Travel hack: How to pack for hot and cold weather

Travelling in two or more climates on the same trip happens more often than you might think. If you base yourself in Los Angeles, for instance, you can ski in the morning and surf in the afternoon. Go on an African safari and you'd best be prepared for brisk mornings and sweltering afternoons. And in southern Europe, where scorching summers are forcing travellers to rethink peak season, anything goes in the shoulder months.

How to pack for temperatures that might swing 10 or 20 degrees in either direction? Check the weather forecast ahead of time, naturally, and prepare in advance by packing everything from an umbrella to a sun hat. However, you don't want to overpack. If there's no snow forecast, leave the bulky boots at home and opt instead for versatile walking shoes.

The key to a functional wardrobe that covers you from the shivers to the sweats is layers. Gayle Higginbotham, founder of Oculus Travel and an Africa travel specialist, says layering is her top tip for comfort in hot and cold climates.

"Temperature variations in Africa can be extreme," Higginbotham says. "Chilly mornings setting out on safari at 5am can require gloves and beanies, while afternoon siestas are spent cooling under a fan dressed in nothing but a wet kikoi [cloth wrap]."

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Higginbotham says she always packs vest tops, T-shirts, long-sleeve safari shirts, a lightweight puffer jacket and a light windbreaker. A pair of ski-inner gloves and a beanie don't weigh much, but can substantially increase your comfort on a brisk morning game drive. Depending on how much you travel and your clothing budget, it's worth looking at options from Patagonia, Rab or Uniqlo.

Athan Didaskalou, frequent traveller and founder of sought-after luggage brand, July, says packing cells are an essential accessory to keep your suitcase organised and to delineate the hot and cold weather gear at a glance.

"If you need extra space, opt for July's Compression Packing Shelves to squash down your clothing even more," he says. "If you're super short on space, wear your bulkiest clothing on the plane, such as big boots and a large coat."

It's also smart to opt for an expandable suitcase so that you'll have room for all the outfits, plus space for souvenirs.

Natural fibres such as merino wool are your friend: warm in winter and breathably cool in the heat. "Plus, they don't get smelly as quickly," Didaskalou says.

If in doubt when planning a multi-climate travel wardrobe, focus on lightweight accessories that have an outsize impact.

"Scarves are your secret weapon for both hot and cold, as well as smartening up a daytime outfit for straight-to-dinner transformation," Higginbotham says. "They're a lovely memento to collect on your travels, available at most lodge gift shops. They can also double-up to protect your face or your camera from the elements on the game vehicle." Didaskalou recommends always packing a cap. They're great for sun protection and will keep your noggin warm if the temperature dips.