Complete packing guide for winter sun climbing trips to Europe. What outdoor clothing, travel bags and gear you need for bouldering and sport climbing getaways.
February. Midway between Winter and Spring. The gritstone is soaking, the days are short, and your psych is running on low. No wonder so many of us escape to sunnier destinations for our winter climbing fix. Whether you're heading to Fontainebleau for bouldering or the limestone of Spain for sport routes, packing smart makes the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one.
A week of outdoor climbing mid-winter does more than top up your vitamin D. It bridges the gap between wall sessions and summer rock, letting you apply the strength and technique you've been building indoors to real stone. The movement patterns are different, the rests are longer, and reading rock takes practice. There's no better time to get those miles in than February.
This guide covers what to pack for a winter sun climbing trip, focusing on clothing layers for variable conditions and travel bags that handle flights, transfers and crag approaches. We've left out the obvious climbing-specific hardware (you know what harness you need) and concentrated on the kit that's easy to overlook or get wrong.
Need the quick version? Jump to the complete checklist
Getting there
Flying is the default, but it's not the only option. Fontainebleau is a short hop from Paris on the Eurostar. Spanish destinations like Siurana and Margalef are reachable by train via Barcelona. Overnight sleeper services to the Alps make the journey part of the adventure.
Train travel changes your packing approach. No weight limits, no oversized baggage fees, more flexibility with awkward items like bouldering pads.
Unfortunately it is rarely the easiest, cheapest or most convenient option - but it's worth checking routes before you book flights by reflex.
Travel bags and luggage
Getting your gear to the crag involves trains, airports, rental cars, shuttles and walks from the car park. Your luggage needs to handle all of it.
What to look for in a climbing travel bag
Durability over style. Your bag will get thrown into holds, dragged across gravel and stuffed into overhead lockers. Look for reinforced bases and tough fabrics.
Carry options. A bag that works as both a backpack and a duffle gives you flexibility. Shoulder straps for the airport, grab handles for the boot of the hire car.
Organisation. Separating dirty shoes from clean clothes, wet towels from electronics. Internal pockets and compression straps help keep chaos under control.
Size that fits. Most budget airlines allow 40-55L as checked luggage without oversized fees. Check your airline before you go.
Our picks
Voyager 90L Recycled Roller Duffle – For longer trips or those who refuse to pack light. The wheels save your shoulders on long airport corridors, and the recycled fabric reduces environmental impact without sacrificing durability.
Kitbag 40L – The classic expedition duffle format in a cabin-friendly size. Tough enough to survive baggage handling, simple enough to live out of for a week.
Skomer – A versatile kit bag that keeps your gear organised in transit. Useful for separating climbing kit from everyday clothes.
The art of packing
How you pack matters as much as what you pack. A well-organised bag saves time at security, makes living out of a duffle less chaotic, and means you can actually find your chalk when you need it.
The principle is simple: group items by use, not by type. Climbing kit together. Evening clothes together. Toiletries accessible. Dirty laundry contained. When you can pull out exactly what you need without unpacking everything, travel gets easier.
Packing cubes and organisers might feel excessive until you're hunting for a specific t-shirt at 6am in a shared apartment. They also compress your clothes, leaving room for that extra block of chalk or the coffee you bought at the airport.
Travel organisers and packing cubes – Keep your bag structured and your mind calm.
Daypack for the crag
Your main luggage stays at the accommodation. You need something smaller for daily crag sessions.
What to look for in a crag daypack
Size. 15-35 litres depending on whether you're bouldering (just shoes, chalk, snacks) or sport climbing (rope, draws, layers, guidebook).
Comfort when loaded. A hip belt and sternum strap help if you're carrying a rope or walking more than 20 minutes.
Weather resistance. February in southern Europe is pleasant, not tropical. A sudden shower can roll in. Water-resistant fabric or a waterproof rucksack protects your layers and lunch.
Durability. Daypacks get dumped on rocky ground, stuffed under boulders and used as a pillow. They need to take abuse.
Our picks
Gnarl 15L Daypack – Compact and straightforward. Ideal for bouldering sessions where you're carrying the essentials and nothing more.
Gourdon 30 Waterproof Rucksack – Fully waterproof for unpredictable weather. The roll-top closure means you can expand capacity when needed.
Ledge 35L – For sport climbing days with a rope, full rack and layers. Structured enough to carry weight comfortably on longer approach walks.
Idaho 30L – A versatile 30-litre option that doubles as a travel backpack, handy if you're flying carry-on only.
Outdoor clothing for winter sun climbing
The name "winter sun" is slightly misleading. Yes, it's warmer than the UK. But mornings are cold, shade is chilly, and you'll be standing around belaying or spotting more than you're moving. Layering is everything.
