From Snow to Sun: How I Pack for Different Climates with Only a Carry-On

I did something I promised never to do: I cracked and bought a Canada Goose Mystique. Full disclosure, I found this on Poshmark in good condition for $680. After hearing New Yorkers yammer on about this year’s supposed brutal winter, I snapped and bought this iconic parka, which is rated down to -22 degrees. This is what I wish I had packed when I went to the Grand Canyon in the dead of winter. And I know I’ll thank myself when NYC temps drop into the 20s and I’m standing on the sidewalk waiting for my taxi to the airport.

The British royal family’s love for Barbour has been well documented, and I finally discovered what the fuss was about last year. My family was going hiking in the Grand Canyon and I only had wool, floor-length coats. I might be vain, but even I knew a wool coat was a crazy pick for scaling Cathedral Rock. So, I dove into Poshmark and ended up finding the Beadnell Polarquilt for under $200. The fleece lining, kangaroo pockets and corduroy collar have made it worth every penny. Plus, it’s machine washable. While the brand recommends sizing down for a “slimmer” fit, I found it true to size with just enough wiggle room for some light layering on chilly San Francisco evenings. (Cue the sweater shirts.)

This is a great cashmere under $150 pick, and I’ve been living in it the last month. It’s my transitional sweater because of the oversized cut. You can wear it as a shirt, layer a button-up underneath or throw it over your shoulders in the daytime. For me, that’s the ultimate definition of a versatile piece.

A couple years ago, I sprung for a cream pair of Sézane’s Le Crop jeans, and I wear them ALL THE TIME. In fact, I loved the style so much, I recently bought another pair in classic denim. The ⅞ length is super stylish, and I love the way they fall, straight with a wide leg and cinching the waist. They go with everything—t-shirts, button downs, blouses and my collection of sweater shirts.

After criss-crossing NYC in the Birkenstock Bend Lows this summer, I haven’t looked back. These sneakers won me, a girl who swore them off, over. I love them for travel days and any other occasion where walking is the main event, because by the end of the day, my feet and knees feel like they never even walked a mile.

Maragux’s The Demi is my go-to shoe. I bought a gold pair several years ago and love them so much I got the sole replaced this year so I could keep wearing them. They’re an investment, but in my experience, super comfortable and built to last. I always bring a pair when I’m traveling. They have a great color selection and inclusive sizing, plus a 5mm foam footbed. I love that you can dress them up or down, eliminating the need for yet another pair of shoes if your travels require some formalwear.

I’ve had the Allbirds Tree Runners ($100; $68) for many years and have done everything from log miles in NYC to weight training and hiking the Arizona red rocks in them. However, I’ve recently transitioned to the Ina Garten-loved Wool Runners and love the slimmer profile—great for packing. I only throw in sneakers if I’m planning to do physical activities, and I will be hiking and playing tennis with my family, so these’ll go in my suitcase.

A friend sent me home with a pack of these one year and they are now my go-to winter socks. The fabric is 86 percent wool blended with polyester for a comfortable stretch. They’re warm but not bulky, making them easy to pack and also wear in shoes that aren’t snow boots without feeling like my feet are suffocating.