Today I want to talk to you all about ‘The Universal Struggle of Winter Travel Packing’.
You may already know the conundrum – you’re staring at your suitcase, trying to squeeze in one more chunky jumper, a pair of sturdy boots, and that oh-so-essential all-weather coat but it’s already bursting at the seams and well over the airline’s checked bag allowance. Winter travel packing always feels like a game of Tetris, but no matter how skilled you are, the bulkiness of cold-weather gear always seems to kick your ass.
The truth is, packing for a winter travel trip really is a unique kind of headache. You need layers to keep you warm, versatility of style to handle both outdoor adventures and cosy indoor dinners, and materials that resist the elements— and all of this ideally without turning your luggage into a brick.
But what if I told you that you didn’t have to compromise? What if there was a way to travel light, stay warm, and still look like you’ve got your life together? Enter Nomatic Apparel, the ultimate game-changer for winter travellers.
Photo: @willhatton___
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The Winter Travel Dilemma: Warmth vs. Space
Let’s face it: winter travel packing isn’t as straightforward as throwing a few t-shirts into a backpack and heading off to a tropical beach somewhere. When you’re preparing for frosty temperatures and rainy days, it feels like the whole universe is conspiring against you:
- Warm layers are bulky. That chunky knit jumper will keep you toasty, but it also devours half your suitcase space and a third of your weight allowance.
- Versatility is a must. You need gear that works for frosty hikes but also transitions seamlessly to candlelit dinners without looking like you’ve just come off a ski slope.
- Weather resistance is essential, but this very often comes at the cost of style. Wearing a bright orange puffer might scream “prepared for the Arctic” but it’s not “street chic in Stockholm.”
Sound familiar? The struggle is real—but it does not have to be this way.
Meet Nomatic Apparel: Designed by Travellers, for Travellers
In case you have never heard of them, Nomatic isn’t your average travel brand; it’s a movement born out of frustration with subpar gear and spearheaded by innovative travellers who demand better. Like you, the good people at Nomatic were sick and tired of overstuffed bags, impractical designs, and style sacrifices.
So, they decided to fix it.
Nomatic first launched their pioneering Travel Pack in 2016 And we have been HUGE fans ever since. Every travel product they have released since has been top quality and innovative. In 2021, they then launched a range of travel apparel.
The Nomatic Difference
Like their flagship backpacks and luggage pieces, Nomatic Apparel is crafted with real travellers in mind, combining functionality, minimalism, and versatility. So whether you’re navigating the cobblestone streets of Prague or trekking through the Swiss Alpine, Nomatic’s pieces are built to handle it all without weighing you down too much.
The result? You get gear that’s;
- Durable enough to survive long-haul flights and rugged trails.
- Stylish enough to keep you looking sharp in every Instagram snap.
- Innovative, with clever features like hidden pockets, packable designs, and weather-resistant materials.
In summary, think of it like this – when you invest in Nomatic, you’re not just buying clothes—you’re upgrading your entire travel experience.
The Perfect Winter Travel Wardrobe: Top Picks from Nomatic Apparel
In this section, we are going to look at some of our favourite products from the Nomatic Apparel range and tell you why they are great for winter packing. Whatever your winter destination, these travel essentials will keep you snug on the road.
1. Travel Bag 40L
The Nomatic Travel Bag 40L is a versatile and durable backpack designed for week to 10-day long trips. It features dedicated pockets for travel essentials, a water bottle, a laptop, and a laundry bag, and can be converted from backpack to duffel with a patented strap system. It’s also made from high-quality materials.
For winter travel, the Nomatic Travel Bag 40L offers practical features to manage the season’s challenges. Its water-resistant tarpaulin material protects contents from snow and moisture, keeping your gear nice and dry. The spacious main compartment accommodates bulkier winter clothing, while the dedicated shoe compartment keeps footwear separate from other items.
You can also buy a separate rain fly in case you crave that bit of extra winter weather protection.
2. The Outset All-Weather Jacket
The Outset All-Weather Jacket by Nomatic is a versatile outerwear piece designed to adapt to various weather conditions. Crafted with a water-resistant exterior, it effectively shields against rain and wind, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable.
The jacket features a breathable lining that promotes airflow, preventing overheating during active pursuits. Its sleek design and adjustable components, such as the hood and cuffs, offer a tailored fit suitable for both urban environments and outdoor adventures.
For winter travel, the Outset All-Weather Jacket is a solid choice. Its insulated interior provides warmth in cold climates, while the water-resistant shell protects against snow and sleet. The jacket’s lightweight construction allows for easy packing, making it very convenient for travellers with limited luggage space (I’m looking at you, carry-on-only travellers).
