The Best Winter Clothes, Accessories, and Gear to Pack in 2025

The Best Winter Clothes, Accessories, and Gear to Pack in 2025

While winter days at home may mean cozying up by the fireplace or under the covers in your comfiest pair of sweats, winter vacations will likely make you more inclined to spend time outdoors. Whether that means whipping down ski slopes, sitting under a heat lamp at après ski, or walking around a new town square, you’ll need some high-quality gear and extra-warm clothing to keep you comfy and protected.

Below we’ve rounded up the best winter gear and cold-weather clothing for most every situation travelers will face this season, from thermal leggings for outdoor runs and insulated boots for hiking to camping supplies for even the most inexperienced outdoorsman. We also made sure to include winter basics you can wear on every type of adventure—like packable puffers, cozy sweaters, and lightweight beanies. With the right layers, a winter spent outdoors seems a little less daunting. Read on for our very best winter essentials to pack this season.


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Winter packing must-haves

The tricky thing about packing for cold-weather trips is that the items you’re bringing tend to be bulky and quite heavy. Our best tip for packing thick sweaters and jackets: compression packing cubes. These bad boys help you save room in your suitcase, pack more, and stay organized. And because every bit of space counts, make sure your personal item (or carry-on, if you’re checking a bag) gives you extra room for gear, accessories, or another pair of shoes. Roomy duffels like the Calpak Luka and Arlo Skye’s Weekender have dedicated shoe compartments, enough space for an extra outfit or two, and a luggage sleeve.

Béis The Compression packing cubes (set of six)

Six cream packing cubes

Quince Eco Compression packing cubes (set of six)

Warm clothes for winter

Cozy sweaters

Starting off with the ultimate basic for every cold-weather adventure: a cozy sweater. Materials like cashmere and merino wool will keep you warm and last over time, even after lots of wear. These picks from Banana Republic, Naadam, Jenni Kayne, and Quince are the foundation of almost every winter trip outfit.

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Banana Republic Merino wool sweater

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Naadam The Original cashmere sweater

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Jenni Kayne Everyday sweater

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Quince Mongolian cashmere crewneck sweater

Winter leggings

More than a dozen Condé Nast Traveler editors put some of the most popular winter leggings on the market to the test to determine which are actually worth it. Our selections, including these two thermal and fleece-lined leggings, lock in extra heat and keep you nice and toasty, whether you’re running outdoors or lounging on the couch.

model wearing black leggings

Lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Thermal 28″ Tight

Baleaf fleece lined winter leggings

Winter coats for women

When cold weather hits, you need outerwear that will stand up to chilly temperatures. The best winter coats are windproof, well insulated, and have enough room to fit a sweatshirt or other layers underneath. Here are a few of our favorites that deliver on performance and style, keeping you warm whether you’re headed to a snowy mountain lodge, a rainy metropolis, or a windy desert.

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Aritzia The Super Puff jacket

The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Down jacket

model wearing a blue/grey winter puffer jacket

Patagonia Down With It parka

woman wearing beige winter down coat

Quince Responsible Down jacket

Winter coats for men

The best winter coats for men trap in plenty of heat and are made to last, holding up well against rain, snow, and extreme wind. We turn to trusted brands like Canada Goose, The North Face, L.L.Bean, and Uniqlo for warm puffer coats come winter.

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The North Face Aconcagua 3 hoodie

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Canada Goose Lawrence Puffer jacket

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L.L.Bean Power Down Puffer jacket

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Lightweight, packable jackets

There’s much to be said for a packable jacket that’ll keep you warm and dry, without the bulk. To make bringing them along on your next trip even easier, these ones pack down into their own pockets. Layer heavier coats on top or wear them on their own on slightly warmer days.

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Patagonia Nano Puff jacket

man in navy blue puffer coat

Canada Goose Lodge down jacket

Fjallraven Expedition Pack Down hoodie

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FP Movement Pippa packable puffer jacket

Essential fleece layers

We love how lightweight and cozy fleece is, making it a great material for outerwear. These fleece jackets and half-zip sweatshirts are easy to pair with heavier coats and long-sleeve shirts underneath.

Brown fleece jacket with black breast zipper pocket.

Patagonia Classic Retro-X fleece jacket

Blue fleece jacket with teal, red and orange striped across chest of male model.

Cotopaxi Teca Fleece full-zip jacket

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Parks Project Parks Wonderland Trail pullover

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Halfdays Pieper quarter-zip

Versatile vests

Thanks to their sleeveless design and ability to be layered under coats or worn as your only piece of outerwear when temperatures allow, it’s no surprise that vests are among the most versatile of wardrobe staples. And if you’re planning to run outdoors this season, consider investing in a warm running vest from Lululemon or Arc’teryx.

The North Face Women’s Aconcagua 3 Vest

Quince Responsible Down Puffer Vest

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Uniqlo Ultra-light Down Vest

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Lululemon Another Mile Vest

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The North Face Aconagua 3 puffer vest

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Vuori Sunday Element vest

Winter wedding dresses

From formal gowns to velvet maxi dresses, the best winter wedding guest dresses will keep you comfortable throughout the ceremony, reception, and after-party. We’ve rounded up our favorite styles that work for almost every type of wedding this season.

