What to pack for New York in January

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

Lows around 18°F. Goes under the shell when the wind picks up.

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

Lows drop to minus 8 degrees Celsius, so exposed skin freezes fast.

Wind at 20 kilometers per hour cuts through bare hands in minutes.

Sidewalks ice over constantly in January across New York.

Low UV index but snow reflects what little sun exists directly into your eyes.

This destination has no insects in January, so skip this item.

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

Cold injuries and slips on ice happen fast when daylight is short.

Short daylight means you photograph in dim conditions and drain batteries.

Dark by 5:50pm. Every campsite chore after that is a two-hands job.

Fits the overhead on every airline that matters and skips checked lines.

Single-track roads mean you want the map at eye level, not in your lap.

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.

Rain plus freezing temperatures means wet insulated gloves, not just cold ones.

For the mornings and the nights.

Nine hours of daylight means most of it comes at low angles, hitting your face.

Snow falls and wet socks turn toes numb within an hour.

Treat the clothes once and it lasts weeks.

Tap water is safe to drink, but cold air dehydrates you quickly.

One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera.

Checked luggage gets lost more often on crowded winter routes.

Rolling bags handle snow better than backpacks on icy pavement.

Packing cubes compress winter layers and keep them organized.

Heavy winter gear takes up space fast on a long trip.

Fourteen rain days in January plus compressed winter layers means laundry happens in the guesthouse sink.

Lows around 18°F. One blanket that packs small covers the car, the campsite and the beach at sunset.

Snow gets into boots at the ankle and stays there all day.

Fourteen rain days a month finds every seam in winter boots.

Humidity sits at 76 percent and shared surfaces stay wet.

Winter conditions mean no insect bites, so this item is unnecessary.

One outlet at the guesthouse turns into four with the right cables.

Domestic travel still requires TSA locks on checked bags.

Winter coats compress down when you need suitcase space.

Humidity at 76 percent means moisture builds up in gear fast.

Lows hit minus 8 Celsius and wind pushes the chill factor lower, so hands go numb fast without heat.