great if you choose lightweight layers that you can mix or match. Take a waterproof backpack, or bring a pack cover to protect your gear.
Tortuga Outbreaker 35: The waterproof X-Pac fabric makes this is a great backpack for cold weather travel. Combine with a waterproof rain jacket, you and your gear stay warm and dry. Don’t need an ugly rain cover.
Packing Cubes
Eagle Creek Pack-it Cubes: Two of the medium cubes fit snug as a bug in a rug inside the Outbreaker.
Daypack
This is the little bag that you carry around during the day. Keep this one small, it doesn’t need to take up a lot of room. There are some good packable options that fold down small when you’re not using it.
Matador Freefly 16L: This little gem is waterproof and packs down into the palm of your hand.
Clothes
Clothes take up most of the room in your pack, especially when it’s cold. You should avoid cotton in your winter packing list for Europe. It’s heavy and won’t keep you warm if it gets wet. Instead focus on lightweight clothes that you can mix and match into a layering system. Choose merino wool, down, or synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon. Check out this video if you want to see these clothes, and how to put them together in a layering system.
Base Layer (3)
It’s good to have a few choices for base layers so you can mix and match as the temperature changes. If its cool, you might only need a t-shirt, but for colder weather, go with a thicker thermal layer.
Patagonia Midweight Crew : A great mid-weight base layer made from recycled polyester will keep you warm in most weather conditons.
Patagonia Capilene Air Crew: The warmest Thermal underwear by Patagonia, knitted blend of merino wool and polyester. Cut like a sweater, can wear it alone.
Thermal Underwear (1)
Patagonia Capilene Air Bottoms: A blend of 51% merino and 49% recycled polyester, this is the underwear version of the Air Crew.
Mid Layer (1)
Arc’teryx Atom LT: My favorite jacket for one bagging. Coated with DWR, the Atom LT is lightweight, packs down small, and protects you from light wind and rain. Combined into a good layering system, this jacket will keep you warm and dry in European winters.
Shell (1)
Outdoor Research Helium ii: At just 6.4 oz, the Helium ii is one of the lightest 100% waterproof rain shells you can buy.
Button Up Shirt (1-2)
Wool & Prince Oxford: Merino wool is my go-to option for button up shirts. You can wear them almost indefinitely without washing, and they won’t stink.
Pants (2)
Eddie Bauer Horizon Guide Chinos: Combine these thin synthetic pants with a pair thermal underwear and you’ll stay warm in most weather conditions.
Socks (3)
Darn Tough: Do yourself a favor and get at least one pair of Darn Tough socks. They’re made from merino wool and guaranteed for life.
Electronics
- Organizer: Eagle Creek 1/4 Cube or Bond Gear Pouch
- Universal Adapter: Epicka Universal Adapter (Largest with 4 USB-A ports)
- External Battery Pack: Anker PowerCore 10000 (~2 phone charges)
Toiletries
- Toiletry Kit: Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (Ultralight sil-nylon)
- Soap Case: Matador FlatPak Soap Bar Case (Dries out your soap without leaking!)
- Liquid Tubes: Eagle Creek Silicone Travel Tubes
- Small Containers: Small 0.5 oz or Medium 2.0 oz Go Tubbs (Thick creams, pills, vitamins, not leak-proof)
- Toothbrush: Your brush from home with a toothbrush cover works fine, or to save weight try a foldable travel toothbrush
- Toothpaste: Tom’s of Maine Sample Toothpaste (refill with larger tube)
- Razor: Disposable razors are lightweight and work great for travel
- Hair Comb: One of those cheap black plastic combs
- Nail Clippers: Victorinox Travel Nail Clipper (This nail review article is insane)
- Floss: Travel Sized Dental Floss
- Mirror: Unbreakable Travel Mirror, or the Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag comes with one
- Shampoo: Save space by using a solid shampoo bar by Lush USA or Rocky Mountain Soap Co.
- Deodorant: Crystal Mineral Deodorant Stick (This stuff is amazing and lasts for months)
- Hand Sanitizer: Travel Sized sanitizer or Wet Wipes
- Lip Balm (Twist-off tubes won’t leak)
- First-Aid Kit: Rick Steves First Aid Kit (Preassembled for you in a nice little pouch)
- Eye Mask: 40 Blinks by Bucky
- Ear Plugs: Macks Earplugs work well for sleeping, for airplanes try plugs that regulate pressure.
Miscellaneous
- Pen: Original Bic (For filling out customs and immigration documents)
- Water Bottle: Vapur Element 1 Liter (Foldable, Refillable)
- Wallet: Chums Surfshort Wallet (Tied to your belt loop)
- Travel Lock: Flex Lock (Lock more than one zipper) and Nite-ize Microlock (to clip zippers together)
- Sunglasses: If you wear glasses, transitioning ones can save space.
- Notebook: Moleskin Cashiers Notebook are the perfect size (3.5″ x 5.5″)
