Winter offers a breathtaking charm—from snow-covered mountains to sparkling cities glowing under winter illuminations. However, winter holidays also require careful preparation, especially when it comes to choosing the right gear and clothing. This is particularly important for those who live in tropical countries and are not accustomed to freezing temperatures.
With weather that can be extremely harsh, selecting comfortable and functional clothing is key to enjoying your trip without discomfort. Below are some helpful tips on how to choose winter gear and clothing for your travels abroad.
Winter Clothing Sets Based on Temperature Variations
It’s important to note that winter temperatures vary between countries and regions. The further north a place is located, the colder it tends to be. That’s why it’s essential to adjust your clothing based on the temperature of your destination.
Temperature: Around 0°C to 10°C
Temperatures between 0°C and 10°C are typical in lower-altitude regions during winter. Snow may be rare, but mornings and evenings can still feel quite cold. Recommended clothing includes:
- Comfortable thermal innerwear
- A middle layer such as a fleece or knitted sweater
- A thick yet lightweight jacket or coat (e.g., parka)
- Thick denim pants, fleece-lined trousers, or thermal leggings
- Closed-toe shoes
- Winter accessories such as gloves, a hat or beanie, a scarf, and wool socks (optional)
Temperature: Around 0°C to -10°C
With slightly more extreme cold, the following gear is recommended:
- Thermal innerwear made of wool or synthetic fabric for moisture-wicking and temperature regulation
- Thick fleece or sweater as a second layer
- Winter jacket (down jacket or parka), preferably water-resistant for protection against snow or light rain
- Thermal pants or wool-lined trousers
- Thick wool or synthetic gloves to protect your hands
- A thick wool scarf to shield your neck and lower face
- A beanie or wool hat to keep your head and ears warm
- Winter boots with anti-slip soles for safety and warmth
- Thick thermal socks for added foot warmth
- An outer protective jacket (e.g., raincoat or windbreaker) to guard against wind and precipitation
Temperature: Below -15°C
For temperatures below -15°C, protection against extreme cold and wind is crucial. Proper clothing includes:
- Wool or synthetic thermal innerwear that absorbs moisture and keeps the body dry
- Woolen fleece or sweaters to retain warmth
- Down jackets or insulated parkas with windproof and waterproof layers
- Wind-resistant thermal pants or trousers with added insulation
- Insulated gloves with windproof and waterproof exteriors and inner lining for extra warmth
- A long, thick scarf to protect the neck and face from biting wind
- Wool or fleece beanie that covers the ears; earmuffs are also recommended
- Waterproof winter boots with non-slip soles that cover the ankle area
- Thick wool socks with moisture-wicking and thermal insulation properties
- Face mask to protect the face from cold wind or snow
- A windproof and waterproof outer shell jacket such as a hardshell or windbreaker
Essential Winter Gear to Bring When Traveling Abroad
In addition to proper clothing, here are other essential winter items to prepare for cold weather abroad:
Heattech
Developed by UNIQLO, Heattech uses special fabric technology that absorbs body moisture and converts it into heat. This helps keep you warm in cold weather without the need for multiple bulky layers.
Gloves and Socks
Gloves keep your hands warm and help maintain blood circulation, while thermal socks protect your feet and help stabilize body temperature. Without proper protection, your extremities are at risk of conditions like frostbite.
Hat or Beanie
A beanie covers the top of your head and protects it from heat loss. It also shields your ears from cold wind, reducing the risk of discomfort or frostbite.
Scarf
A scarf helps block cold wind and prevents it from entering through your clothing. It also serves as a stylish accessory to complement your winter look.
Earmuffs
Earmuffs keep your ears warm and protect them from harsh weather conditions, which can otherwise cause pain or even injury in extreme cold.
Heat Pack
Heat packs generate warmth and are commonly used to keep hands, feet, or other parts of the body warm. They’re compact and convenient for travel.
Thermal Tumbler
A thermal tumbler keeps your drinks warm for long periods, allowing you to enjoy hot beverages while exploring outdoors in the cold.
Lip Balm
Dry, cold air can cause chapped or cracked lips. Lip balm helps moisturize and protect your lips, speeding up the healing process and preventing irritation.
Umbrella
While typically used during rainy seasons, umbrellas are also helpful in winter conditions to protect you from snow and cold rain. They can also keep your clothes and belongings dry.
In addition to packing well, be sure to research the weather conditions of your destination. As mentioned earlier, winter temperatures vary by country and region. Sudden changes in weather can be a shock to the body, especially for travelers from tropical climates. To prevent falling ill, don’t forget to pack any necessary medication.
