Packing for trips isn’t easy these days, especially when it comes to winter travel. Cold weather gear for women that packs light is a must to avoid overweight bag charges from the airlines. And who wants to lug heavy bags around, even on a road trip?
I look for the best cold weather gear for women that helps me dress for an occasional cold weather trip without spending tons of money. And did I mention these winter clothes for women pack light?
Are you a boomer traveler who still enjoys snow—in a limited amount—combined with winter activities that are fairly easy to do? Me too.
When preparing for a cold weather trip, do you find yourself thinking, “What am I going to wear?” I used to feel the same way.
Like you, I’m not a hardcore woman adventurer who needs expensive, cold weather clothing for the Arctic. Instead, I’m on the lookout for layered clothes that look good, will keep me warm, is easy to pack—and fits a mature woman’s body.
Through the years, I’ve shared my favorites with you. Although I’m still wearing many of the same winter clothes, I’ve added a couple of must-have items to my cold weather gear list.
I’ve also replaced old favorites that have worn out and are no longer available. So even if you’ve read my winter fashion advice in the past, give this another look for my latest winter outdoor fashion tips.
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The best cold weather gear for women that packs light
Do you like to experience a winter adventure every so often? For women travelers who aren’t skiers or avid winter enthusiasts, cold weather gear for women can be expensive.
But you still want to have fun in the snow once in a while, right? I hear you.
When I lived in Arizona, a snowy trip meant scrounging through my closet to find something—anything—to keep me warm. Forget about the women’s outdoor fashion statement.
So off I would go in bulky clothes that were 20-year-old leftovers over from my Virginia days. After all, I lived in the sunny Southwest so why would I spend a lot of money on winter clothing that I might wear once every two years?
They don’t call me determined Donna for nothing. I came up with a solution by finding clothing that is dual purpose but capable of keeping me warm during cold weather trips. I even use these clothes now that I live in Montana.
Try my cold weather packing list that is budget-friendly, good-looking, practical, and warm for your next winter adventure. The items are not bulky. In fact, they’re lightweight enough to fit in a rolling duffle carryon with room to spare.
Winter clothes for women: tops and pants
Layering is the key to staying warm while packing light. A thermal base layer followed by a turtleneck, rain pants, fleece jacket and waterproof jacket are all that’s needed, unless you’re headed for sub-zero temperatures on an Antarctica cruise.
And the turtleneck or fleece jacket will do double duty as a casual outfit when you’re not playing in the snow. I’d suggest a sleeveless quilted vest, as well, for those sunny days that cause an unexpected rise in the temperature.
Boomer Fashion Tip: Try to avoid quilted vests with horizontal patterns as they are not flattering to most boomer women.
Want to stand out in your snow photos? Wear a brightly colored jacket instead of a dark one.
My winter gear starts with a base layer of a long sleeve crew shirt and Merino blend base layer pants. Then I add a lightweight turtleneck (I’ve had mine for ages)
I wear rain pants that I bought at REI when Alan and I went hiking in Glacier National Park, although these Columbia Storm Surge Pant would work well, too.
I top off my winter clothing ensemble with a Columbia Fleece Jacket or a Kirkland Signature Water-repellent Softshell Jacket that’s lined with fleece velour, also items that I use for hiking in colder weather. If it’s extra cold, I wear the base layer, turtlneck and fleece jacket underneath the water-repellent coat.
Keeping hands and feet warm and dry in cold weather
One thing I’ve learned the hard way—you won’t have any fun if your feet or hands are wet and freezing. For hands, start with a pair of glove liners and Thermal Touchscreen Gloves.
The same layering applies to your feet. Begin with sock liners followed by Merino Wool Socks from Darn Tough Vermont.
Wear hiking shoes (you already own a pair, right?) with a pair of gaiters to protect legs from getting wet. This eliminates the need to pack snow boots—remember, we’re gearing up for casual fun in the snow, not a heavy duty skiing excursion.
Staying comfortable on a winter trip: The finishing touches
A fleece neck warmer is such a handy piece of winter gear. It keeps my neck warm but it’s also big enough to pull over my chin all the way up to my nose if my face is cold.
Of course every winter adventurer needs a warm knit hat. And earmuffs will still keep my ears warm when I rip off the hat due to overheating while snowshoeing or cross country skiing.
Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen for bright, sunny days. And be sure to tuck several packages of adhesive hand and toe warmers into your carryon. They come in varieties for hands, toes, feet and more. It’s your insurance against extra cold weather.
As I mentioned earlier, this cold weather gear for women packing list is for the casual winter visitor. If you’re an avid skier or snowboarder, you’ll definitely want the appropriate gear. REI is a great place to start your shopping. Click here to shop REI.com.
I find most of my winter clothing at Costco. If you have family or friends who live in a cold weather city, ask them to go shopping at Costco for you in August or September when the store is well-stocked with winter gear.
But I’ve also sourced many of the same items at Amazon to make winter shopping easy for you, simply click through to my list of Cold Weather Gear for Women.
Technology continues to improve fabrics for winter clothing, making the items even more lightweight and heat efficient. So check back here often as I share my latest finds with you.
Did I leave your favorite item off the list? Let me know.
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