Brrr-illiant Tips: Add These Essentials To Your Winter Packing List

Snow, ice, and everything nice – winter is what every Singaporean dreams of. This year-end, it’s high time to jet off and wander around in winter wonderlands across the globe. If I’m planning an escape in December, I know it’s time to get my winter packing list in order. Whether I’m heading to the mountains to ski or exploring charming snowy streets, I want to make sure I know what to pack for my winter holiday. And if you’re the same, here’s me doing you a favour by sharing my go-to guide for winter travel essentials!

Winter travel packing list: Basic travel essentials

1. Winter clothes

Layering makes all the difference in staying warm. It’s all about finding that sweet spot—you don’t want to bundle up so much that you start sweating. For my winter travel essentials, I always start with a good thermal wear to keep the chill out. On top of that, I add a warm sweater or fleece; and let’s not forget a waterproof and windproof jacket! You never know when a snowstorm might hit. I usually pack a couple of warm pants, too—thermal leggings or lined trousers are perfect for keeping comfy.

2. Footwear

Now, let’s talk about footwear! I definitely want to be practical, but hey, a girl can look good too, right? I always bring along a pair of insulated, waterproof snow boots. They keep my feet warm and dry, and some styles even come with a heel, which is perfect for looking a little cutesy. If I’m planning on hiking, I’ll also add sturdy hiking boots to my winter packing list. And of course, I never forget warm socks—wool or thermal ones are the best for keeping my feet toasty all day long!

3. Accessories

For accessories, I like to keep it simple but effective. Here’s what I usually include in my winter packing list:

• Beanie or hat
• Scarf
• Gloves
• Sunglasses

4. Heat pack

I also toss a couple of heat packs in my handbag—they fit perfectly in my pockets and offer instant warmth when I need it most, especially on those long outdoor excursions.

5. Cosmetics and skincare

Winter can be brutal on my skin, so I make sure to bring my go-to skincare products. A gentle moisturiser helps fight dryness, while a lip balm prevents chapped lips. And most importantly,  sunscreen! Those sneaky UV rays can still get you in winter. 

For makeup, I keep it simple—foundation, a little blush, and waterproof mascara are my go-tos.

6. Electronic gadgets

I can’t imagine travelling without my gadgets! First and foremost, my smartphone is a must for navigating and snapping all those gorgeous winter shots. Next, I’d toss in my Kindle for some chill time. Lastly, you know I can’t leave home without a portable charger—there’s nothing worse than my battery going flat while I’m out exploring!

7. Passport and travel documents

Keeping my passport and travel documents organised is super important. I use a travel wallet to hold everything — my passport, boarding passes, and any necessary visas. Having my itinerary handy makes check-in and security a breeze.

8. Portable first-aid kit

Don’t laugh, but I’m a bit of a typical kiasu Singaporean. I will pack a portable first-aid kit, just in case. It’s got the basics—plasters, antiseptic liquid, pain relievers, and any personal meds. Being ready for those little bumps along the way gives me peace of mind!

9. Winter sports gear (if applicable)

If I’m planning to hit the slopes, I’ll grab my winter sports gear. This includes ski goggles, winter sports gloves, and any special clothing I need. Even if I’m renting equipment, I’d bring my helmet and personal accessories for hygiene reasons.

Winter travel packing list: Cold weather clothes recommendations

Base layer: Thermal wear

When I’m packing for winter holidays, I always include the Universal Traveller – Unisex Heatplus+ Ultra Warm Thermal Set, and I can’t recommend it enough! This thermal wear comes as a top and bottom set, perfect for layering in temperatures ranging from -30°C to 5°C. The unique fabric structure traps tiny pockets of air, creating a barrier that retains body heat; I felt the warmth envelop me instantly, even in the coldest conditions.

Not only is the fabric warm, but it’s also breathable, keeping me comfortable all day long. It wicks away moisture efficiently, so I never felt damp or clammy. Plus, at just 0.22kg, it was lightweight and easy to pack into my carry-on bag!

Mid layer: Fleece 

For added warmth during my winter adventures, I’d layer the GIORDANO Women’s Teddy Fleece Big Collar Jacket over my thermal set. Giordano has been a childhood favourite of mine, and it never disappoints—truly, old is gold!

Made from 100% polyester, this Giordano jacket features a big turn-down collar that wraps around you for extra cosiness. The zip front makes it easy to put on and take off, while the slant pockets are perfect for storing small items. Furthermore, the teddy fleece is incredibly soft, just like snuggling up with a teddy bear! This jacket is not only stylish but also functional, making it a must-add to your winter packing list.

Outer layer: Puffer jacket

To complete my winter look, I chose the Steve Corde Du Roi Short Puffer Jacket from WHO.A.U. This high-profile casual brand, beloved by K-pop idols, truly lives up to the hype! I opted for it in a fresh mint colour, which adds a fun pop to my winter wardrobe.

The short puffer jacket is both trendy and practical, providing warmth without bulk. It’s perfect for layering over my thermal set and teddy fleece jacket.  Furthermore, the lightweight design lets me move around easily, while the puffer material keeps me cosy against the winter chill. Honestly, with this combo, I was totally ready for my winter holidays!

Cold weather pants

For my pants, I always go for something tight-fitting—gotta keep that cold wind at bay, you know? The FILA CORE Winter Women Knitted Leggings are perfect for that! Made from 78% nylon and 22% spandex, they’re stretchy and comfy, making them great for skiing activities. 

