12 Overpacked Items That Are Just Weighing Down Your Winter Luggage

It’s winter, and you’re headed out for the next big adventure. You’re in the process of packing your bags only to realize you have too many things packed. This is a common theme among travelers (guilty here!) for winter travel.

It’s easy to think you’ll need so much more because the weather is colder. This isn’t the case, though. A lot of times, it’s more likely that people are packing for the “what-ifs” rather than the necessities.

Here are 12 of the most overpacked winter travel items you don’t need.

1. Daily Clothing

I get it. You’re going on a two-week trip in the winter so you think you will need a new set of clothes for each day. No, you don’t. Our minds are wired to believe that because we will be gone for two weeks, we must bring two weeks’ worth of clothing.

Regardless of where you’re headed, you’ll likely be able to wash your clothes during those two weeks. Give yourself a packing list with at least one week’s worth of clothing, maximum.

Keep your color scheme neutral to allow you to mix and match as much as possible. This will help you save on baggage fees if you’re flying!

2. Sweaters

People overpack the bulkiest items, thinking they will warm them on winter travel. False! Sweaters and hoodies should be packed as a layer over other clothing, such as a long-sleeved, moisture-wicking shirt.

Many sweaters and hoodies are not as warm as you think they would be on their own. Your best bet is to layer up, bring 1-2 sweaters or hoodies, and leave the rest of your bulky collection at home. Your bag will be much lighter!

3. Hats, Gloves, and Scarves

I am completely guilty of this. I find myself packing multiple hats, gloves, and scarves when I go on winter trips. Umm, why? I feel I need to have a backup if something happens to the first set. If this happens, I can buy another hat, gloves, or scarf.

You only need one warm hat, one pair of gloves, and one warmer scarf. You’re wasting space in your bag if you’re trying to match your accessories to your daily outfit.

Keep things simple and bring your favorite warm hat, gloves, and scarf. Save that space in your bag for real necessities.

4. Jackets and Coats

Another easy item people tend to overpack is jackets and coats. This increases the weight of your bags (more baggage fees), and the bulkiness of your baggage, leaving you little space for other necessities.

Don’t bring a light jacket, a medium jacket, a warmer jacket, and a warm coat. Layer up and leave the various jackets at home. One jacket and warm coat will keep you toasty enough to weather the cold.

5. Boots

We want to coordinate with our daily winter attire. I get it. I’m guilty of this too!

But you don’t need boots for every outfit. This will cause your baggage to exceed the weight limit and take up more space in your luggage if you pack several pairs of boots. Choose a waterproof, warm, functional, and neutral-colored pair of boots you can wear with anything.

The idea is less is more and quality over quantity! Do not overthink this one! One pair of boots. It’s that simple!

6. Regular Pants or Jeans

People will overpack regular pants or jeans thinking this will keep them warmest in the colder months. This is not true.

The idea is to layer up for winter travel. I don’t know about you, but I hate wearing jeans in the colder weather. I do not find warmth in wearing them.

Rather, I’m more cold and not as comfy! If anything, bring one pair of jeans and a couple of pairs of leggings or workout pants (neutral in color). Layer the jeans over your leggings to stay warm, and throw them in the wash after wearing them.

You will have much more space in your baggage, less weight, and comfier.

7. Pajamas

I know pajamas sound silly, but people will pack one too many. People will pack a light pajama set and a warmer pajama set. Save yourself the space and overthinking on this one.

In my experience, packing a light pajama set makes me wish I had something warmer when it’s bedtime. Therefore, my recommendation is always to pack one warmer pajama set. Worse case, you get hot, take off the bottoms. Problem solved!

8. Toiletries

Some people pack their at-home shampoo, conditioner, extra hair products, eye contact solution, and hair dryer, to name a few. You don’t need your full-sized bottle of shampoo and conditioner.

I was once guilty of this years ago. Then, I moved to travel-sized shampoo and conditioner. Now, I use what’s offered in my accommodations place of stay.

Hair products easily fit in small travel-sized containers to free up space and reduce unnecessary amounts.

If all else fails, you can buy your toiletries at your destination. Less is more here!

9. Medicine and Health Supplements

People tend to pack too much medicine for winter travel. This is unnecessary. NyQuil, Dayquil, Tylenol, etcetera can stay home.

Pack a travel-size pain reliever and call it a day. You can pick up anything else at your destination. You should bring any prescribed medication. Health first!

I advocated for self-care and ensuring my body receives the right vitamins and nutrients to stay healthy. But it doesn’t mean I’m going to pack all six bottles of health supplements when going on winter travel. Rather, if I do bring them, I will consolidate them in a smaller container labeled accordingly.

10. Oversized and Extra Bags

It’s easy for people to begin packing and realize they have a carry-on, luggage bigger than they need, or an extra bag for winter hiking or other outdoor adventures. Not necessary.

Stick to a suitcase or bag that can fit clothing and necessities for one week. Be versatile and use your day bag as your carry-on (if you’re flying) or your main go-to (if you’re driving).

Think multi-use versus every. This will limit the bags you pack and save you space (in-flight or in the car).

11. Electronics

Many people will pack their phones, laptops, iPads, Bluetooth speakers, and other electronic devices. This is unnecessary. If you’re bringing your phone, you don’t need your computer (if your winter travel is not work-related), the iPad, or anything else.

Most accommodations offer smart TV options allowing you to stream from their TVs with your streaming app account. Skip the desire to bring so many electronics and only bring your phone for communication.

12. Activity Equipment

People love to pack for what they want to do, not what they’re doing when they reach their destination. You want to go skiing, snow tubing, hiking, zip-lining, or other activities. Are you really going to do them all?

Know which activities you will participate in and if they require any special items to pack.

Is skiing your all-time hobby? If that is not your prime reason for this vacation each year, then it’s not necessary to bring your skis and try to pack them for your flight or fit them in your car.

Rent activity equipment as much as possible to save you additional costs and baggage space, having to carry that extra equipment around with you through the airport, or taking up space in your car.

What Item Do You Overpack the Most for Winter Travel?

I’m famous for overpacking the accessories (hats, gloves, scarves). It’s easy to do but you’ll save so much space if you leave the extras behind.

Let us know in the comments your most overpacked item for winter travel!