Are you heading on a winter cabin trip and looking for the perfect packing list? I’ve got you covered!
This article shares 26 items to pack on your next cabin getaway, including essential winter clothing, winter accessories, and fun winter activities. I also provide recommendations for each item included on the list, but there’s no need to buy something new if you already have it in your closet.
Keep in mind, this list assumes that your cabin has basic living essentials like blankets, towels, cookware, a first aid kit, etc. If you’re driving to the cabin in the snow you should carry emergency supplies like a sleeping bag, shovel, and water, and make sure your tires are equipped for the elements.
Download Your Winter Cabin Packing List
Whether you’re taking a road trip to a cabin in the mountains or visiting family, this winter cabin packing list ensures you won’t leave any essentials behind!
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Winter Clothing
The clothing items on this list are just a jumping off point to ensure that you stay warm and cozy during your winter cabin trip. You may need to adjust your packing list depending on the activities you plan to do, the forecast, and the anticipated temperatures. Keep in mind, the list doesn’t include outfit basics you may wear during your trip, like underwear, jeans, dresses, etc.
Half Days Lawrence Jacket Price: $375 | Half Days Emma Soft Shell Pants Price: $285 | Patagonia Synchilla Price: $139 | Free People Frankie Cozy Cable Sweater Price: $98 | UGG Coquette Slipper Price: $119.95 | Lululemon Wunder Under High Rise Crop Price: $98 | Smartwool Classic Merino Baselayer Price: $69-86.25 | Patagonia R1 Price: $139 | Darn Tough Vermont Crew Socks Price: $24 | REI Merino 185 Base Layer Bottoms Price: $79.95 | Sorel Caribou Boots Price: $199.95
1. Winter Jacket
Arguably the most important piece of clothing to pack for a winter cabin trip is, of course, a winter jacket. The type of winter jacket that you need is going to depend on where you’re traveling and what activities you plan to do during your trip.
If you’re planning to stick to indoor activities and want to look chic, opt for a sleek, wool double-breasted coat. If you plan to spend most of your winter cabin trip outdoors, then make sure you have a warm, waterproof jacket that can handle the snow.
Women’s Winter Jacket: Half Days Lawrence Jacket | Price: $375
Patagonia Nanopuff | Price: $239
Men’s Winter Jacket: Stoic Shell Full-Zip Jacket | Price: $219
2. Warm Leggings
Leggings are my go-to clothing option of choice for every outdoor adventure, year-round. During the winter, you may want to opt for fleece-lined leggings or leggings made for cold weather to help stay warm on hikes or other outdoor excursions. I personally just opt for thicker leggings than I typically wear most of the year.
Warm Leggings: Lululemon Wunder Under High Rise Crop | Price: $98
3. Snow Pants
If you’re planning on going skiing, snowboarding, or paying in the snow during your winter cabin trip, then be sure to pack a pair of snow pants. It’s important that your snow pants are waterproof and insulated to keep you comfortable out in the cold. If you’re not a fan of snow pants, you can also opt for bibs.
Women’s Snow Pants: Half Days Emma Soft Shell Pants | Price: $285
Men’s Snow Pants: Stoic Insulated Snow Pant | Price: $179
4. Long Johns
If it’s going to be below freezing during your trip, then pack a pair of long johns to layer with your snow pants. In addition to keeping you warm while adventuring in the snow, they’re cozy enough to wear while you’re defrosting next to the fire aprés ski.
Long Johns: REI Merino 185 Base Layer Bottoms | Price: $79.95
5. A Cozy Sweater (or two)
A cozy sweater is an absolute must for your winter cabin trip. Whether you’re cozying up next to a crackling wood-burning stove, or heading to a nearby ice skating rink, a cozy sweater is a fashionable and functional winter outfit staple.
Cozy Sweater: Free People Frankie Cozy Cable Sweater | Price: $98
6. Baselayer Top
If you’re planning on spending time in the snow, then be sure to pack a baselayer top. A baselayer is not only designed to keep you warm, it also helps wick away moisture to keep you dry. You can find baselayers that are made from both natural and synthetic materials. I prefer wool baselayers for their moisture wicking and odor reducing properties.
Wool Baselayer: Smartwool Classic Merino Baselayer | Price: $69-86.25
Synthetic Baselayer: Stoic Poly Crew Baselayer | Price: $59
7. Fleece/Mid-Layer
A warm fleece is an essential during a winter cabin trip. A fleece can serve as your mid-layer when you go outdoors to play in the snow, or help keep you cozy while hanging out inside. My fleece of choice for a winter cabin trip is the Patagonia Synchilla. These come in a variety of fun colors and patterns, and you can often find them at thrift stores and used gear shops. I also like wearing a Patagonia R1 as a mid-layer on winter hikes. Either makes a great gift for your favorite hiker.