Norma Kamali x Revolve V-neck rectangle gown

Lulus Classic Elegance satin sleeveless mock neck dress

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Lovers and Friends Ayla maxi dress


Winter shoes

Women’s winter boots

When looking for winter boots, you want to make sure to find a shoe that is waterproof and well insulated with good tread. A rubber sole is great for traction and will keep your feet warm and dry in even the harshest of conditions. We especially recommend these cozy options from Ugg, Bogs, and Sorel.

Men’s winter boots

When it comes time to stock up on new footwear to brave the elements this season, you’ve got to hedge your bets between looks that can get you through the day and night with pieces that are actually winter-proof and can keep you upright while hoisting your luggage into the back of a taxi or hurdling over snow banks to reach the Paris Metro in time. These durable, waterproof options from Sorel and Timberland are both safe bets.

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Timberland men’s waterproof boot

Winter hiking boots

Insulated hiking boots with nonslip soles are key to staying warm and dry—and to avoid sliding on the ice. While a good pair of lined hiking boots can be a bit of a splurge, these practical boots are meant to last years.

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Merrell Thermo Chill Mid hiking boots

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Winter accessories

Lightweight beanies

Along with warm clothing staples, you’ll also want some accessories to keep the winter chill at bay. The best beanies are lightweight and easy to pack, keep your head and ears warm, and add an effortlessly cool touch to any look. A few favorites of ours come from Carharrt, The North Face, Athleta, and Patagonia.

Carhartt knit cuffed beanie

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The North Face Big Box beanie

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Patagonia Fisherman’s beanie

Blanket scarves

With a super soft, oversized wrap, not only will you feel like a little chicer as you stroll through the airport, you’ll be toasty for the duration of the flight, and might just get some shut-eye. From cashmere scarves to chunky knit wraps, these blanket scarves are worth adding to your travel uniform. We also included a few classic scarves from Uniqlo and Alo Yoga that are great for city sightseeing and walking tours.

Quince Mongolian cashmere wrap

J.Crew oversized cashmere wrap

woman wearing light grey scarf

Alo Yoga Merino wool scarf

Man wearing dark grey scarf

Gloves

A trusty pair of gloves is essential for every winter situation outdoors, whether that’s strolling through the city, a weekend spent camping, or hopping on the subway. These fitted pairs below will keep your hands nice and warm for hours. And if you still want to be able to text on the go, snag [[add in-line link this pair of mittens from Amazon]] that feature an opening for your fingers to pop out without taking the gloves off—I highly recommend these for anyone who’s been burned by so-called “touchscreen gloves.”

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Patagonia Capilene Midweight Liner Gloves

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black fury gloves
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The North Face Sierra Etip gloves

Winter socks

A good pair of socks can make or break your comfort level. Wear a pair of wool socks under boots to keep toes toasty while out and about. For afternoons spent indoors, pad around in a pair of Brother Vellies’s cozy Cloud socks.

Goldwin winter wool high socks

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Brother Vellies Cloud Socks

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Barefoot Dreams CozyChic socks

Jenni Kayne cashmere socks

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Ski & snowboarding gear

Ski trip essentials

For those planning to ski this year, here are the clothes, shoes, and winter gear accessories to consider adding to your packing list. In short, don’t forget hand warmers.

gutimore chargeable hand warmers black

Gutimo rechargeable hand warmers

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Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Ski goggles

A high-quality pair of goggles is essential for your next ski or snowboarding trip. Not only do they protect your eyes, but they also add to your look. Consider these options from Valon, Dragon Alliance, Smith, and Burton.

white ski goggles with black and red stripes
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Dragon Alliance NFX2 goggles

black ski goggles
orange ski goggles

Ski sweaters

Winter fashion can be tricky. There’s been something of a ski sweater renaissance of late, though, as brands start to rediscover the natural look and feel of knitwear. Take a look around and you’ll find heritage-style knits that feel like a step back in history, as well as more contemporary styles that work just as well on the Matterhorn as they do in Manhattan.

female model wearing beige sweater with black and red lining

Helly Hansen Edge sweater

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Athleta Renew mock neck top

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Rowing Blazers Ski sweater

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Helly Hansen Carv sweater

One-piece ski suits

Those living in cities with freezing temperatures are looking to ski suits as an all-in-one winter outfit that’ll make afternoons outdoors more enjoyable, whether on the slopes or sipping hot toddies on sidewalks.

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model wearing red, black and white ski suit

Gsou Slim-fit waterproof one-piece ski suit

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model wearing grey and brown ski suit

Arc’teryx men’s Sabre Bib Pant

Ski pants

Ski pants keep you warm and shield you from the elements, meaning investing in a good pair is a must. These pairs from The North Face and Arc’teryx offer protection, comfort, and warmth for a full day on the slopes.

woman wearing light blue ski pants

The North Face Lenado snow pants

Woman wearing light purple ski pants

Arc’teryx Sentinel snow pants


Winter camping gear

A beginner’s guide to winter camping

From power stations and portable stoves to popular Stanley mugs, we’ve got you covered for your next camping trip, even if you’re a true beginner.

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Arcturus Military Wool blanket

Minus33 Mountaineer over the calf socks

light pink and purple water bottle

Owala SmoothSip Slider tumbler

Green layered Stanley pour over

Stanley The Camp Pour Over set

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Solo Stove tabletop firepit

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Insta-Fire Vesta self-powered heater and stove

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Bluetti AC180 portable power station

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Coleman Triton camping grill

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Solo Stove Mesa XL tabletop fire pit

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Elecom Nestout outdoor battery

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Rioyalo 0 Degree sleeping bag

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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