Our top minimalist packing tips on how to pack light & stay warm! We’re partnering with Backcountry to encourage you to get outside and find your backcountry, wherever that may be. Use code BCPACK for 15% off your first purchase. Exclusions apply. http://bit.ly/2lMGZGj

    Fall and winter are coming fast—and you don’t want to be left out in the cold. Most folks on the Pack Hacker team have traveled long-term in a bunch of different climates, and we want to make sure you’re prepared for any destination. So we’ve put together our top ten packing tips for minimalist travel in cold weather.

    0:00 – Intro
    1:13 – Travel With A Backpack
    2:41 – Layer Up
    4:50 – Invest In A Rain Jacket
    7:19 – Always Accessorize
    8:12 – Pick A Theme
    9:02 – Stay Dry
    10:56 – Compress Everything
    11:40 – Think Small
    13:23 – Watch Your Weight
    15:03 – Stay Prepared

    PRODUCTS MENTIONED
    Backpacks
    Osprey Farpoint 40L: http://bit.ly/2lL7N9J
    Osprey Fairview 40L: http://bit.ly/2lLOhdc
    Topo Designs Travel Bag 40L: http://bit.ly/2lLOop8
    Thule Subterra 34L: http://bit.ly/2lISdeV
    Cotopaxi Allpa: http://bit.ly/2l7FOkt
    Eagle Creek Packable 13L Daypack: http://bit.ly/2mMb099

    Clothing
    Smartwool Merino 150 Long-Sleeve Baselayer: http://bit.ly/2l7n7gG
    Patagonia R1 Full-Zip Hoody: http://bit.ly/2nhMf5j
    Patagonia Micro Puff: http://bit.ly/2mKnkXu
    Arc’teryx Zeta SL Rain Jacket: http://bit.ly/2l7ncB0
    Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket: http://bit.ly/2mEZOeA
    Patagonia Storm Racer: http://bit.ly/2mJKwp6
    Arcade Midnighter Belt: http://bit.ly/2mGTV0B
    Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket: http://bit.ly/2mDYE39
    Cotopaxi Teca Windbreaker: http://bit.ly/2mFi7Am
    Darn Tough Merino Wool No-Show Socks: http://bit.ly/2laaly7
    Darn Tough Solid Basic Crew Light: http://bit.ly/2lJphU4
    Lems Boulder Boot: http://bit.ly/2lzxFpg

    Accessories
    Buff USA Merino Wool Buff: http://bit.ly/2nequDb
    Outdoor Research Fairbanks Fingerless Gloves: http://bit.ly/2mGURBY
    Hydrapak Stash Collapsible Water Bottle: http://bit.ly/2mKnCxy
    Hyperlite Mountain Gear Minimalist Wallet: http://bit.ly/2ner0kB
    Sea To Summit Delta Insulated Mug: http://bit.ly/2nb4PM5
    Platypus SoftBottle .5L with Push-Pull Cap: http://bit.ly/2mGUxTX

    Organizers & Pouches
    Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack: http://bit.ly/2l7nNCK
    Osprey Packs Ultralight Backpack Liners: http://bit.ly/2l71Xzf
    Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow: http://bit.ly/2lLtNkR
    Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Compression Packing Cubes: http://bit.ly/2nhe11H

    MORE TRAVEL TIPS
    10 Minimalist Packing Tips For Hot Weather Travel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69RpxlMKLXY
    10 Minimalist Packing Tips For Your Next Trip: https://youtu.be/HhaJBpNr5zs
    The Ultimate Digital Nomad Packing List: https://youtu.be/mGvHt4blPDc
    Women’s Digital Nomad Packing List: https://youtu.be/khX2ZlsDMes
    The Ultimate Packing Cubes Guide: https://youtu.be/4fJp1naw7lc
    How To Choose The Best Daypack For Travel: https://packhacker.com/guide/best-travel-daypack/

    CONNECT WITH US
    Sign Up for our Newsletter: https://packhacker.com/newsletter
    Subscribe to Pack Hacker on YouTube: http://packha.kr/youtube
    Follow Pack Hacker on Instagram: http://packha.kr/instagram
    Like Pack Hacker on Facebook: http://packha.kr/facebook
    Follow Pack Hacker on Twitter: http://packha.kr/twitter
    Follow Pack Hacker on Pinterest: http://packha.kr/pinterest
    Follow Pack Hacker on LinkedIn: http://packha.kr/linkedin

    TERMS
    Pack Hacker utilizes affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of our product links, Pack Hacker will receive a small commission at no cost to you. This helps support us, and allows us to keep providing reviews, guides, and content for you. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Thanks for your support!

    Share.

    49 Comments

    1. You can add a light inexpensive layer of warmth by going to a thrift shop and finding a used cashmere sweater – I found one for $2.50. I read that cashmere is supposed to be eight times warmer than wool. I pack merino, but that cashmere layer is also a winner.

