What I'm packing for pilgrimage to Poland
- Aimee Boudreaux MacIver
- Oct 9
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 9
At the end of the month, I'll be on pilgrimage in Poland! I'm so exited to return to one of the richest and densest Catholic destinations in the world. From the hometown of St John Paul II to Our Lady of Jasna Góra to the Divine Mercy Chapel, Poland overflows with saints, holy history, and Catholic culture. I’ll have so much to share, but first things first: what do you pack for a pilgrimage?
Why pilgrimage packing is different
I'm a weirdo who actually loves packing. Especially on a pilgrimage, it feels like an exercise in minimalism. I also happen to have a lot of pilgrimage-specific packing experience (and opinions) that I love sharing. Pilgrimage invites us not only to go somewhere different—but to go differently. Thus, pilgrimage packing has some unique considerations:
Reverence: You'll be worshiping and praying in sacred places, some of which enforce coverage of shoulders and knees. You'll also be witnessing to the sacred simply by virtue of your presence. Dress with reverence for God, the holy spaces you'll enter, and the dignity of yourself and everyone around you. You’d be surprised how powerful that witness can be.
Practicality: You want clothes that you can repeat wear and that work for a lot of walking and climbing.
Simplicity: Simplicity frees you—literally, of unnecessary stuff, but also of the internal clutter of having to manage stuff.
Style: Style isn't vanity; the better you feel, the more able you will be to stop thinking about how you look and wholly immerse yourself in the present.
How to pack for pilgrimage
I make packing sketches for our trips instead of packing lists. Draw your potential packing list and then draw all the outfits you can make with those pieces (it doesn't matter how well you draw; this is just for you!). I always end up taking several things out of my bags when I realize how little I need to make lots of great combinations. Bonus: your packing sketch will be a sweet souvenir.
What to wear on fall pilgrimage to Poland
Poland in fall can be chilly, damp, and windy — especially for a Louisiana girl! My fall pilgrimage outfit formula layers warmth, comfort, and reverence. It works for any number of days because you can keep rewearing and remixing, and in cold weather, your clothes require less laundering anyway.
Fall pilgrimage capsule:
Two pairs of jeans, or pants that you love (I vary the cut and wash for variety)
Three to four sweaters (wear the heaviest on travel days)
One pair of waterproof, low-heel boots
One pair of waterproof alternate shoes (like a waterproof, grippy-sole white sneaker)
One pair of third alternates (if space allows)
Thin layers for each day
Two or three fleece-lined leggings or tights
One slip skirt for dressing and layering over fleece leggings
Alternate the sweaters, bottoms, and shoes to create a surprising number of outfits with just a few pieces.
Remember: in colder weather, your coat is the main character, so pick one that's chic, sleek, and warm. Choose cold-weather accessories (hat, scarf, and gloves) that you really like for the same reason.
My packing list for Poland in fall
Fleece-lined leggings: These waterproof, fleece-lined leggings have been so helpful on many cold-weather trips layered under dresses or skirts. I've appreciated how comfortable and well-made they are without costing a gazillion dollars (what is it with leggings??).
Fleece-lined tights: There's a German maxim, "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes." Layer fleece tights under your jeans or pants and enjoy the cold weather!
Waterproof trench: outerwear: For fall in Europe, a waterproof trench is essential (this one* is so, so good—flattering and timelessly chic, genuinely waterproof, and has a zip-off hood).
Down coat: Yes, flattering puffer exist! This coat has been viral since it first emerged years ago—warm, stylish, and a million pockets for your gloves, phone, and everything else. I have happily worn my J.Crew down coat for years; try their excellent seasonal sales or search secondhand on Poshmark.
Tissue turtlenecks: These are excellent for layering and mixing to add a little style punch without bulk.
Merino wool boot socks: Merino is warm, feels pleasantly nubby on your feet, holds up to tons of use, never smells funky, and wicks moisture. For cold-weather trips, I prefer these to super-heavy, super-thick wool socks—they're warm without stuffing your boots to bursting. (Some merino enthusiasts even say they wear these socks multiple times before a wash, and I can understand why they say that, but y'all. Wash your socks.)
Belt bag: I strongly prefer a belt bag to a crossbody or shoulder bag for cold-weather trips because there's nothing worse than getting trapped and tangled in all your layers. A belt bag is ideal for wearing under your coat (I turn mine toward the back to avoid weird bulges) and you won't need to constantly untangle yourself from straps. This one looks good, comes in dozens of colors, and is far more affordable than those uber-trendy athletic wear brands.
Cashmere beanie: This beanie has a beautiful, perfectly flattering shape and comes in 26 gorgeous, subtle colors. I also love this affordable, iconic knit cap that looks good on everyone.
