Hey, Janis and other light packers -- need help!

I'm not Janis, but I'll take a stab at this You might have trouble fitting everything on your list in the 22" suitcase. Definitely do a dry run with your suitcase well in advance of the trip. Rolling the clothes will help.

You have 6 pairs of slacks; seven if you count the waterproof ones. This is the first place I'd cut back. You won't need more than 1 "nice" outfit, and I'd have a maximum of 3 other pairs of slacks. If you're not going to wear the jeans in the cities, I'd cut them out. They will take a lot of room in the suitcase.

Experts would tell you that jeans aren't really recommended for hiking because, being cotton, they are much more conducive to hypothermia if you get them wet. They are heavy and don't dry quickly or insulate when wet. I know that you are bringing waterproof rain pants, but I wouldn't want to hike in waterproof pants over jeans. Most hiking clothes are synthetic now. I think I would try to find some pants solution that you can wear on the trail as well as walking around cities. Or bring some synthetic hiking tights to wear under the waterproof rain pants.

I'd also suggest a fleece jacket or a microfleece shirt for hiking, to wear under your waterproof jacket, as you will need a warmth layer. A solid dark colored fleece can be an attractive jacket or sweater alternative for your days in the cities as well. (Never underestimate the power of a beautiful scarf - a lot of style for small amount of space.) I often use my fleece as a robe.

I might also consider one or two microfiber crew neck long sleeve tops. These can be work by themselves, under a fleece for hiking, under the turtlenecks or blouses, or directly under the cardigan or the cashmere (with or without the silk layer).

Hi

I agree w/ most of what noe87 says. I think your list is too "bottom heavy" and not enough tops.

The flexibility comes w/ having several tops that mix/match with a few bottoms. No need for that many pair of slacks.

Lined wool slacks - OK, good to have one nice basic that all of your tops will go w/

2 pair of jeans - probably 1 too many. I often don't take jeans at all. Not for any fashion statement but because they are heavy, take days to dry, and aren't all that warm. But if you "live" in jeans - take one pair. Otherwise take a pair of casual slacks instead.

2 pair microfiber slacks - again probably one too many.

You could manage w/ three pair of slacks total - but really you don't have to cut back that much. Pack the three (wool/jeans/microfiber) and wear another pair on the plane. 4 pair is very generous. I'd probably wear jeans on the flight and pack the waterproof in the suitcase - still only 4 pair total.

2 nightgowns - not necessary. Take 1 - they dry fast so you can rinse it out in the a.m. if by chance it isn't dry you can always sleep in the silk long underwear or a tee shirt.

3 "bottoms" combined with 6 to 8 tops plus your jacket will make more than 30 different outfits. Just make sure everything coordinates so you can wear any pants w/ any/all of the tops. I'd probably also include an additional jacket besides (or instead of) the leather. Unless it is lined, most leather isn't all that warm. A wool blend jacket - sort of blazer-ish - will be OK w/ jeans, for dressy, for casual - and warm.

just a small comment that France and Germany won't (usually) be very cold in September, so your 'warm wear' will be mostly applicable for Switzerland/highlands.

We traveled thru the Rhine area during an October timeframe, and went to Paris last September. Needed s/s shirt both times on a couple days, and l/s shirt the rest of the time, with a light jacket necessary only in the evening or early morning.

Hi there,
I also echo the other comments re the jeans. I haven't taken or worn jeans on my last three trips, I find they aren't versatile with regard to dressing up or down like regular slacks are, and they are heavy, take up a huge amount of space, and lastly I am one of those people who won't wear jeans more than once because they stretch out and look sloppy after one wearing (IMHO). Taking many tops and neutral bottoms is definitely the way to go, and I also take at least one cardigan for layering. I also use packing cubes for organization and it really allows you to get more clothes in as it scrunches down the stacks without wrinkling the clothes. I can get more clothes and items in using cubes than I can with the rolling method, personally, but some people swear by it. My husband used to roll until he saw the cube method and now I have converted him.

The other items I would cut are the one of the nightgowns, and the robe. Unless you are staying in hostels or in someone's home and will have no privacy, that is just extra stuff to take up space that you can get by without.

I would throw in a tiny umbrella if you haven't thought of that already.