Additionally, the adjustable hood and cuffs help seal in heat, offering extra protection against harsh winter elements.
3. Outset T-Shirt
The Outset T-Shirt by Nomatic is crafted from a 4-way stretch fabric that is wrinkle-resistant, breathable, durable, anti-pilling, and super soft. It features a dropped and weighted hem for added coverage and comfort, making it a great go-to piece for everyday wear and travel alike.
As for winter travel, the Outset T-Shirt serves as a great base layer. Its breathable and moisture-wicking properties help regulate body temperature, keeping you comfortable during varying indoor and outdoor conditions. The wrinkle-resistant fabric means you look fresh throughout your journey, and its durability means it can withstand the rigours of travel.
4. The Outset Travel Pants
The Outset Travel Pants by Nomatic are designed to offer comfort, functionality, and style for everyday wear and travel. Crafted from a 4-way stretch polyester fabric, these pants provide enhanced breathability and freedom of movement. The material is warp-knitted to create mechanical stretch without the use of spandex or elastic, ensuring durability and maintaining its shape over time.
For winter travel, the Outset Travel Pants are an excellent choice. The wrinkle-free fabric ensures you look polished even after long hours of wear, and the water-resistant coating protects against unexpected spills or light precipitation. Also, they are available in both classic and slim fits so these pants cater to various style preferences.
5. Compression Packing Cubes
Nomatic’s Compression Packing Cubes are brilliantly designed to optimise your packing efficiency. Available in a set of three sizes—large, medium, and small—these cubes feature a zippered compression system that can reduce their depth from 5 inches to 2.5 inches, effectively saving up to 50% of space in your luggage. Constructed from lightweight yet durable materials with see-through mesh panels, they allow for easy identification of contents while maintaining good breathability.
For winter travel, these packing cubes are particularly beneficial. The compression feature enables you to pack bulkier winter clothing, such as sweaters and jackets, more compactly, maximising precious luggage space. The durable construction ensures that the cubes can withstand the added weight of heavier garments, and the mesh panels help prevent moisture buildup, keeping your clothes fresh in varying climates.
6. Navigator Collapsible Sling Pack
The Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Sling 6L is a versatile and compact bag designed for travellers and daily commuters. It features a collapsible design that allows it to be easily packed into larger luggage, making it an ideal companion for those who need an extra bag upon reaching their destination.
Despite its compact form, the sling offers ample space for essentials, including an external water bottle pocket, a quick-access pocket, and four internal mesh pockets for organised storage.
For winter travel, the Navigator Collapsible Sling 6L provides practical features to manage the season’s challenges. Its water-resistant materials protect contents from snow and moisture, keeping your gear dry.
The collapsible design allows for easy storage in your main luggage, saving space for bulkier winter clothing. Once at your destination, it serves as a convenient day bag for carrying essentials while exploring, without the need to carry a larger backpack – boom!
Practical Packing Tips for Winter Travel
Packing light for winter might seem like something of an oxymoron, but with the right strategies (and some of the right Nomatic gear), it is entirely doable.
Here are our top tips on how to master the art of minimalist packing;
- Roll, don’t fold. Rolled clothes take up less space and it helps avoid creases to boot.
- Invest in packing cubes. These lifesavers keep everything organised and compact. Nomatic makes some lovely ones 😉
- Wear your heaviest layers on the plane. Think boots, a coat, and a heavy sweater. Hell if you can, why not wear ALL of your clothes for the flight?! (note – we do NOT advocate this…)
- Stick to neutral colours. Mix-and-match outfits are your ticket to looking nicely polished with fewer items. This one is a true pro tip.
With Nomatic’s cleverly designed pieces, you’ll find packing becomes a whole lot simpler
Final Thoughts on Winter Travel Packing
So there we have it, guys. If you’re tired of lugging around a suitcase bursting at the seams —or worse of freezing half to death because you packed too light – then it’s time to level up your winter packing game. Nomatic Apparel is your go-to for winter travel gear that ticks all the boxes: warmth, style, and practicality.
Don’t just take our word for it. Instead, go and check out their full winter range here and see why travellers are raving about Nomatic. They’re running an exclusive winter sale right now, so there’s no better time to invest in gear that will change the way you travel.
As you can hopefully see Winter travel packing doesn’t always have to be a nightmare of overstuffed bags and questionable fashion choices. With Nomatic Apparel, you can pack smarter, travel lighter, and look your best while braving the cold.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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