What to pack for Michigan in December

15 rain days a month finds every seam. A real shell, not a windbreaker.

Lows around 21°F. Goes under the shell when the wind picks up.

Highs below freezing. A puffy alone won't do it.

Wear one, dry one. Cotton stays wet all week here.

Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night.

Dark by 6:00pm. Every campsite chore after that is a two-hands job.

Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.

For the passport, the chargers, and the one dry pair of socks.

For the mornings and the nights.

Treat the clothes once and it lasts weeks.

One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera.

Lows around 21°F. One blanket that packs small covers the car, the campsite and the beach at sunset.