The other thing I pack is a silk pillow slip. Sometimes hotels use so much bleach on their sheets that it makes the pillow cases feel like sandpaper and I can't stand the feel on my skin, so I have a silk pillow case that is easy to wash/dry and feels soft against my face if I am faced with that rough pillow issue.

One last comment: if you can substitute a cotton sweater instead of the cashmere, your laundering options will be easier and the cashmere needs blocking when you wash it. On a trip I wouldn't mess with that, but that is just me. Cotton or even ramie or another fabric is more forgiving, less stain proned, and much easier to wash and dry. Again, in my humble...

Through my many trips I have also cut back to basically two pair of shoes, one I wear which is usually my Timberland hiking boots, and one pair of dark leather for regular occasions and dressing up. Shoes are heavy and take up too much room to take too many pairs, for me anyway.

Have a grand adventure and we all look forward to hearing about it when you return!

I agree with the posters above. I have done 2+ week trips to Italy and Germany with taking just 4 bottoms and probably about 7-8 tops and being able to fit all my belongs in a 22". (and I might add, looking quite fashionable to boot)

One thing I would check is the voltage on your curling iron and make sure that it will be combatible with European voltage. I have had several curling irons explode on me and my friend also had her bangs fried off in France. She came back from her honeymoon with really bad hair. It may not be worth the space in your luggage.

My first suggestion is right now go put it all in the suitcase and see how close you are. My bet is it doesn't fit.

Secondly, I echo all above, too many pants (7 if I'm counting correctly) and not enough tops. You can wear the same pants for a week without washing, not true of tops. Also I don't know why you'd need 2 nightgowns and a robe.

I am a light packer, but would 2 pairs of shoes be enough? Maybe I'm missing something, but you'll have 1 pair on, 1 waterproof for hiking in the luggage.

For me, feet are the most important body part to take care of while on a trip. I would add one more pair of broken into, comfortable shoes.

Who cares how many tops and bottoms you have if your blisters won't allow you to enjoy them?

OOps, I missed that. 3 pairs of footwear is my personal minimum, for exactly the reasons Faina mentions above (that's the bulkiest one on my feet on the plane and 2 in the suitcase). Especially traveling when it sounds like you could get into some weather (all that mention of waterproof stuff).

Maybe instead of flip-flops you can pack comfortable sandals or loafers to wear during the day which can double as houseshoes? So you'll have 3 pairs total after all.

The same pair of pants for a week without washing them???

Couldn't do it.

Can manage with only 2 pair of shoes.

OK, so that was a slight exaggeration for effect and humor but I sure don't need 7 pair, I don't care how long the trip is. Plus she's planning to wash at least two of them in the hotel sink along the way.

If you will be hiking in Switzerland, don't take jeans. Nylon hiking pants (you can get simple ones that are not cargo pants or zip-offs) are much more compact to pack and more suitable for hiking. You only need one pair. With rain pants over, you will be warm enough down to 40 degrees or so. You need a capilene or polypro long-sleeve shirt for hiking---it will dry overnight after washing. Layer with a cardigan (microfleece?) and waterproof/windproof jacket. Consider taking lightweight fleece gloves.

We generally go for two weeks for everything from serious hiking to city walks and fine dining. It is quite possible to fit it all into a 22" roller bag (I wear my bulkiest shoes and clothing on the plane).

Have fun--sounds like a great trip!

I agree with what everyone has said about getting rid of the jeans and cutting down on the number of pairs of trousers.

Here are a couple of other suggestions.

1) Colour. Pick a combo and stick to it. I like heathery colours because they don't show the dirt as much. Avoid white.

2) A fleece zip jacket in a neutral colour, not too sporty, is a great layering piece that won't look out of place in towns but will get you through a hike.

3) Pack some old undies - you can toss them out if necessary.

4) Replace some of your long-sleeved tops with short-sleeved or sleeveless ones, combined with maybe another cardigan. It could be hotter than you think. You can always add a layer.

5) Pashmina scarf for warmth, use as a lightweight throw and to dress up your clothes (or cover stains). Great for the plane, packs down to nothing.

6) A lightweight pair of micro-fleece gloves. If you think it might be cool, it's always a good idea to keep extremities toasty.