Slip skirt: For cold-weather trips to sacred places, going to Mass, dressing for dinner, or just looking nice in your photos, a slip skirt is ideal. I love this skirt so much that I have it in three colors and almost never travel without it. It mixes beautifully with sweaters and tops, boots or sneakers, hides fleece leggings, packs down to nothing, and travels with versatility from street markets to Mass. This washable silk slip skirt is also a dream.* These pieces are no-brainer for pilgrimage because they offer coverage for sacred spaces plus effortless style, so you can focus on higher things.
Thin cotton base layers: Pilgrimage invites focus on the interior, not exterior. These ultrathin, ultrasoft cotton undershirts add zero-bulk warmth and let me rewear items so I can pack light and simply get dressed without undue self-preoccupation. They disappear under everything and protect your sweaters, dresses, tops, and other clothes so you can extend re-wears.
Tech gloves: Use your touchscreens without exposing your fingers to frostbite.
Long sleeve base layers: I layer these silky long sleeve base layers over the short sleeve base layers for warmth without bulk under sweaters.
Toups and Company organic skincare products: I can’t survive winter without this frankincense tallow balm or tinted lip balm. They're the single organic, nontoxic moisturizers in the entire world that has worked for my face and lips...I could go on and on. A teeny bit goes a long way. My jar lasts about two months with twice daily use. From this small-batch, small business, I also love, use daily, and subscribe to the the mineral makeup (a jar lasts me a few months).
Weatherproof boots: I have used and loved these every January; they are comfortable for my problem feet and lined with sherpa to be extra toasty. For cold-weather trips when I need a boot that dresses up more, I pack something like these.
Metallic flat mary janes: I've worn these all over France, Rome, and Assisi and cannot tell you how much my problem feet love these affordable shoes (they even fit my orthotics!)
High waist jeans: I have loved these two very different cuts from Levis—a high waist keeps all your layers securely tucked and actually adds some extra warmth to your core. The Ribcage Bells are extremely and universally flattering, plus have lots of room for your boots. The Ribcage Straight are an always-stylish straight, slightly-cropped cut that looks great with everything and won't drag in the slush and salt. Note: For a pilgrimage I think you should level up in reverence for the sacred: no ratty slashed jeans with heavy distressing, nor saggy old tees. And there's another reason to elevate your style on pilgrimage: photos. You’re going to take a ton of photos, and you won’t regret looking polished against iconic backdrops.
Favorite travel essentials
I could sing on and on the praises of my favorite travel backpack. It offers tons of pockets and compartments to keep you organized and has some smart features like security pockets, water-resistant exterior, and comfortable straps. The zippers are beautiful and function smoothly.
Plug adapter: actually, pack two just in case you forget one at a hotel.
If you're not using packing cubes yet, you'll love how instantly organized they make your luggage and how easily you'll be able to keep track of where everything is while you're living out of a suitcase.
This little flat-pack gadget bends and folds to hook onto anything (I use mine to hold my phone on seat backs or tray tables). Slip it in your bag and enjoy not using your phone at angles that destroy your neck.
The best travel umbrella for sleet and snow.
A good pair of noise-reducing earplugs is always helpful.
Over ear headphones are warmer than earbuds.
Cold weather is a sneaky dehydration trap; I love my glass water bottle for easy refills.
For Europe, I usually pack bone broth packets for comforting protein that's a welcome reprieve from endless butter and cream.
Please tell me you wouldn't dream of drinking Starbucks or some other random coffee just because you're traveling. I have used this coffee press on a moving bus, in airports, and in more hotel rooms than I can count. It makes incredible coffee every time. All you need is a hot water source (and coffee, of course). Pro tip: European hotel rooms almost always have an electric kettle.
Toups and Company organic skincare products: I can’t survive without this frankincense tallow balm or tinted lip balm, especially after long flights that parch your skin. A teeny bit goes a long way. My jar lasts about two months with twice daily use. I also love, use daily, and subscribe to the the mineral makeup (a jar lasts me a few months).
Pilgrimage essentials
Small journal and pen: Write down what the silence and beauty reveal and whisper. I especially like to make thoughtful note of the sensory experience in a sacred place: what are you seeing, smelling, hearing, tasting, touching? Your body is not incidental, but intentional: let the physcial reveal the spiritual.
Zip pouch for sacred sacramentals: Don't be afraid to gather up stones, leaves, flowers, Mass cards, random medals—some of my favorite pilgrimage souvenirs are the ones with the tangible connections (#theologyofthebody). A zip pouch keeps them contained (and it may as well be cute).
Catholic Geaux Bag is a portable collection of essential sacramentals to take wherever you roam and roost. This set comes from our dear friends' non-profit and includes essentials like a crucifix, holy water, blessed salt, a brown scapular, and more.
The more intentionally you pack, the freer you’ll be to focus on prayer, beauty, and grace—and even your suitcase can become part of the encounter.
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Image source. *If you would like a $20 off code for Quince, where I got my silk skirt, waterproof trench, and belt bag, email me at aimee@thyship.com.