What to pack for Chicago in December
3 nights · 23–36°F / -5 to 2°C · lake wind can make it feel 10–15 degrees colder
clothes
- insulated coat, knee-length if you have one
- thermal base layers, top and bottom
- 2 warm sweaters or fleeces
- lined pants or jeans over leggings
- thick wool socks
- hat that covers your ears
- scarf or neck gaiter
for the wind chill
- insulated boots with real grip
- mittens, warmer than gloves
- face covering for the lakefront
- hand and toe warmers
- lip balm with sun protection
- bag that closes fully
- spare dry socks in your day bag
toiletries + meds
- thick moisturizer
- lip balm
- saline nasal spray for dry air
- pain reliever
- throat lozenges
- hand cream
- tinted lip or cheek stain
the stuff you always forget
- phone charger
- power bank, cold drains batteries fast
- ID
- a bag for wet gloves and hats
- ice melt grips for shoes
- sunglasses for snow glare
- reusable water bottle