During Australia’s winter season, the weather is typically cold, wet, and windy. While this may discourage some to get out into the great outdoors, more often, with the right planning, those who enjoy colder temperatures can discover a variety of great winter destinations and activities. It is very important however, to ensure that you leave the house prepared. 

Both tourists and locals have the option to ski on slopes and relax in mineral-rich thermal springs or stay in cosy cabins with fireplaces and enjoy warm beverages.

Travellers should take necessary precautions for weather changes when visiting destinations such as the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales or the Victorian Alps in Victoria, as well as when exploring busy cities during different seasons.

Before starting a winter trip, it is recommended to make sure your handbag or backpack contains all the essential items to ensure your preparedness and comfort.

When preparing for a winter outing, it’s important to have necessary supplies such as hats, gloves, snacks, and water bottles for practical purposes and added warmth. With various options available, it can be challenging to distinguish between essentials and non-essentials.

This guide provides a list of everyday essentials, necessary for a winter ready handbag.

1. Hat or Beanie

To stay warm in cold weather, wearing a hat or beanie is necessary. It’s an important part of any winter wardrobe, as it keeps your head and ears warm and adds style to your outfit. Keeping your head warm is very important to protect you from heat loss. Beanies come in different materials, such as wool and fleece, so you can choose the best option for you. There are slouchy or ribbed knit options available to match your style, while fleece-lined beanies provide extra warmth and wool beanies offer a classic look.

2. Scarf & Gloves

A scarf and gloves are a practical accessories that can keep your neck and hands warm and provide extra layers of protection from the weather. Consider choosing from various materials, colours, and designs to find the one that suits your needs.

3. Lip Balm

In colder climates, skin can become dry, particularly the lips which are frequently exposed to the elements. It is advisable to bring a lip balm containing SPF protection to prevent dry and chapped lips in low temperatures.

4. Snacks

To sustain energy levels in cold temperatures, make sure to bring snacks like granola bars, nuts, or fruit to prevent exhaustion during the day. Moreover, carrying a thermos filled with hot tea or coffee can offer warmth and energy while discovering cold areas.

5. Heat Pads

To keep your extremities warm during cold weather, heat pads are helpful. Hotteeze Heat Pads* are our favourite for outdoor as well as indoor use. They deliver consistent warmth for up to 14 hours and ease sore and tired muscles. Hotteeze for Feet are foot warmers that fit in any shoe or pair of boots, suitable for both men and women to keep feet warm during those winter months. Hotteeze Hand Warmers can be held or tucked into gloves or pockets. They are air activated for convenience and portability and can last up to 10 hours. All Hotteeze are odourless for discreet use during your cold commute or winter vacation.

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*Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Do not stick directly on skin.

6. Sunglasses

Sunglasses with UV protection should always be part of your winter wardrobe. Even on cloudy days, the sun’s rays can still damage your eyes, so having a pair of sunglasses with UV protection will help protect you from any harmful rays. Additionally, wearing sunglasses in winter can also help reduce glare from snow and ice, allowing you to better see and enjoy your surroundings. Keeping a pair in your handbag is a daily essential.  

7. Moisturiser

In the winter, the lack of humidity in the air can have negative effects on the skin. To avoid dryness, it is advised to use a moisturiser that also provides SPF protection, which can help to maintain the skin’s moisture and overall health.

8. Quality Water bottle

Cold weather can lead to dehydration, making a water bottle important in winter just as much as in the warmer weather. Insulated lids can help to maintain a comfortable drink temperature. The LifeStraw Stainless Steel line is a good option, filtering out impurities from fresh water sources and providing insulation. You can use it to stay hydrated wherever you are.

LifeStraw stainless steel water bottles are ideal for winter outings. They have a stylish design and protect against harmful bacteria, parasites, and microplastics. The filter eliminates 99.99% of impurities from up to 1,000 litres of water. The double-walled insulation maintains the perfect temperature for your water. The easy-to-carry handle allows you to take your LifeStraw bottle with you wherever you go and stay hydrated safely.

Having the appropriate winter backpack essentials is crucial for staying warm and safe during the cold season. Essential items like hats, scarves, gloves, lip balms, snacks, heat pads, sunglasses, moisturisers and quality water bottles should all be included in your backpack. By investing in the right items, you can enjoy outdoor activities without concern and feel comfortable in any temperature.

After ensuring that you have packed all necessary winter items, proceed to the slopes, or go on that long hike or train ride to enjoy the winter season while taking precautions to stay warm and comfortable.

Image Sources:

1. https://unsplash.com/photos/4rIM6TkmOpQ
2. https://unsplash.com/photos/a03QiWl0eyM