Packing For A Scotland Winter Getaway (Packing List + Essentials)
Planning a winter trip in Scotland but not sure what to pack or wear? Don’t worry, I’ve spent many winters travelling around Scotland and I’ve got you covered. This packing list (for women) is full of cosy knits, toasty fleeces, and insulated jackets to keep you warm & comfy.
With a love for travelling in the quieter season, winter has become my favourite time of year for a getaway in Scotland.
There’re no crowds, pubs are always ultra cosy with roaring fires and mulled wine, hot chocolate is a necessity, and the landscapes are extra magical under a blanket of snow.
But those seriously cold temperatures and constant risk of snow (or bucketing rain) and generally freezing weather conditions mean packing for winter in Scotland requires careful planning.
Of course, winter weather in Scotland varies massively depending on your destination.
For example, winter in the Highlands tends to be much colder and harsher than say a winter break in Edinburgh. But if you’re seeking crisp cold air and snowfalls, or even wanders in the rain, then embracing cosy season in all its glory is a must.
Think lots of layers, fleece, and big woolly jumpers!
Since my first winter trip in the Scottish Highlands, I’ve learnt a lot about choosing winter outfits, so to help you easily pack for Scottish winter adventures I’ve pulled together my favourite brands and outfits that are guaranteed to keep you warm and dry.
Ready for a winter break in Scotland? Let’s go!
Checking the winter weather
First up, checking the Scottish winter weather. I use this weather app, which lets you search by location and shows any weather warnings. You can also easily save towns and cities into a handy most-visited list.
Scotland Winter packing list: Snapshot
The trick to a winter packing list is adding easy-to-wear warm elements to everyday outfits.
Personally, I like neutral colours that work well with everything, plus layers that are easily packed away when I don’t need them. This winter packing list isn’t exhaustive by any means. But for the perfect winter getaway wardrobe in Scotland, you are definitely going to need the following pieces:
Insulated Jacket
Or a toasty wool coat
Thermal or merino layers
Woolly jumpers
Fleece or big hoody
Fleece-Lined leggings
Woolly hat
Gloves
Wool Socks
Winter Boots
And if you’re also planning a hike on your trip, then check out my winter hiking gear essentials.
From a day hiking in snowy mountains at Loch Tay, Trossachs National Park
Winter Packing List: Essentials
As a Scotland native, I’ve spent many winters battling the elements in our wee country. And trust me, it can be an incredibly beautiful but harsh season.
So, if I’m heading on a winter staycation, I mainly pack warm wools and comfy fleeces, as well as my usual travel essentials. This includes my warmest winter jackets, layers, and boots that can double up for daytime walks and evenings spent by a roaring fire in a cosy pub.
You’ll notice quite a few of the outfit choices here involve outdoor stores; that’s because I live in the Highlands and have learnt the hard way that actually, good quality outdoor gear often makes the warmest and best choice.
Women’s Insulated Jackets
First up, an insulated jacket. his is an essential when packing for a Scotland winter trip. Insulated jackets are great at keeping you warm, but the best ones look as good on countryside walks as they do in the city. Here are my favourites:
Highly recommend the Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket which is, I think, a strong contender for the best option on our list. I’ve worn this on many winter walks, including a few snowy wanders in the Highlands. Plus, it looks equally stylish in the city; this is my go-to option for the cold Edinburgh Christmas markets. You can my full review here.
Another great option is the Montane Anti Freeze Jacket - I’ve worn those on various winter trips and it’s ultra warm.
The Fjällräven Expedition Pack Down is another super toasty option (though pricey) and I love the colour.
For a longer parka-style jacket, this Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parka is both warm and stylish. And though on the expensive side, it really is a great looking, and warm, jacket.
Women’s Base & Thermal Layers
Pack a long sleeve merino, bamboo, or thermal base layer for winter getaways. They’re great when the climate is cold, trapping heat inside - keeping you toasty warm. My favourite options are:
This Icebreaker Women's Merino top is made of 100% Merino wool and comes in a range of colours - perfect for winter walks.
This BAM Origin Bamboo Layering Top is ideal for everyday use, city breaks, and getting outdoors. Also comes in a range of colours.
On my wish list for winter, the Findra Fern Stripe Merino Top is a really cosy option which I love in moss green. Good for winter walks and cafe visits alike.
Finally, the Patagonia Women's Thermal is a seriously warm option. Wear this for trips to the Highlands and really cold days in the city.
Women’s Fleeces, Hoodies & Jumpers
Be sure to bring warm layers that you can wear under your jacket, or by themselves on a warmer day. The best warm layer for your winter packing is a fleece or hoody and I always bring at least one (maybe two) on a winter trip.
Patagonia Retro Pile Fleece is always my top pick for winter. So cosy and stylish, high quality, plus there’re heaps of colour options. I LOVE these fleeces.
Patagonia Women's Recycled Wool Sweater: equally cosy, and somewhat festive, this is on my wish list for winter.
Finisterre Farne Knit Jumper: this wool jumper with its chunky roll neck has been on every winter trip I’ve taken (and some autumn ones too). Soft, warm, and ideal for cold weather walks followed by mulled wine.
Winter Boots
In winter, invest in high quality, waterproof boots that hold up to snow and keep your feet dry.
Make sure they have good grip too for icy conditions, whether slippery city streets or snowy Highland trails.
There are tons of winter boots to choose from but I recommend:
Fleece-lined Sorel Joan boots fleece lined, cosy, waterproof, and cute.
Insulated Sorel Torino boots, as above but warmer.
Meindl Baltimore boots: I wear these pretty much every day in winter; cute, waterproof, comfy.
Danner Mountain 600 phenomenal grip, waterproof, and comfy with the famous red laces.
Wool socks
There is literally nothing worse than cold feet! If you’re heading to a snowy destination be sure to pack properly warm socks. My favourites are:
BAM Twist Socks: a merino/bamboo combo for definite warm feet.
Findra Nordic Merino: love the funky colours and merino wool, they’re often sold out and for good reason!
Smartwool Full Cushion: I wear these for pretty much every winter walk in Scotland, including some very cold ones in the Highlands. Guaranteed warmth and comfort.
Winter Accessories
A cosy beanie hat is a must when packing for winter, as are gloves. I’m also partial to set of ear warmers and a cosy scarf. Plus, these wintery accessories make any outfit much cosier. This winter I’ll be wearing:
Findra Tweed Lambswool Scarf: warm and soft, the colours are lovely.
Findra Talla gloves: soft lambswool gloves in lovely colours.
Coal The Edith beanie: cute wool beanie for cold days in the countryside or city.
Fjallraven wool hat: another winter staple for me, and yes, it’s pricey - but it’s toasty, toasty warm even on the coldest days.
winter outfits
The other great element of packing for winter is that you can be far more casual and comfortable than in the summer months. Because we’re dealing with staying warm, winter packing is all about comfy boots, fleece layers, wool sweaters, and casual hoodies.
Here are some of my favourite winter outfits:
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