    2. The Merino wool Buff Is with me at all times! I carry it in my purse as an emergency mask (I always double it), to keep my hair out of my face, as a headband, as a scarf, or a head covering. It's amazing.

    3. I agree with choosing a theme. I spent 17 days touring Italy and chose plain, single color T-shirts to make my clothing choices simpler.

    4. Hey Tom. Great video. Wondering who makes the light sweater that you mention in the video. One that can be worn to dress up for a dinner or such? Please let me know. Thanks.

    5. Any bag and/or packing advice for my intended 220km trek accross the Dasht-e Lut Desert in Iran during the height of summer where surface temperatures have reached 70 degrees celsius and ambient air temperature in the shade has reached 61 degrees celsius?

    6. A fan of your channel. I love the base layers from Burton, their AK range is amazing, and then layer from there depending on the location. I normally look for colder the better when I travel, not a fan of hot weather (anything over 18 C for me is too hot). But happy with Burton AK base, then a AK insulator and then a AK shell jacket to avoid the snow and rain. Burton is a little pricey but they do come with a lifetime warranty.

    7. Swissgear packs are good as well. I have a 31L pack and it has worked for me. I will apply water/weather proofing in the very near future before my next travels. Great video BTW…..I just subscribed👍

    8. A brand that are better and lighter then Patagonia are the swedish brand 'Stellar equipment". Same or better warm to weight ratio but lighter.

    9. Back pack is the way to go! As a female traveller, I cut the handles off my makeup brushes and put powder in an empty chapstick container. I use cream deodorant and put it in an old carmex jar. I carry unrefined Shea butter as a moisturizer, a little goes a long way. I agree with layers. That is the way to go. Undershirts keep your sweaters clean so you can use them without body oder issues.

    10. i got merino 400 set, graphine x jacket and pant,socks for clothing.hope its enough.if it goes down,i have yak wool sweater, graphine mid- layer jacket.

    11. Keeping the handles on your toothbrush/shaver won't reduce the overall weight by very much at all, nor do they take up much space. They are certainly usable and all that as a smaller item, but really there is little point. You could do without the packing cubes (just use plastic bags or nothing) if you want to save a bit of weight.

    12. I really appreciate you addressing minimalism and packing for cold climates– I notice for some strange reason all these minimalists seem to be drawn to places in SE Asia and such, so it's very easy to throw in a few pairs of shorts and t-shirts with the obligatory business casual– which is fine if you're not interested in going to Eastern Europe.

    13. are you going foe the one hoody option, then go for a beanie & a scarf too. Personally I'd have a t-shirt as a base layer, then a shirt & add a full zip cardigan knit top for casual or smart if your heading for dinner.

    14. Overboots are key for rain or snow. They pack down small, but you can out them over your shoes and instantly avoid wet socks or wind freezing your toes in all season shoes.

    15. Backpacks are a terrible choice for anything but hiking and backpacking. They immediately signal you are a traveler and make you a target for cons and thieves.

    16. Well, you really have to love synthetic materials. But I guess its worth it. I just hate really light material that stretches, for some reason

    17. Have you tried visiting the tropical countries in Southeast Asia? Your backpacking skills will mostly become beneficial enjoying trekking the mountains and the islands. 👊🇵🇭♥️

    18. Great video, but who cares about outfits, what one looks like?? So long as you can get into wherever you want to, you're good to go. 5 months trekking I took one pair of tramping trousers with zip off legs, one button tramping shirt, one t-shirt. Who cares what anyone thinks of what you look like? So long as you keep your stuff clean, and shower whenever you can/is required, you're livin' the dream!

    19. Why carry a razor at all? Shave before you leave. If you need a shave on the fly, pay for one, or buy a cheap disposable razor. Then dispose of it. Oh, but I'm not cutting the handle off my toothbrush. May as well use one of those weird thimble things if you're going to do that.

    20. We need more of these cold weather tips! I’m from Norway and I basically live out of my backpack, always appreciate some tips and tricks 😂

    21. Guys, for inclusivity reason, there are lots of eco conscious people who are against animal exploiting for food, clothing etc because animal agriculture is destroying our planet. Can you help with building a list without animal products like wool etc.

    22. The tip I found most helpful here isn't even 1 I would use for backpacking – rather I think that packing cube that can function as a pillow is a genius idea for camping.
      Re the collapsible waterbottle, I did a LOT of research b4 committing to the hydrapac stash and I can vouch for its usability – no leaks yet (don't anticipate any in future) and I find it perfectly functional

    23. A word of warning to older travelers: Carrying a backpack is like being nine months pregnant immediately….the knees hurt, back hurts….so remember you might need to not carry heavy weight.

    24. Do you have a video specific to how to pack for a wet winter by any chance? And thank you for all the tips they are super helpful. 🙂

    25. Tom, these tips are awesome. My friend and i are planning on traveling to the UK and Ireland for 2 1/2 weeks this fall. Thanks for all the great info.

    Leave A Reply