Packing for a winter trip can be a real challenge, especially with all the necessary winter gear, personal items, and camera equipment. I’ve crafted a packing strategy that proved effective during my winter trips to Mongolia and Canada, where harsh conditions plummeted to -30 degrees Celsius.
To start, I rely on the Delsey Paris – Large Checked Luggage (https://us.delsey.com/products/402087830-st-tropez-28-inch-checked-expandable-spinner), offering a spacious 110L capacity with interior dimensions of 27.5″ x 18.5″ x 12″, which can be expanded as needed.
Here’s how I manage to fit everything:
1) Feathered Friends – Rock & Ice Down Parka (https://featheredfriends.com/collections/winter-expedition-apparel/products/feathered-friends-rock-and-ice-expedition-down-parka-1)
2) Feathered Friends – Frontpoint Down Pants (https://featheredfriends.com/collections/down-pants/products/feathered-friends-frontpoint-down-pants)
These 900+ down jacket and pants are ideal for extreme conditions. I’ve tested them in -30°C in Northern Mongolia, finding them both comfortable and waterproof. Their compressibility and the provided small bag help save space.
3) Baffin Impact Boots (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E5CRWY)
These bulky boots are essential for extreme conditions. Sizing up accommodates thick socks (I bought a 10 US size for my 8.5 foot). I utilize the space inside for items like ice crampons.
4) Compression bags from REI are perfect for organizing and compressing clothing. I placed a separate laundry bag beneath for dirty clothes.
5) Fotopro GEP TL-64C tripod (https://stetindenphoto.com/collections/global-elite-photographer-series/products/fotopro-e6l-eagle-series-5-section-carbon-fiber-tripod-with-e-6h-gimbal-head-holds-22-lbs-extends-to-64)
6. Transparent makeup bags (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S7BJTPJ)
These versatile bags help organize smaller items like camera chargers, tools, adapters, and cables, offering great compartmentalization within the luggage.
7. Sea to Summit – Hanging Toiletry Bag (https://seatosummit.com/products/hanging-toiletry-bag)
This holds essential toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, shaver, nail cutter, earplugs, and more.
8) Other items like camera filters, a woolly hat, gloves, and scarf.
Additional advice: I consistently tuck an Apple AirTag and a luggage scale within my luggage.
In total, the packed weight comes to 21 kg (46 lbs).
Moreover, I carry a Summit Creative Large Rolltop Camera Backpack Tenzing 50L and a Timbuk2 Commute Messenger Bag as hand luggage. They comfortably accommodate two camera bodies, three lenses, spare batteries, various filters, a laptop, a hard drive, and an array of other essential accessories.