Base layers and t-shirts
You'll be working hard on the rock, then standing still while your partner climbs. Quick-drying fabrics stop you getting cold in your own sweat.
What to look for: Wicking performance, fast drying time, comfortable fit that doesn't restrict movement. Synthetic materials outperform cotton in every way that matters.
Our picks:
Picu Tee – Wicking polycotton blend that dries fast and feels comfortable all day. Works as a climbing layer or casual evening wear.
Rocca Tech Shirt – Quick-drying technical fabric for warmer days when you need maximum moisture management.
Midlayers and fleece
The layer you reach for at the belay, between burns, or when the sun dips behind the cliff. Something you can throw on and off without fuss.
What to look for: Lightweight warmth that packs small. Easy on/off while wearing a harness. Breathable enough to wear while climbing if conditions are cool.
Our picks:
Kelpie Micro Fleece – Quarter-zip design makes it easy to regulate temperature. Recycled micro fleece provides warmth without bulk. Packs down small for your crag bag.
Redpoint Fleece – Crew neck style for straightforward layering. A reliable midlayer that handles everything from cold belays to evening strolls.
Shell and insulation layers
Even in southern Europe, February weather can surprise you. A lightweight waterproof jacket takes up minimal space and saves the day when conditions turn. And while the days might be pleasant, evenings cool down quickly, especially if you're eating outside or walking back from the crag after sunset.
What to look for: A packable waterproof for unexpected showers. A lightweight insulated jacket for static warmth at belays and cool evenings. Both should compress small enough that you'll actually bring them.
Our picks:
Talini Insulated Jacket – Primaloft Silver synthetic insulation that keeps working even if it gets damp. Light enough to stuff in your crag bag, warm enough for cold belays and chilly evenings.
Add a lightweight waterproof or windproof shell for unexpected rain - check our waterproof jackets for options.
Climbing trousers and shorts
Freedom of movement is non-negotiable. You need legwear that stretches with high steps and doesn't restrict your hip flexibility on that crux move.
What to look for: Gusseted crotch, articulated knees, fabric with stretch. Avoid anything too baggy (catches on holds) or too tight (restricts movement). Quick-drying is a bonus for sweaty approaches.
Our picks:
Bloc Climbing Trousers – Organic cotton with the stretch and articulation climbers need. Comfortable enough for a full day at the crag and presentable enough for the bar afterwards.
Bloc Climbing Shorts – For warmer days when full-length trousers feel like too much. Same organic cotton construction and climbing-specific cut.
Bouldering mat
If you're bouldering, your pad is the single most important piece of protective equipment. Transporting it is the main consideration for a trip.
What to look for
Fold vs hinge. Taco-fold pads pack flatter but may have a weak spot down the centre. Hinged pads fold flat and offer more consistent coverage.
Size vs portability. Bigger pads cover more ground but are harder to fly with. Many climbers take a smaller travel pad and share mats with climbing partners.
Carry system. Backpack straps make the walk in easier, especially on longer approaches.
Check your airline's policy on sports equipment. Most accept bouldering pads as checked luggage, sometimes at an additional fee.
Our pick
Alpkit Bouldering Pads – Check our range for options that balance protection, portability and value.
Accessories worth packing
A few small items that earn their space in your bag:
- Headtorch – Early starts, late finishes, or just navigating a dark apartment
- Sun cream – You're at altitude and in direct sun. Your skin will thank you
- Lip balm with SPF – Often forgotten, always needed
- Tape – For flappers, splits and general skin maintenance
- Small first aid kit – Antiseptic, plasters, painkillers
- Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated, avoid buying plastic
- Guidebook or app – Know where you're going
Complete checklist
Travel and bags
- Main travel bag or duffle
- Daypack for crag sessions
- Packing cubes or organisers
Clothing
- Quick-dry t-shirts (2-3)
- Midlayer fleece
- Lightweight waterproof or windproof jacket
- Climbing trousers
- Climbing shorts (for warmer days)
- Casual clothes for evenings
- Underwear and socks
- Warm layer for cold mornings/evenings
Climbing gear
- Climbing shoes
- Chalk bag and chalk
- Bouldering pad (if bouldering)
- Harness, rope, quickdraws (if sport climbing)
- Belay device and screwgate
- Brush for cleaning holds
- Tape
Accessories
- Headtorch
- Sun cream and lip balm
- Sunglasses
- First aid kit
- Water bottle
- Guidebook or downloaded topos
- Phone charger and adaptor (EU plug)
- Travel insurance documents
Nice to have
- Camping chair or sit mat (for long belay sessions)
- Bluetooth speaker
- Playing cards
- Coffee kit
Not everything on this list applies to every trip. Bouldering in Font needs different gear to sport climbing in El Chorro. Use this as a starting point and adjust based on your destination, style and how much you trust the local supermarket for forgotten essentials.