Even outside of winter, I can wear these FILA leggings for my workouts at the gym! They’re super versatile—flexible enough for everything from yoga to lifting weights. So whether I’m hitting the slopes or the gym, these leggings have got me covered!

Winter boots

You’ll definitely want to add the Women’s Winter Alpine Boots – 53547 to your winter packing list! The plush, insulated lining kept my feet warm and cosy, even in the coldest temperatures. I loved how the water-resistant upper protected my feet from snow and rain, so I could venture out without worrying about getting wet.

Moreover, the rugged rubber outsole provided excellent traction on icy surfaces, giving me confidence as I walked around. I also found the lace-up design to be super convenient, allowing me to adjust the fit for maximum comfort and support. The best part? They looked really cute with my winter outfits! 

Thermal socks

To complement my boots, I paired them with the Take Talk Tourmaline Self-Heating Socks, and let me tell you, these have become a winter travel essential for me! The heat preservation feature kept my feet warm, which is just what I needed. The comfortable, elastic fit felt great all day long, and the skin-friendly, breathable fabric kept my feet dry.

Oh, and those small bumps on the soles? They added a nice little massage effect that I loved! Seriously, these socks are a must-add to your winter packing list!

Accessories

Last but not least, I absolutely adore the Lovito Casual Plain Korean Knitted Beanie and the OhSunny Women Winter Gloves—two must-have accessories for staying cosy! The beanie has a simple, knitted design that’s both stylish and functional. It fits perfectly, adding a cute touch while keeping my head warm in the chilly weather.

And you know I can’t let my bootiful OOTD go to waste without some good gloves! These are made from soft fleece that hugs my hands just right, and the temperature-locking inner layer keeps them nice and toasty. Not to mention, the suede palm gave me a solid grip for snapping photos, and the three-finger touchscreen feature meant that I could use my phone without taking them off! How convenient is that!

Winter packing list: What to bring for a 7-day winter holiday

Wherever you go, it is always a good idea to pack as light as possible to make travel easy. A rule of thumb is to always pack at least a week’s worth of clothes, no matter the length of your travel. For winter, clothes can always be re-worn and you can also do laundry for your base layers. Here’s a list of essentials to pack for your week-long winter vacation!

• Winter coat (1 – 2 pieces)
• Sweaters (3 – 4 pieces)
• Jeans and corduroys (2 – 3 pieces)
• Thermal wear (3 – 4 sets)
• Winter boots (1 – 2 pairs)
• Thick socks (4 – 7 pairs)
• Beanies and ear muffs (1 each)
• Scarves and gloves (1 each)
• Undergarments (5 sets)
• Heat packs
• Cleanser
• Moisturiser
• Lip balm
• Hand cream
• Body lotion

For easy reference, here’s a sample of our winter travel packing list to help you keep track of all the items you need to prepare!

Bonus tips: How to pack light for the winter holidays

1. Choose versatile layers and stick to a single colour palette

When packing for winter, going for versatile layers is super helpful. Pick pieces that you can mix and match, and try to stick to a colour palette—think neutrals like black, grey, or navy. This way, you can create multiple outfits without taking up too much space, and it makes getting dressed a lot easier!

2. Use packing cubes

Packing cubes are SO handy! They help you stay organised and maximise space in your luggage. You can sort your clothes into different cubes—like one for tops, one for bottoms, and another for socks. It makes it so much easier to find what you need without digging through everything, plus they compress your clothes, so you can fit more in.

3. Limit footwear

Let’s be real—shoes can take up a ton of space. Try to limit yourself to just two or three pairs. Go for styles that you can dress up or down, like a sturdy pair of boots for daytime and something cute for evenings out. Psst… wearing your bulkiest pair on the plane is a smart move to save room in your bag!

4. Roll, don’t fold

If you don’t have packing cubes, rolling your clothes is a great alternative! Rolling instead of folding really does save space and helps reduce wrinkles. It lets you fit more into your suitcase, and you can easily see all your options at a glance.

5. Wear bulky items onboard

If you have bulky items like a winter coat or heavy sweater, wear them while you travel. This not only frees up space in your luggage but also keeps you warm on the plane. You’ll have more room for other essentials when you arrive!

6. Pack travel-sized toiletries

Toiletries can really add weight to your luggage, so go for travel-sized versions of your favourite products. Many brands offer handy travel kits, or you can get refillable containers. This saves space and makes going through airport security much smoother!

7. Plan for laundry

If your trip is longer than a few days, think about doing laundry while you’re away. It lets you pack fewer clothes since you can wash and re-wear items. Look for places with laundry facilities or local laundromats. Don’t forget to bring a ziplock bag to contain the dirty clothes!

8. Be mindful of accessories

Accessories can elevate your outfits but can also take up extra space. Choose a few versatile pieces that work with different looks—like a scarf, a hat, and gloves. Smaller accessories take up less space, so go for lightweight options when planning your winter packing list.

9. Check the weather 

Before you start packing, definitely check the weather forecast for your destination. This helps you know what to bring, so you’re not overpacking. Knowing the expected temps lets you choose the right layers and accessories, making the whole packing process a lot easier.

Enjoy your snowy holiday with my winter packing list

With my winter packing list, you’re ready for cosy adventures and unforgettable memories in the winter wonderland! And don’t forget to check out some must-have essentials to make your trip even better: snag the best overseas SIM cards to stay connected with friends and family, grab the best travel pillows for ultimate comfort on those long flights, and pick up the best passport holders to keep your important documents safe and stylish.