7) You've forgotten to account for outdoor trekking personal stuff (sunscreen, bug spray, some first aid stuff, etc). It's going to add weight and it takes up a lot more space than you think. And don't forget Compeed blister bandaids.

8) Photocopy the relevant bits of guidebooks, so that you can throw out the pages along the way instead of schlepping the book around.

You're travelling in September which is still summer for the most part. I'd leave the lined wool slacks at home. If you are cold, you have your silk long-johns to layer. Unless your jeans are made of tencel material, they are too heavy to tote. One pair would be enough anyhow. I would add a sweater set to the tops. If you are planning to hike, even in the rain, then the rainpants are good. I'd substitue a black polartec jacket for the cardigan (assuming that black is your anchor color). One modest nightgown that you can wear down the hall to the bathroom if necessary would be sufficient. Flipflops are good for both houseshoes and shower shoes if you are staying in hostels.

I don't think the leather jacket will be very useful. A wool blazer is more practical but even that is not necessary. For dress, black slacks and a black turtleneck with a scarf or interesting piece of inexpensive jewelry and you are good to go.

What about a camera, medications, toothbrush, picnic kit? You need a little room for souvenirs.

The Swiss, Germans, and French all do laundry and the laundramat is a great place to meet some of them. Rotate your wardrobe, air out your sweaters and do a little hand laundry each night.

I usually carry my guidebooks and camera in my carry on bag (along with snacks, water bottle, change of clothing). I wear the bulkiest shoes and clothing pieces. A few fewer things to have to fit in the 22" suitcase! I also fold a nylon duffle bag into the outer pocket of the rolling suitcase for souvenirs and clothing aquired on the trip. Check both bags for the return.

Thanks, thanks, thanks! I never dreamed I'd get this much response and such wonderful tips. I'm really nervous about cutting back on the slacks, but you've done it, so I guess I can too. About the hiking slacks, I have a pair of nylon travel slacks but wonder if they're heavy enough even with longjohns under or waterproofs over. Glad to be reminded to take a short sleeved top and somewhere I might can unearth an old black fleece jacket. I'm not familiar with capilene or polypro shirts but will look into it. I think a sweater set is another great idea. It will take me a while to digest all of this. Thanks again. Fodorites are just great!!!

You're welcome

For capilene--try REI.com or Patagonia.com for Patagonia brand "silkweight" capilene. The fabric is tightly knit, smooth and silky, and very warm as a base layer for hiking. It packs down to about the size of a pair of panties (briefs, not thong!), washes in the sink and dries in hours (faster than real silk knits). The fabric and neckline are "dressy" enough that you can also wear it under a cardigan or v-neck for dinner, etc. I usually take one long-sleeve and one short-sleeve in different colors so I have one to wear hiking by day and one to wear to dinner.

I agree with cutting down the bottoms, but disagree about the jeans. I read advice on not packing jeans for my trip, and TRIED to do it, but at the last minute decided to wear black jeans with a bit of stretch in them on the plane. I like them because there are pockets for ID, a bit of cash, debit card (just in case) and chapstick.

Fast forward - other pants in my suitcase went unworn, but not those jeans. They became my uniform - easy to dress up or down, comfortable, and plenty of pockets for $, map, etc.

I'd want a pair of jeans for a month long trip. I could easily do without several of the other pair of pants.

My two cents.

I just got two pairs of jeans at Chico's in a stretch fabric that I'm packing this week for Italy. They are fashionable enough, I guess, but what I like about them is that they aren't the traditional heavy denim.

I also manage a to get a lot into my carry on bag. I collect travel size necessities for awhile before a trip and pack those.

Ditto. The black jeans I took aren't traditional denim fabric. They are lighter weight with a bit of lycra (I guess) to give them some stretch and they are OH so comfortable.

I myself travel with jeans regularly, but I wear them in the cities. My advice to the original poster was not to bring jeans if she intended to only wear them hiking, especially as they are not ideal hiking wear.

Don't most airlines (at least US carriers) allow you to board with a second "personal" item?
I always try to use the largest pocketbook style nylon bag for all the extra stuff that never seems to fit in the carry on...like camera, guidebooks a rolled up heavy sweater.

