How to travel with one bag in winter

Winter one-bag travel is an invigorating adventure that invites you to experience the world in a whole new way. While the prospect of packing for colder weather with just one bag might initially seem daunting, it's entirely achievable with a bit of preparation and know-how. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the art of one-bag travel during the winter months. From selecting the ideal backpack to mastering the nuances of layering, we've got you covered.

How to stay warm and comfortable with few clothes

When travelling in winter, you may be tempted to bring your warmest clothes and jackets. This carries a few issues, they're generally heavy and bulky. You'll also get too hot, which will make you sweaty, which will make you uncomfortable.

The key to staying warm and comfortable in winter one-bag travel is layering. Instead of wearing one or two really warm pieces, you layer thinner and fresher ones, allowing you to regulate your heat capacity. If you get too hot, take off one layer, if you get too cold, put on another layer.

The goal here is to build your layers much like the rest of your wardrobe, where all pieces work with each other, giving you multiple combinations of outfits for different weather conditions. So what layers should you consider?

1. Begin with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your body. The goal of this layer is not really to keep you warm, more so to keep you dry from yourself. You'll want to stick to synthetics or wool. Avoid cotton as it holds on to water, as you sweat you'll get wet and will begin to get cold.
2. Over this, add insulating layers that trap warmth close to your body. The amount and warmth of insulating layers will depend on the weather and your comfort. Here you can include fleece or merino sweaters, down or synthetic puffy jackets.
3. Finally, top it off with a waterproof and windproof outer layer to shield yourself from the elements. This layer will mostly keep you dry and help the insulating layer do its work. It doesn't need to be warm, and should be breathable. Waterproof jackets are generally not very breathable, so look for jackets with vents such as pit zips.

Remember that you'll have to carry what you're not wearing, so keep layers light and thin, and only bring the essentials.

For a complete guide to winter layering, check out our post How to pack for winter one bag travel: A complete guide to layering.

Affordable winter layers

When looking at winter gear, it's easy to get scared by the cost of the gear that is usually recommended, like 200$ for the Patagonia Nano Puff or 600$ for the Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket. These are obviously great pieces of gear, but are far from necessary (or affordable) by most people. The good news is that you really don't need to spend this much to have good gear that will keep you warm and dry.

Decathlon offers excellent gear for low and mid-range budgets. The key is learning in which pieces to invest. Below is a sample of gear you can get, which will keep you warm and dry without having to spend too much money.

Gear list:

• Base layer: Synthetic Hiking T-Shirt MH100 - €6
• Insulating layer: Hiking Fleece - MH100 - €10
• Insulating layer: Synthetic Hooded Padded Jacket - MT100 - 5°C - €35
• Outer layer: Lightweight Waterproof Jacket MH150 - €50

With this list, you get an upper body winter layering system for about €100. You'll obviously need a few more t-shirts, but still, pretty impressive given the price range we're dealing with.

If you'd like to become a pro at layering on a budget, we'll be releasing a complete guide to one bag clothing from Decathlon soon. Subscribe to be alerted when we release this guide.

Footwear and Accessories for Winter Travel

In winter, your choice of footwear is paramount. Invest in insulated and waterproof boots to keep your feet warm and dry. Like jackets, waterproof shoes will also be less breathable than regular shoes, so if you're not going into rainy weather or aren't counting on being too exposed, it may be overkill and end up being more uncomfortable.

Don't forget essential accessories like warm hats, gloves, and scarves. Some people also prefer to take a thinner windbreaker and rely on an umbrella instead. These items are not only functional, but also add a touch of personal style to your winter ensemble. Opt for lightweight pieces that won't take up too much space.

Choosing the right footwear and accessories ensures you're well-prepared for the season's challenges.

Adapting to Changing Weather

Winter weather can be notoriously unpredictable. To navigate these shifts effectively, check weather forecasts for your destination regularly. Flexibility in your packing is key. Be sure to be prepared with your clothes; when the weather changes, you don't want to stay out in the rain wondering why you left your rain jacket in your hotel. Staying informed and prepared will help you adapt to whatever winter throws your way.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you're in a city going in and out of buildings, you'll run into varying temperatures, so you'll be changing layers frequently. Bringing a day pack can help you with carrying the layers which you're not using at that time.

Choosing the Right One-Bag Travel Backpack

Selecting the right backpack is paramount when embarking on a winter one-bag journey. You'll want a backpack that strikes a balance between spaciousness and adherence to airline carry-on regulations. Look for features such as weather resistance, reinforced zippers, and multiple compartments to keep your gear organized. If your bag is not waterproof, you can get some covers that will help protect your bag from the rain.

Conclusion

Embrace the freedom and excitement of one-bag travel in the winter season. With careful planning, efficient packing, and the right gear, you can savor the beauty and wonder of winter destinations without the burden of excess luggage. Safe travels and enjoy your unique winter journey!