‘Staple’ hand luggage items to ‘keep you warm’ in cold destinations

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Long coats, chunky knitwear, and heavy boots are all staples in your winter wardrobe, but they aren’t the most travel-friendly items to cram into a small cabin bag. However, according to TikTok user, Kate, also known as @minimaltraveller, there are ways to stay warm in cold destinations without having to overpack. In a recent video on her page, the self-proclaimed travel expert shared the staple items to include, and those to avoid so you can keep luggage light on your seasonal travels.

Pack “go-to” outerwear

The travel hack expert’s number one tip was to start with a “staple” coat and a pair of boots from which you can build the rest of your outfits.

She explained that these are your “everyday go-to’s to stay warm, and the best part is, you don’t even have to pack them into your luggage”.

According to Kate, these are best worn while travelling to free up space in your carry-on bag, though you should ensure that they work with other lighter layers underneath.

Sticking to neutral colours and longer styles is best to maximise your options when it comes to pairing jumpers and thermals of different styles as your base.

Avoid jeans

Rigid denim items are notoriously difficult to fold into a compact shape and should be swapped for more flexible bottoms like trousers or skirts.

The New Zealand-based travel expert suggested switching jeans for knitted skirts or flared leggings that “pack up a lot smaller than jeans” and can be dressed up or down.

Pairing skirts with leggings and tights means you can pack much more than one or two pairs of jeans without compromising on space, or reducing your options when choosing what to wear.

If you’re limited to carry-on luggage, these can also be easily tucked into a small compartment in your cabin bag to free up even more room for those bulkier garments.

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Load up on thin thermals

Layering is the best way to avoid chunky items and your base is the most important place to start. The thrifty TikTok user explained that packing lots of “light layers” such as long-sleeved tops or bodysuits is always worth it if you’re short on space.

She said: “Thin thermals, especially ones that go up to your neck really help to keep you warm without adding a lot of bulk.”

Consider your itinerary

Another tip shared by Kate was to switch “fashion” boots for hiking boots if you are going on a more activity-based trip.

The TikTok user added that fleece-lined legging, a packable puffer jacket and a raincoat to layer on top are also staples to include in your luggage.

Take a collarless down vest

As well as packing thin knitwear and thermals, the travel expert recommended taking a down vest – similar to a thin gilet-style jacket, to later underneath other coats.

The TikTok user branded the item the “number one clothing item” that will “change the game” of packing light for cold-weather destinations.

She explained that designs with elements that fold away to create a different neckline work best as they are more versatile. Kate said: “This means you can pack more lightweight jackets or jumpers in place of larger, heavier coats and still stay warm.”

In extremely cold places, like Canada, the life-hacks expert recommended layering the down vest with thermals or a thin base layer, and another jacket on top.

Avoid thick jumpers

Kate warned against packing chunky, cable-knit style jumpers and to instead, focus on layering up thinner styles. She explained that paired with thermals, it “shouldn’t matter too much if they’re not that thick”.

Pack lightweight trainers

While travelling in heavier footwear creates extra room for clothing, the travel expert recommended packing an extra pair of shoes in your luggage.

She suggested a lightweight pair of neutral trainers that can be easily tucked down the side of a suitcase or carry-on bag and paired with a range of your clothing items.

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