How To Travel In Winter Without Overpacking

Packing light for winter travel can often feel like a challenge when you think about all the different jackets, pants and beanies that you’ll need just to survive the winter chills. When your itinerary calls for chunky knits, and thick coats, it’s easy to think you'll need a suitcase that’s busting at the seams just to make it through a weekend.

But with a little thought and the right gear from Herschel, it’s possible to travel smart, stylish, and light, without overpacking and making life harder.

Selecting a smaller, functional bag that can carry all of your essentials on a flight or road trip makes all the difference. The Herschel Retreat Backpack is ideal for shorter winter trips and flights on budget airlines, fitting neatly under the seat while still having the room to pack away jackets when not in use.

If you’re planning a longer trip, our range of Hardshell Luggage has all of the toughness you’ll need to survive winter travel. Hardshell luggage is great for winter travel where wet, and even snowy weather are on the agenda. Unlike Softshell Luggage, the Hardshell variety will keep clothes dry no matter the weather.

Running through a rainstorm through puddles to make a bus? Hardshell will keep your belongings safe from moisture and rain, with all the space you’ll need in lightweight designs that are perfect for long flights and longer itineraries that require extra packing.

Once your bags are sorted, it’s time to start thinking about what you’ll wear, and about the art of layering clothing for the winter. The trick to staying warm in winter is starting your outfit for the day with a warm, thermal base layer.

A good-quality fleece top and some leggings can keep you surprisingly warm, especially if you’re going to be on the move all day, without adding any bulk to your bag. Instead of packing piles of thick jumpers, rely on these base layers and pack lighter clothing to wear on top, think slim-fit trousers, knit dresses, or long-sleeve tops that fold down small but still look great. Remember that you’ll warm up quickly and warm down just as quickly depending how much you are moving, so layering will allow you to chop and change your outfit to cater for your body temperature.

A wool beanie and a nice warm scarf and a pair of thermal gloves can all up your style-game while keeping you warm without overloading your bag. These pieces take up very little space and can be easily tucked into the top compartment of your Duffle bag or carry-on.

Your coat is your MVP and trust us when we say that you’ll likely only need one on your travels. Invest in one seriously warm, waterproof winter coat. Look for something with inner pockets for keeping track of valuables like wallets and keys, and make sure it pairs well with everything you’ve packed (because you’ll also need to look great for the ‘gram). When your coat does the heavy lifting, you’ll need far fewer layers in your bag.

Just like the MVP jacket, your footwear will also need to do a lot of heavy lifting through your winter travels. Instead of packing multiple pairs of shoes, wear your warmest, waterproof shoes or boots on the plane and stick to just one pair for the trip. Comfortable boots lined with fleece will keep your feet toasty all day, and if you pair them with some nice socks, you won’t need much else.

Whether you're chasing the slopes or strolling through the wet Daintree Rainforest, pack your Herschel, layer smart, and hit the wet roads knowing you've got everything you need, and nothing you don't.

Explore our full range online and start planning your winter escape.