6 Winter Travel Essentials for Raynaud’s Syndrome

Traveling with layers is always important, but after being diagnosed with Raynaud’s syndrome, ensuring I stay warm has become even more crucial. Raynaud’s is a common condition that restricts blood flow to the fingers and toes in cold or damp conditions, resulting in numbness and temporary color changes in the skin. While this can be a minor inconvenience, my situation is quite severe in my toes. If I’m in the cold for too long, I risk developing chilblains, painful, inflamed spots that make walking difficult and can take weeks to heal.

In my five years as a travel writer, I’ve learned through my diagnosis how crucial it is to keep my extremities warm. This is imperative not just in chilly locations, but also during layovers, on lengthy flights, and in humid, air-conditioned places. That’s why I’ve created a list of my favorite travel essentials, including versatile wool socks, toe warmers, and fleece gloves for anyone with or without Raynaud’s syndrome. Packing these items on every trip has significantly reduced my travel stress, keeping me warm and comfortable, and preventing the frustration of numb fingers and toes, as well as the painful issues caused by chilblains.

Darn Tough Vermont Merino Wool Boot Socks

My older sister, an avid traveler who also deals with Raynaud’s, turned me onto Darn Tough socks for any activity that might involve a bit of cold. I’ve packed these socks for camping in the Rockies, transcontinental flights to Europe, and even a summer bachelorette party in Connecticut. Merino wool is a smart choice for those with Raynaud’s because it’s soft and warm without being bulky, so you can wear them with different shoes. 

They’re also odor-resistant, which is ideal for travel. Plus, Darn Tough offers a lifetime guarantee, making them a worthwhile investment for anyone with Raynaud’s.

Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Gloves

Smartwool is well-known for its incredibly warm base layers, but its gloves are also worth mentioning. What I love most about the Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Gloves is how cozy they are, thanks to the merino wool lining. Plus, the palm grips make them touchscreen-friendly, which is a huge bonus. This feature was particularly handy during a winter trip to Prague, where the weather was cold and windy. I could snap photos without having to remove my gloves.

Ignik Toe Warmers Multipack

A few years ago, I went on a snowshoeing trip with some friends near Boulder and ended up getting lost, which meant I spent way more time in the cold than I had planned. That night, I woke up with such intense pain in my big toe that I rushed to the doctor the next day, convinced it was broken. To my surprise, I found it was Raynaud’s syndrome, not a fracture. I also discovered that I could have avoided the pain altogether if I had just kept my feet warm to maintain proper circulation.

Since that experience, I have always carried a few pairs of toe warmers when I go out in the cold. The Ignik Toe Warmers from REI are my favorite because they last longer than most other options and can be resealed for up to 72 hours, which is great in case of an emergency. They’re also quite small, making them easy to pack in my carry-on.

Zippo HeatBank 6+ Pro Hand Warmer and Power Bank

The only thing worse than being outside with cold hands is being outside with cold hands and a dead phone. Enter the Zippo Heatbank 6+ Pro — a genius invention that combines a hand warmer and a power bank into one slim device. I didn’t have one on my last winter trip to Europe, and I really wish I had. Those long, frigid days exploring ancient cities can freeze your fingers and drain your phone battery fast, making it hard to find a cozy place to warm up. This handy two-in-one device solves both problems. Plus, it’s small enough to fit in your jacket pocket.

Columbia Women’s 4-pack Moisture-control Crew Socks

Dealing with Raynaud’s can be quite challenging, especially since symptoms can flare up due to dampness, regardless of the temperature. The Columbia Moisture-control Crew Socks are perfect for keeping your toes warm and dry during outdoor adventures without worrying about numb toes.

I wore these socks while hiking in Zermatt, Switzerland in the fall. Although the weather was warm and sunny, we were right next to icy mountains and glaciers, which made it feel quite cold. Plus, the trail wound through dense forests and into mountain shadows, where it got damp and cool as the sun set. Thankfully, these socks kept me comfortable throughout the hike and even when we went into town for food afterward. And don’t worry, they come in a four-pack, so you can always have a clean pair ready to go.

Ugg Women’s Classic Alpine Lace-up Boots

Ever since I was diagnosed with Raynaud’s, Uggs have become my go-to investment. When you need something warm and practical, why not choose something stylish, too? I really love the Ugg Alpine Lace-up Boots because they have a platform design that provides extra insulation from cold floors. 

They were incredibly useful during a particularly dreary week in Yellowstone National Park, where I stayed in a charming, albeit drafty, 120-year-old log hotel. I prefer this lace-up style over the classic Uggs for those dealing with Raynaud’s in their toes, as the laces allow for easy adjustments to accommodate thicker socks or toe warmers when necessary. I have no problem wearing these comfy boots at the airport, either. 

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