I forgot to mention as well "think stretch". The trousers I pack for trips always have a very small percentage of lycra (no more than 3% or they start to feel confining and make me look like a sausage). The small amount of lycra makes the clothes comfy enough for travelling, walking, expanding when you've eaten a bit too much dinner, etc.

Make sure that you try everything on just before you pack it. My weight fluctuates a little, and I find that some clothes that fit me last month are now a bit too snug or a bit too loose. If you're taking a minimalist approach to packing, everything has to be comfortable and wearable.

You didn't say whether the 22" bag would be a carryon or checked. If it will be your one carryon, check with your airline for the maximum weight for carryon bags. British Air only allows 13 lbs for coach. They weighed mine on the return trip, and I was just under that-fortunately. You might make some prep in case you have to check something. If you are taking a train or driving between places, you'd be OK, but some of the continental airlines only allow 1x10 lb carryon in coach. Good luck!

No one commented on this but I have to ask, a bath robe? I would think that takes up a lot of room and has no "alternate" use. Unless you are staying at someone's home where you share a bath with the family or something I can't imagine needing it. Even then, I would throw on a fleece and a pair of slacks to go down the hall. And I would have just one pair of each kind of slacks. Even modest hotels can arrange laundry service and yes it can be expensive but what's that compared to being miserable hauling your luggage around the entire trip?

Hi Fodorites. Someone above mentioned
"packing in cubes" . I have never heard of this and don't know what it is. Could someone please explain? and if it's something one buys, where to buy it?

Thanks in advance.

I am the "cube packer" Here is a link, you can find them at ebags, but also at magellans, travelsmith and other places. I buy them at ebags because they have the best price.

http://www.ebags.com/travel_accessories/packing_folders_cubes/category_search/index.cfm?Ne=100&N=4001+20014520

if this link doesn't work, go to www.ebags.com, click on the top row on "travel accessories" and on the list you'll see on the left, top of the list, you'll see "Packing Folders/Cubes" and click on that.

More thanks to all, especially to enzian for the websites for capilene and to wanderlust5 for info on packing cubes. You get slacks folded into these without wrinkles?

I'm re-thinking my packing list -- must have at least one pair of jeans, so I'm thinking one pair jeans (with lycra so they don't bag out) and 2 microfiber slacks with lots of packable tops, total 2 pair shoes, rain gear, etc. Does this sound more do-able?

It sounds doable. If I am using the largest cube, I fold pants into thirds and they fit in (I am very tall with a 35" inseam so my pants are longer than most chiquitas!) The tops usually go in the medium cubes and the small cubes I use for dainties and black tights (my black tights always travel with me, for skirts, and under slacks). I noticed someone had mentioned above a pashmina, and I can't recall if this is your first trip to Europe, but wanted to mention I always take two long scarves (almost pareos actually). You'll need those for your head/shoulders for any churches you visit. You probably know this, but I didn't recall seeing that on your list. There are some churches where they are more lax, especially in a brutally hot summer, but in September they will be more strict.

My packing cubes allow me to organize my suitcase well, get a lot more in, and everything stays compact and nonwrinkly that way.

Everytrip I pack lighter and lighter. For cooler weather I take one pair of stretch, lightweight jeans(wear on plane), one pair of black dressier slacks and one other pair of slacks such as khaki's, seven tops in a variety of short/medium/long sleeves for layering. One waterproof jacket with zip out fleece liner, two pairs on shoes (one on my feet), and a t-shirt and elastic waist shorts to sleep in that can go double duty as outdoor sportswear if necessary or be worn down the hall to the WC if not in our room.

I pack my slacks in the bottom of the suitcase without a packing cube but undies definitely go into a cube and tops go into a second cube. I purchased a this great toiletry bag from Magellans called the Flat-Pack Organizer that will lay flat on top of everything in my suitcase. It is 20X13 and has a total of 6 pockets on both sides. It can hang up practically anywhere. One side I use for toiletries and the other for misc stuff like camera recharger, travel clock, laundry stuff, etc. Very handy and only $14.85.

I took two pair of shoes on my last trip for 25 days and wore one pair almost the entire trip. I thought about just taking one pair on the next trip but a friendly Fodorite cautioned against it, what if it tore out or self-destructed. I'm so hard to fit finding a comfortable replacement pair would be a challenge. So I will continue to take two pair. If really cold, I'll add gloves and a cute hat!