Patagonia Synchilla: Men | Price: $139 | Women | Price: $139
Patagonia R1: Men | Price: $139 | Women | Price: $139
8. Thick Wool Socks
Keep your feet warm, dry, and cozy with a thick pair of wool socks. Whether you’re out in the snow, baking cookies in the kitchen, or reading a book by the fire, packing a few pairs of cozy socks is a must for your winter cabin trip.
Wool Socks: Darn Tough Vermont Beartown Crew Socks | Price: $24
9. Tights
If you’re planning on wearing a mini skirt or dress on your winter cabin trip, then be sure to pack a pair of tights (or two). In addition to providing an extra layer to keep you warm, a pair of tights can help pull together your outfit and make it more appropriate for the season.
Women’s Tights: Nordstrom Sweater Tights | Price: $15
10. Pajamas
What’s better than snuggling up by the fireplace with some fresh-baked cookies (or a crisp glass of wine), while wearing a pair of cozy pajamas? This pair of pajamas by PJ Salvage features a cute pine tree pattern that makes them perfect for a winter cabin getaway in the woods.
Cozy Pajama Set: PJ Salvage Velour Thermal Pajamas | Price: $99
11. Slippers
Keep your feet cozy and warm as you hang out around the cabin with a pair of slippers. Any pair of slipper you have will do, but I’ve been a fan of the Ugg Coquette slippers for well over a decade because they’re warm and durable (they only reason I had to replace my last pair is because they got stolen by a fox while camping in Idaho!).
Women’s Slippers: UGG Coquette Slipper | Price: $119.95
Men’s Slippers: UGG Classic Scuff Slipper | Price: $110
12. Winter Boots
A good pair of winter boots are a must for your winter cabin trip, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors. There are a ton of great winter hiking boots on the market. Look for a pair that are insulated, have good traction, and fit your feet well.
I still wear a trusty pair of Sorel snow boots that I got in 2009 during my freshman year at the University of Vermont. They’re still in fantastic condition despite over a decade of heavy wear during some very snowy winters.
Women’s Winter Boots: Sorel Caribou Boots | Price: $199.95
Men’s Winter Boots: Sorel Caribou Boots | Price: $199.95
Miscellaneous Winter Cabin Essentials
The following miscellaneous items are things you probably always carry with you when traveling, but I wanted to make sure to include them because it’s important not to forget them on a winter cabin trip.
13. Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is essential anytime of year, but it’s extra important in the winter when the air is dry. Packing a reusable water bottle is not only an eco-conscious choice, it also ensures you’ll always have water available.
Water Bottles: Hydro Flask 40 oz. Wide Mouth | Price: $54.95 | Stanley Quencher Tumbler 40 oz. | Price: $57
14. Hand Cream
If you’re visiting a cabin in the mountains you can expect to encounter cold, dry air that may make your hands crack. Keep your hands hydrated with your favorite moisturizing hand cream. I find that hand creams with a shea butter base are the most hydrating for my skin.
Hand Cream: L’Occitane Shea Butter Intensive Hand Balm | Price: $40
15. Lip Balm
Keep your lips hydrated in the dry winter air with your favorite lip balm or chapstick. Look for a lip balm with SPF for extra protection on the slopes.
Lip Balm: Farmacy Honey Butter Beeswax Lip Balm | Price: $12
16. Sunscreen
Sun protection is crucial, even in the winter! Wearing sunscreen is extra important if you’re in an area at high altitude, or you’re playing in the snow on a sunny day. The Drunk Elephant Umbra sheer sunscreen is my personal go-to for a zinc oxide based sunscreen that doesn’t leave behind a white residue.
Sunscreen: Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Sunscreen | Price: $34
Winter Accessories for a Winter Cabin Trip
Protect yourself from the elements by packing crucial winter cabin accessories. These are items that you need to have if you want to spend time outdoors in the cold during your trip.
Smartwool Thermal Merino Gloves Price: $38 | Patagonia Re-Tool Headband Price: $25 | Farmacy Honey Butter Beeswax Lip Balm Price: $12 | Hydro Flask 40 oz. Wide Mouth Price: $54.95 | Target Plaid Oblong Scarf Price: $17 | Smartwool Ski Town Hat Price: $38 | Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Sunscreen Price: $34 | L’Occitane Shea Butter Intensive Hand Balm Price: $40 | Target Women’s Tortoise Shell Sunglasses Price: $15
17. Hat
Don’t forget to pack a winter hat or beanie for your cabin trip. There are tons of winter hat options to choose from, but I personally like a simple knitted beanie with a fluffy pom pom on top.
