Packing for a 9-day trip in late January to Washington, D.C. and New York City calls for strategy. I had to pack for two speaking engagements, a conference, a TV appearance, and urban exploration to see National Park Service sites. This trip called for pieces that are warm, mix easily, and look polished on camera or stage. I also wanted to travel across the country without hauling a huge suitcase of bulky clothes. Typically a carry-on traveler, here’s my business travel packing list for cold weather.

Everything I pack has purpose and has to mix and match into multiple outfits, especially with bulky winter clothing. The sweet spot for winter business travel packing list is polished, layer focused, and warm. This capsule wardrobe is perfect for when it’s cold outside, but toasty inside. Here’s a streamlined wardrobe to get you through a long business trip. I’m even sharing my MVP piece and the one extra item I should have ditched.

The Bags That Work

Everything in this list fit into my Gregory Packs Quadro Pro 22-inch hardcase carry-on roller paired with the Rhune 28L backpack. Using Eagle Creek packing cubes, the Quadro held all clothing, shoes, and extras with room to spare. The Rhune backpack held my tech, toiletries, and on-the-go essentials.

Save space in your backpack to stash your crossbody purse before boarding, so you only have two bags. I also had enough room to tuck in my puffy trench coat. 

This is proof a well-edited packing list beats a bigger suitcase every time.

The Core Work Capsule (All Mix & Match)

These pieces rotated through travel days, dinners, appearances, and meetings.

Black blazer

Animal print blouse 

Pink velvet shirt

2 tanks (black and white – Athleta Momentum Seamless Tank)

2 scarves (animal print + colorful)

Black cardigan sweater

Beige turtleneck sweater

Green pants (Athleta Headlands Hybrid Cargo Leggings)

Black pants 

Black faux leather pants (Spanx Moto Leggings)

1 dress

Grey jacket

Outerwear for Real Winter

Puffy trench coat with detachable hood

Colorful scarf

Grey hat + fingerless gloves

Black gloves

Winter doesn’t care about your agenda. Layering matters more than bulk when you’re out in the elements. The puffy trench handled wind, cold, and long outdoor walks between sites.

Exploring Days (Cold Weather Layers)

Black long-sleeve tee 

Lightweight fleece full zip

Fleece-lined leggings 

Comfort and warmth mattered here while walking between memorials, historic sites, and trails. These layers disappear under outerwear, but hold their own in cold and windy conditions during urban exploration.

Workout Gear (Hotel Gym Ready)

2 workout tees

2 sports bras

2 workout socks

1 crop leggings

1 full-length leggings

Movement keeps me sane on busy trips. On extremely hectic travel days, I’ll at least try to get in some stretching or yoga in my hotel room.

The Unsexy but Essential Stuff

Pajamas

2 bras

5 undies

Spanx tights (for the dress)

2 boot socks

2 no-show socks

Shoes (Just Two)

Sneakers

Black waterproof boots

That’s it. No regrets. I pick shoes for function over fashion, especially in winter. But, select sleek shoes that you can easily walk at least a mile in and go with everything so you can still look put together.

Extras That Earned Their Spot

Round hair brush

Curling iron/straightener combo

Lacrosse ball and fitness bands

Travel umbrella

Vitamins

Tripod

Protein bars

Long hours while traveling is brutal on the body, which is why I travel with a lacrosse ball to use on my neck, shoulder, and anywhere there’s tension or stiffness. Because of its density, I put the lacrosse ball in an outside pocket of my backpack. After clearing security, I put it in my carry-on roller. I always have a cylinder tripod in my carry-on. As a journalist, it’s a non-negotiable travel item.

What’s in My Backpack

Laptop

iPad

Toiletries

Makeup

Small jewelry pouch

2 protein bars and baggie of peppermints and Ricola

Chargers and cords

Travel essentials bag (clear pouch filled with just in case items)

I left room in my backpack to roll up my puffy trench and throw my crossbody purse in it prior to boarding.

Plane Outfits (Because Comfort Matters)

Flight to DC:

Black cardigan sweater

White tank

Animal print scarf

Green pants

Sneakers

Flight Home to Denver:

Beige sweater

Black pants

Animal print scarf

Boots

Winter Travel Tips (And My One Miss)

Comfortable, warm, polished, and camera-ready if needed are what this cold weather capsule does. I did wash undies, socks, and workout wear midway through trip. The animal print scarf quietly carried this entire trip. That is the MVP of the business trip packing list. The one item I could have done without? The grey jacket. I packed it as an extra, but truly didn’t need it. Neutral bases, several scarves, and weather-smart layers are key. Thoughtfulness in packing is a time-saver during trip! Hope my winter business travel packing list helps you be a carry-on traveler, even in the heart of winter.