If you follow me on social media, you probably saw that I went to my first Buffalo Bills game recently—and honestly, this has been years in the making. My assistant Lally is the world’s biggest Bills fan. Like, the kind of fan who can share stats, stories, and game-day rituals. She’s raved about the experience for so long that I’ve been dying to go to a game myself, and the timing finally worked out for me to make it happen.

Of course, going to Buffalo in December comes with its own set of challenges—aka, it’s cold. The why-is-the-air-hurting-my-face kind of cold. After living in Texas for so many years, I do not consider myself a cold-weather person by any stretch of the imagination. So I knew going in that layers and the right cold-weather gear were going to be non-negotiable—and I was absolutely right.

This trip was all about preparation. I had to think about what I’d realistically need to stay warm for hours outside, while still being comfortable enough to enjoy the game (and not count down the minutes until I could escape indoors).

And honestly? It worked. I stayed warm, I survived the freezing temperatures, and I actually got to fully enjoy the experience. So if you’re planning a cold-weather trip—or braving an outdoor sporting event in winter—here’s a full breakdown of everything I packed to survive Buffalo in December… and yes, I lived to tell the tale.

What I Packed for a Cold-Weather Trip