The Carry-On Challenge: What I’m Packing for 6 Days in Piemonte at Christmas
Will it be enough?
I’ll be honest—I’ve always believed it’s not really possible to pack for winter destinations with only carry-on.
But this December, I’m challenging myself to do just that with six days in Piemonte—so everything I take needs to earn its place in my bag.
Here’s my full winter packing list and the thinking behind it.
Visiting during truffle season? Check out this autumn packing list.
Weather in Piedmont in December
In Piedmont, the weather can change quickly—you might be peeling off layers in a sunny piazza one moment and wrapping up against a chilly mountain wind the next.
Friends and family tell me it’s currently hovering around 11°C (52°F) by day and falling to -3°C (26°F) at night, with that damp cold that chills you to the bone—so layers are a non-negotiable.
Snow isn’t guaranteed in December, but it does happen. This year it arrived at the end of November, which locals say signals a snowy winter ahead.
Can’t make it to Piedmont this winter? Bring Piedmont to you with these two bagna caùda recipes.
Packing Strategy: My Approach
When it comes to winter packing, I prioritise comfort and warmth—thin thermal layers, merino wool jumpers, and other lightweight basics insulate without adding bulk.
I’m a big fan of Uniqlo for this: their Heattech basics are warm but lightweight, comfortable but stylish, and perfect for squeezing into a carry-on.
For this trip, I’ll mostly be visiting Christmas markets, visiting the Fat Ox Fair at Carrù, and eating casual meals with family, so layers and comfortable shoes make more sense than elegant outfits.
If you’re planning dinners or parties, I recommend one long skirt or dress you can combine with a jumper and boots for a chic-but-cosy look.
Looking for Piedmont-inspired Christmas gifts? I've got you covered with this gift guide.
Packing List for Piedmont at Christmas
I’m packing the following into my trusty CabinZero rucksack—the 28-litre model is designed to be compliant for most airlines.
I’ve had it for about a decade and it’s been all over the world, so it looks a little ragged, but it’s well-made and still going strong.
To make it all fit, I roll most items and use packing cubes to compress them.
Inner layers
1 Pair of leggings (to wear under jeans)
4x Long-sleeved + thermal t-shirts
Middle Layers
2x Merino wool jumpers
1x Chunky hoodie
Trousers, Dresses, and Skirts
1 Pair of jeans
1x Long skirt or dress (optional)
Outerwear
1x Wool coat
1x Packable down jacket (optional if you need an extra layer)
Accessories
1x Scarf
1x Hat
1x Gloves
1x Sunglasses
Footwear
1 Pair of comfortable shoes for walking (I’m taking my Skechers trainers)
1 Pair of boots (optional—trainers are acceptable as footwear, even at restaurants)
4x Cashmere socks (take more if you won’t have access to a washing machine)
Homewear
1 Pair of warm socks (I like the ones by Nordic Sock Company)
1 Pair of flannel pyjamas
Toiletries
- Jojoba oil for dry skin
- Lip balm
- Hand cream
- Tinted moisturiser with SPF
- Toothbrush
- Deodorant
- Face soap
- Moisturiser
- Shampoo + conditioner
- Hair serum (optional but essential if your hair frizzes with humidity)
- Basic makeup
- Dental floss
Tech + Travel Essentials
- Packing cubes
- Thermal insoles (optional but essential if you get cold feet!)
- Phone + charger
- Power bank
- Earphones
- E-reader + charger
- Documents, ID
- Travel insurance (I get mine through my Amex card)
- Reusable water bottle
- Laptop + charger
- Notebook
- Any small gifts if visiting family or friends
The Final Verdict…Did it All Fit in My Bag?
By wearing my chunkiest items on the plane, I managed to fit the rest into my CabinZero bag and prove myself wrong: it is possible to do winter with only carry-on.
Now the only question is…will it be enough?
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