Winter Vacation Packing List + Free Printable
When it’s time to start packing for your trip, use our winter vacation packing list to make sure you don’t forget anything!
There are many winter vacation ideas in the US. Once you pick the destination, you’ll have a better idea of what you’ll need to pack.

The winter packing list is fairly comprehensive, and you may not need every item depending on your type of travel and the things you will do, so make modifications as needed.
Download the printable winter packing list for free below!
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Winter Vacation Packing List
There are a variety of USA winter destinations to visit in the winter and weather, region and elevation are important to consider when packing.
Weather can be unpredictable in the winter, so be sure to check the forecast and pack accordingly!
We enjoy traveling during the winter when it’s the off season at many locations. But winter exploration and photography can be a love-hate struggle. You’ll need the right winter clothing so you can still enjoy the outdoors!
If you’ll be traveling by car, check out our winter road trip supplies list so you are prepared for unexpected car troubles or bad weather conditions.

Winter Packing Checklist
Here are the items we consider packing for a winter vacation based on location and expected weather.
National Park Annual Pass
Definitely pack the US National Park Pass if you’ll be visiting any of the parks. We think US National Parks in the winter are a great time to go!
We like to buy our pass through REI – they donate 10% of sale proceeds to the National Park Foundation which is cool! Plus that purchase goes toward our REI annual member dividend. You can also get them at any of these Federal Recreation Areas.
Daypack Items for Winter Travel
- Water bottles or hydration backpack
- Healthy snacks
- Rechargeable hand warmers or Hot Hands hand and foot warmers
- Flashlight or headlamp
- National Park maps
- Sunscreen
- Lip protection with sunscreen
- Polarized sunglasses – especially in the snow!
- Hand lotion
- Toilet paper (carry out in a bag – do not bury)
- Disposable urination device & feminine hygiene products
- Toilet bags
- Hand sanitizer
- First aid kit
- Bags to pack out trash
Hiking Gear to Pack Winter Adventures
- Insulated boots
- Waterproof hiking shoes
Heavy wool socks – we LOVE Darn Tough Socks - Traction cleats
- Snowshoes and poles
- What to Bring on a Day Hike
- Hiking Gear and Tips for Kids
- Photography Gear for Hiking
- Best Cameras for Hiking
Winter Clothing
- Wicking and quick-drying base layers
- Fleece or insulated jacket
- Wool, down or heavy-weight insulated jacket
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Insulating hat
- Insulating winter gloves
- Fleece neck gaiter or buff
→ Winter Clothing Guide for Outdoor Adventure and Photography
CLICK TO SHOP FOR US NATIONAL PARK GUIDES & MAPS
Other Gear to Pack
- Cell phone
- Portable charger
- Medications
- Blister balm – you won’t need this if you wear Darn Tough socks (just sayin’)
- Moleskin
- National Park guide books and maps
Camera Equipment
- Winter photography gear
- BEST compact travel cameras
- Camera bags
- BEST travel tripods
- Memory cards
- Extra batteries
→ Download the camera gear checklist!
Camera Gear at B&H Photo
FREE DOWNLOAD TO PRINT: Printable Winter Packing List