On our last trip my teenage son started out with a fairly light backpack. He had so much fun shopping that he ended up buying more clothes than he started with. No problem for me, you buy it, you carry it. Same thing applied when I bought a beautiful tapestry in Brussels and had to lug it around for two weeks though, too cheap to mail home. So keep in mind that shopping opportunites are every where and if you find you need something you can usually buy it there.

Shoes getting wet is reasoning for the extra pair(s).

Check size and weight allowance for carry-on with the individual airlines. What one allows as carry on the next one makes you check - they all seem to be different. Recently flew to Barcelona and were able to carry going but forced to check on return even tho the bags were lighter on the way back. Have also run into quite a few airlines that won't allow a 22" as a carry-on anymore. And the weights are dropping also.

Just want to reinforce what mileaday said. The airlines are getting really strict on the weight issue and many are reducing the allowance. In the past few months, I've had my roll-on weighed on almost every flight and a few times made to remove objects until it hit the correct weight and that was flying Business Class.

I changed my mind and have an alternate suggestion...

Use a slightly larger suitcase, take everything you want, check your luggage on the plane.

The comment above about strict size and weight is a good one. I know on British Air my 22" meets size criteria but is WAY over the 13 lbs. allowed in the cabin.

After all this is for 30 days with a variety of activities in a season when the weather could go either way (warm or cool). While I am normally a light packer, in this situation I would feel better taking along a few more options for things to wear.

Although suze's suggestion to take a slightly larger suitcase is appealing, you should be careful about weight if you are going to be moving around much and will be taking trains. It's relatively easy to wheel a heavy suitcase up to the check-in desk at an airport, retrieve it at the other end and pop it into the taxi to go to your hotel. Quite another thing to drag that suitcase up and down narrow, twisty stairs in charming European hotels, haul the suitcase up and down stairs in metros, railway stations etc, heave it up the steps onto the train itself, etc. A few years ago, I travelled for about 9 weeks in the same area you're going to. I'd taken a shorter trip in the summer with a large suitcase (maybe 26"), and I just about killed myself trying to manoevre the thing around. So, on the 9-week trip, I took a 24" suitcase and was very careful about weight. It's about the maximum I can handle on my own (and I'm fairly tall - 5'7" - and strong). So, if you decide to move up a size, make sure you pack it with absolutely everything you plan to take, and then take it for a practice drag around town. Haul it a kilometre, wheel it up and down a hill, carry it up and down the stairs in your house (at least 3 flights up at a time). And then decide if you've packed right.

I notice that your message says "we". If your "we" includes someone stronger and taller than you, and s/he is chivalrous, s/he might be willing to share bags and carry the big one. My husband and I sometimes travel (long trips or activity-filled ones) with me taking a 22" and him taking a 24 or 26" suitcase, and I put some of the heavier/bulkier things in his suitcase. But this only works if your partner is truly willing to do this. The guy I DIDN'T marry refused to carry anything but his own stuff, whereas my wonderful husband is the heavy packer who encourages me to take everything and give it all to him to carry.

Or the "baggage handler" could be me. My mother thinks she packs light. She doesn't. She just has me to deal with her luggage on stairs etc. so she doesn't really notice!

Kate, I should have been more clear in my suggestion. I meant only possibly a 24" expandable checked thru, rather than a 22" carry-on might give her enough room to take what she needs to be comfortable. Those are the two pieces of luggage I own and the 24" noticably gives more room to pack.

I do agree it depends not so much the length of the trip, but how many times you will be moving around, changing towns or hotels. When I go and stay 2 wks with a friend in Switzerland (having only to take the train from/to from the airport) I can handle a somewhat larger and heavier suitcase than if I am going to train around by myself to various cities.

It's also a major pain to travel with a stuffed suitcase. When we travelled "home" to North America for Christmas, we started off with tightly packed 24" suitcases. We deluded ourselves into thinking that, once we handed out the Christmas presents, we'd have enough space to buy a few new things. Stupid mistake. Of course, we bought more than we expected to (we stayed in Palm Desert for Christmas - and those premium outlet malls were en route ...) We changed our accommodation every couple of nights, and it was always a nightmare to repack. So, make sure that you've got a little room in your suitcase before you leave home.