Beanie: Smartwool Ski Town Hat | Price: $38
18. Gloves
A warm pair of gloves is essential in the winter, and there are tons of options to choose from. If it’s going to be exceptionally cold you may want to pack a pair of liner gloves in addition to heavier, insulated gloves. If you’re planning on playing in the snow, make sure your gloves are waterproof or water resistant.
Liner Gloves: Smartwool Thermal Merino Gloves | Price: $38
Insulated Gloves: Gordini Fall Line Gloves | Price: $69.95
19. Scarf
Keep your neck warm while you’re out in the snow with your favorite scarf. This is an essential winter accessory that you can’t forget to pack on your winter cabin trip. If you’re planning on doing an activity like snowmobiling, opt for a neck warmer in lieu of a scarf.
Scarf: Target Plaid Oblong Scarf | Price: $17
20. Ear Warmers
Packing a pair of ear warmers on your cabin trip isn’t absolutely necessary if you have a good hat, but they’re nice for activities like cross-country skiing. As you get your heart rate pumping you may find a hat to be too warm, but with a pair of ear warmers you can still keep your ears warm (essential on a cold day) without overheating.
Ear Warmers: Patagonia Re-Tool Headband | Price: $25
21. Sunglasses
Don’t forget to pack your favorite pair of sunglasses, especially if you want to play in the snow. The sun reflecting off of the snow can be incredibly bright, so having a pair of sunglasses is essential in the mountains during the winter.
Women’s Sunglasses: Target Women’s Tortoise Shell Sunglasses | Price: $15
Men’s Sunglasses: Target Men’s Rubberized Rectangle Sunglasses | Price: $20
Winter Activities for a Winter Cabin Trip
Make your cabin trip memorable by bringing along some fun winter activities. Most cabins will likely have some of these items on hand, but it never hurts to bring your own gear!
American Athletic Women’s Figure Skates Price: $59.95 | National Parks Monopoly Price: $45 | Flexible Flyer Commercial Park Snow Tube Price: $169.99 | Tubbs Xplore Snowshoe Price: $149.95 | Rossignol Force 5 Ski Poles Price: $109.95 | Women’s Rossignol XC 5 FW Ski Boot Price: $189.95 | Fischer Spider 62 Crown Xtralite Ski Price: $288.95
22. Snowshoes
If you’re planning on hiking in the snow during your winter cabin trip consider packing a pair of snowshoes. Snowshoes help disperse your weight and act as a flotation device on snowy trails so you can easily hike without postholing.
Snowshoes: Tubbs Xplore Snowshoe | Price: $149.95
23. Cross-Country Skis
One of my favorite winter activities in Colorado is cross-country skiing. This is an active and much less adrenaline inducing activity than downhill skiing that is perfect for a relaxing winter vacation. Many outdoor gear and ski stores rent cross-country skis at much lower prices than regular skis. You can also usually find affordable, used cross-country skis at used gear and thrift stores in mountain towns, or on Facebook marketplace.
Cross-Country Skis: Fischer Spider 62 Crown Xtralite Ski | Price: $288.95
Cross-Country Ski Boots: Women’s Rossignol XC 5 FW Ski Boot | Price: $189.95
Ski Poles: Rossignol Force 5 Ski Poles | Price: $109.95
24. Ice Skates
If you’re visiting a cabin with a nearby lake, then pack a pair of ice skates for a fun winter adventure. Be sure that any body of water you skate on is fully frozen before heading out!
Ice Skates: American Athletic Women’s Figure Skates | Price: $59.95
25. Sled
Let your inner child out by going sledding during your winter cabin trip. Chances are if there’s a good sledding hill in the vicinity, the cabin will have a sled, but if you’re road tripping up and have a favorite snow tube, it doesn’t hurt to pack it.
Sled: Flexible Flyer Commercial Park Snow Tube | Price: $169.99
26. Board Games
There’s no better way to spend an evening at the cabin than by sharing a bottle of wine and playing a lively board game. Now, I’m not sure I’ve ever stayed at a cabin that didn’t have its own board games, but if you’re not sure, it doesn’t hurt to bring your own. My husband and I received this National Parks Monopoly game for Christmas last year, and it’s the perfect gift for an outdoor adventurer.
Board Games: National Parks Monopoly | Price: $45
Enjoy Your Winter Cabin Trip!
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