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Amsterdam, Germany, Paris in May 2015- coats needed?

Amsterdam, Germany, Paris in May 2015- coats needed?

Old Dec 14th, 2014, 06:13 PM
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Amsterdam, Germany, Paris in May 2015- coats needed?

Hi all,

I am taking my 2 daughters and 2 nieces to Europe this May. They are all Early 20s. We are landing in Amsterdam and working our way down the Mosel valley to Paris in 14 days.

We are taking 1 backpack and 1 20" rolling carry on each. I've researched the temps, and the weather histories say
high of around 60 and lows in the 40s. Based in this we were thinking of the packable down coats from Eddie Bauer. They are super warm, and pack down really small. We could layer this over sweaters and use scarves, etc to keep warm.

However, I read a thread on here which said all you need is a light jacket or windbreaker and a sweater. It seems most imply it is just horribly tacky to wear one of these jackets in Europe.

I am hoping for some advice on what type of outerwear is needed for this time of year.

Thanks!!
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Old Dec 14th, 2014, 06:14 PM
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Sorry, I forgot to add Fahrenheit for temps I posted
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Old Dec 14th, 2014, 07:22 PM
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I can't imagine wearing a down coat in 60 degree temps. It's not a matter of being tacky, it's a matter of what is comfortable. We were in Paris in May - rained most of the time - but we were very comfortable in a light rain jacket. Remember, you'll be walking a lot, so that keeps you warm as well. You do want to have some items for layering, but remember the 40 degree temps are at night - not while you are out in the day time.
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Old Dec 14th, 2014, 07:26 PM
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Down coats would be waaaaay overkill. More important than warm is waterproof. So a light raincoat you can wear over cardigan sweaters would be much more useful than down anything.

Maybe a fleece vest -- but even that would be overkill IMO.

Dress in layers.
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Old Dec 14th, 2014, 07:59 PM
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Thanks all! We will look for lightweight rain jackets instead. Layer this with our t-shirts (no logos,) long sleeve button downs and cardigan.

My girls are dying to wear their Purdue clothing, but I've banned it.
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Old Dec 14th, 2014, 08:00 PM
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Oh, and can I ask if you brought specific waterproof shoes? Or just a leather shoe/boot?
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Old Dec 14th, 2014, 09:31 PM
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Ha ha,. luck of the draw.. I normally wear/bring a Eddie Bauer windbreaker and a lightweight fleece..

A few years ago in MAY.. end of May to be exact.. I was freezing cold.. had to layer my one long sleeved shirt.. fleece and windbreaker and still wished I had gloves.

After three four days weather warmed up to very warm.

lows of 40 .. well that's cold really when you consider 32 is freezing,, and you will be outside a lot more then normal walking around in evenings. And the lightweight squishable jackets you mention really do pack up small..

I say take them.. and a sweater.. ( not to wear to gether but separately )

Also.. check weather right before you go.. it really and honestly can go both ways.. I visited Paris in August once when for 7 out of 9 days it was cool and rainy.. I have also almost had heatstroke more then once in Paris.. its very unpredictable.
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Old Dec 14th, 2014, 09:50 PM
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I bring leather or nubuck walking shoes. In May, I would also bring sandals. I've been in Paris in May when it was 80 degrees.
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Old Dec 14th, 2014, 09:52 PM
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Hi deb_curtis,

I live in Germany, and I'm still wearing coats in May. True, a down coat will be overkill, but generally a wool coat is perfect. And yes, you'll still need to layer the base layer, the sweater, the cardigan/vest under it to be warm on some days.

I would also say not to trust the forecasts you get before you go -- forecasts can change literally overnight, so a forecast for 7 days in the future won't be reliable.

Have fun as you plan!

s
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Old Dec 14th, 2014, 10:00 PM
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If you're from Florida or Arizona then you'll want something a bit heavier than if you live in Minnesota or Ohio.

I live in Germany, and I'm still wearing coats in May.

I also live in Germany and after the first or second week I am normally not wearing a jacket unless it is raining. This year was a bit of an anomaly because it was still "cool" come middle of June. Then it got crazy hot.
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Old Dec 14th, 2014, 10:08 PM
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sparkchaser -- I respectfully ask how long you are outside in May without a jacket? I know that you work and drive to work, so maybe you are only outside for a minute or two.

For the weekends or evening when you're outside for a few hours, are you also comfortable without a jacket?

Without a car, I'm usually outside for 20 or 30 minutes at a stretch, and even though I'm walking briskly, I am more comfortable in a light-wool coat than without one.

s
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Old Dec 14th, 2014, 10:34 PM
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I take the bus to work at least 4 days a week and it's a 5 min walk from my house to the bus stop (plus 1-5 min waiting time) plus a 15 min walk getting off the bus to my office.

Saturdays I am usually out and about for several hours running errands.

I am also at least 15-20 years younger than you are so that might factor in a bit too.
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Old Dec 14th, 2014, 10:46 PM
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Also -- I live at 800 m. And I was raised in Saudi Arabia and Florida . . . !



s
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Old Dec 14th, 2014, 10:48 PM
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I'd be cold if I lived at 800m, too!
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Old Dec 14th, 2014, 11:28 PM
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I live in the Netherlands, and do not normally wear a coat in May unless it raining. Even then quite often an umbrella is sufficient with a cardigan or light fleece.
As for shoes I wear leather shoes or waterproof trainer type walking shoes.
I spend a lot of time outside and can't imagine wearing a down jacket at any time of the year, but certainly not in May.
We often have a cold snap around 10, 11 May, when there can be night frost, but the days are normally warm enough.
Of course if you are from Florida or somewhere else warm you will feel colder here, but a down jacket is not necessary.
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Old Dec 15th, 2014, 12:02 AM
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The trick is layers, layers, layers. We even have a term for this style of packing and dressing, which is "Zwiebelsystem" ("onion system"). So the items you bring can be used flexibly and combined according to current conditions. A down coat or any other heavy bulky coat might be useful for a day or two, and a big nuisance for all the rest of the timw. I do not consider wool coats practical for travel either because they are heavy, not waterproof and take ages to dry. A good wind- and rainproof outdoor jacket and a fleece that fits underneath are the better choice. Germans are practical people, yes we wear these in the city, too.
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Old Dec 15th, 2014, 12:12 AM
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As do the Dutch.
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Old Dec 15th, 2014, 03:40 AM
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Your worries start a little bit higher -- with your head. A hat is essential for protection for showers, and for warmth on chilly evenings. Moving down, a snappy-looking scarf will satisfy both the need for warmth and for style, especially in France (essential wearing for men, too.) Buy a nice one there on your first day, as a souvenir as well as a practical accessory. And finally, footwear is a challenge, as has been mentioned. If your walking shoes get damp during the day, you need a lightweight pair for backup.
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Old Dec 15th, 2014, 10:01 AM
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>>(no logos,) . . . My girls are dying to wear their Purdue clothing, but I've banned it.
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Old Dec 15th, 2014, 01:40 PM
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A bit of Purdue gear would be fine. My son wore his Purdue shirt occasionally in France and it was a conversation starter. Now, any other lego wouldn't do (ha!) Boiler Up!
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