How To Pack For A Multi-Climate Trip

Last Updated on April 3, 2024 by ETC Team

Packing one bag for a multi-climate trip can be a daunting task. Luckily, we’re here to help with our packing list for multiple climates. How to pack for a multi-climate trip can be a breeze with some key tips and tricks. The list below will help prepare you for your next multi-climate trip so all you need to worry about is making the most of your upcoming adventure.

How To Pack For A Multi-Climate Trip

You can easily get an idea of what to pack before you even get started digging through your closet. Here are some general tips to follow before starting the packing process.

1. Check the weather at all of your destinations: This helps establish a baseline of whether you are going to need a heavy jacket or just a light one for example. There is no sense in lugging along items you won’t need on the road. Every combination of climates is going to need a different variation of items. Don’t rely on just a packing guide and make sure to do a little research and planning.
2. Use a list: This is such an underutilized way to streamline packing. Start with an idea of what you might want, then expand, and remove items that you won’t. There’s no way you can double pack or forget anything important if you’ve written it down and checked it off.
3. Pack clothing that can be used in both hot and cold climates: When you pack for a multi-climate trip, think of pieces that will be useful in either scenario, so that you can maximize se the space you have to pack by avoiding doubles.
4. Stay organized by using packing cubes: Packing Cubes are a great way to separate weather-specific items into groups so it isn’t a hassle searching for that one thing that is always at the bottom of your bag. For example, create a cube for hot weather items, cold weather items, and one for general clothing.

How To Pack For Hot Climates

Packing for the hot weather portion of your trip shouldn’t be much of a hassle. Aim to pack light here so that you can afford space for the bulkier cold weather garments.

1. Small items save space: When you pack for a multi-climate trip, bathing suits are small and don’t take up much space, so if you’re looking to have some variety in your water wardrobe you can usually afford to have a couple different options.
2. Watch your fabrics: Breathable, moisture-wicking materials work well in hot climates and can be layered if needed. Synthetic and wool fabrics have come a long way and can keep you cool and protected from the sun without taking up much space. Make sure that your chosen items can mix and match for potential combinations in cooler parts of your trip.
3. Evaluate what you have packed: For your warm weather clothing, you are going to want to make sure that each item can be worn by itself as well as with the others you have packed for both climates. This way you will get the most use out of each piece of clothing you decide to bring. After all, space is precious.

How To Pack For Cold Climates

1. Layers are key: Here you can make great use of your lighter clothing by using them in layers. This way, you can remove the need for an extra bulky item by using two lighter pieces instead. So, get out those tech layers we were talking about before and layer up, you can even wear a thin layer under jeans if needed for example. This works great for activities in cooler climates where you might need to shed a layer once you warm up.
2. Compact-able jackets: The actual necessary warmth of your jacket will vary from trip to trip depending on the destination, however, there are many options for lightweight compact-able jackets on the market these days. Look for down or synthetic down materials. These materials are great as they can compress up into a very small package, weigh nearly nothing, and do a great job of keeping you warm.
3. Don’t forget about the accessories: When you pack for a multi-climate trip, smaller items such as a good set of gloves, a scarf, and a warm hat can go a long way in keeping your snug, without taking up the much luggage real estate.

What About The Shoes?

Shoes are a very important part of your adventure attire, but they can also be some of the heaviest/bulkiest items we travel with. This is an important part of how to pack for a multi-climate trip so be practical in what you choose to pack and remember to be realistic in what you are going to need for each climate.

1. If it shows toes, it goes: Flip-flops or sandals are a great light option for your warmer destinations and don’t take up much space, plus they double up as shower shoes for your hotel. Toss these in your carry-on if you’re planning on heading straight to the beach.
2. Good sneakers can go a long way: Sneakers are very versatile; dress them down in warmer conditions or dress them up. Pair your trusty sneakers with warm socks and you can handle most cold weather destinations unless you are planning on doing some serious snow trekking.
3. Just wear the heavy shoes: If you need to pack something heavier for snowy conditions and are heading to your cold destination first, you might want to wear them on the plane to save the room in your bags as this will also help reduce the risk of those pesky overweight bag charges. Once you’re done with them, pack them away so you don’t have to move them every time you want something out of your bag.

What To Wear On The Airplane

Your Bags are packed, and your shoes are waiting at the door. What are you going to wear on the plane? Before you even get to the airport, your flight attire shouldn’t add any stress to your trip. Follow the tips below to ensure the start of your adventure is a smooth as possible.

1. Let’s get comfortable: No matter the length of the fight, comfort is always key when flying. It’s best to fly wearing clothing that you will want to use again on the trip so that you am not wasting space once you arrive, wearing an outfit you like gives you another opportunity to bring an extra option if space is tight.
2. Wear the bulkier items: When doing multi-climate trips you will end up with a variety of shoes and clothing. To reduce the strain on the bags you can wear some of the heavier items and take them off once you board. This works especially well when traveling to a cold destination so that when you arrive you already have your gear ready to go.
3. Layers are still key: You can always add or remove a piece of clothing during the flight.
4. Extra Pro Tip: Even if you’re flying to a warm destination, planes tend to run cold. Always bring—or wear—a sweater on the plane. When folded, the sweater can double as a pillow.

The Wrap

Now that you have a good idea of how to pack for a multi-climate trip, it’s time to get started. Don’t get distracted perfecting your bags if it means ruining your trip. Every one of us has that certain something that we really shouldn’t bring but we always make fit. The lower the stress at the beginning of your trip, the more you can relax and enjoy your destination. You’ve put in the preparation and the planning, now it’s time to enjoy that adventure. Remember to Explore, Travel, and Connect.