Kate_W, your husband sounds like mine -- ever willing to help. The problem is that we will be traveling by train for a few days before picking up our car, and there's no way he can handle his two oversized and overpacked suitcases and be much help to me. That's why I need to pack as light as possible. I do plan to check the 22" bag and carry on a tote. However, the tote is reserved for medicines and medical equipment so won't have extra room there. A large purse (Healthy back bag) can accommodate some extras. I also plan to take a minimum of toiletries, purchasing what I need after we get a car. If I can't get it all back into my bags when returning home, I'll just ditch the leftover personal items.

Suze, thanks to you too for all your input. All you gals have been great. Wish me luck in "going light."
Kay

happy to help. packing is a favorite subject of mine (how bad is that!)

BabsB--what kind/brand of shoes?
I will be working on farms, playing outdoors, and going out in cities.

I'd love to get by on three pair (sandals, all-purpose, and dressy) but not sure what kinds can be comfy and not totally f-ugly.

mandy1205, I take a pair of black leather ECCO lace up shoes and a pair of Rockport Robin Point casual shoes. The Rockports are my favorite. They are extremely comfortable and lightweight. They are made of suede and canvas so if it is cold out they are a bit too light weight. I did wear them almost my entire trip last summer and just wore the ECCO's on the plane because they are the heaviest and I also wore them when it rained. I got the ECCO's at my local mall, I got the Rockports at Zappos.com. They come in many colors, I really like the darkblue/lt blue combo, especially with jeans. I also have the black, brown & green, lime green, and beige.

I'm the original poster here and I don't know if this is the best way to update and ask yet another question, but here goes. I had to cancel this trip due to a couple of major surgeries but am now put together again and set to go to Switzerland on Sept. 4 for a month. I finally got my packing list pared down as per your suggestions but still have one item I need. Enzian suggested a capilene top but I don't know which weight to get. I found a 3-zip capilene at Patagonia that I like. Is a 3-zip too heavy for walks in mid-September in the Engadine, Zermatt and BO? I would wear a waterproof nylon jacket over and could wear another layer under. I'm cluless about cool/cold weather gear for walking, since our part of Texas gets little but warm/hot weather. Again, thanks to Enzian, Janis, Suze and all you other great Fodorites who have helped.

I would not wear that as my base layer, in case you got warm. Choose something lighter, like a capilene 1 crew neck(or two of them), which you could also wear with a cardigan or v-neck sweater in the city.

Over the lightweight base layer, the capilene 3 zip will probably be quite useful. I'd still bring a fleece jacket along with a rain/wind shell (I'd say something that is gore-tex or similar). Up at altitude 4 layers will not be too many.

Thanks, Noe847

After two years in the planning, we're finally off tomorrow for a month in Switzerland, Austria and northern Italy. Excited is an understatement!Again, thanks to Noe847, janisj, suze, enzian, Travelnut, Wanderlust5, KateW and all others who helped me pack light. Got it all in my 22" checked bag plus a carry-on tote. Maybe next time I can do even better.

Congratulations! You get a gold star

And have a wonderful trip!

Have fun!! You'll be so happy to breeze through your travels with just that small suitcase.

congrats & thanks for the thanks.

wishing you a wonderful trip!

We're having beautiful weather here today and I will keep my fingers crossed that it continues for your trip.

Oh to be in Lac Leman.

We've got low clouds, rain and cold weather here in Central Switzerland.

Hope the poster has brought lots of layers!

Well, I've been there and done that and hope I'll be able to do it all again. What a fabulous trip! We spent 3 weeks in Switzerland and 10 days in Austria and northern Italy. We were blessed with mostly warm, sunny days, even at higher altitudes, with the exception of a brief snowstorm high in the Dolomites. In fact, some ladies in the know were sunning in their camisoles and shorts up on Jungfraunoch and on Gonergrat (probably didn't spell those right). I got to wear my waterproof rain pants only twice and never needed the fleece jacket, although I layered up with 4 light things (including the recommended one-zip capilene shirt) a few times. Thanks to all the advice you gave me, my wardrobe proved to be just about perfect. DH worried that I didn't have enough clothes, so he packed an extra pair of slacks for me(LOL), but I never used them. Now I'm trying to convince him to be a light packer. Thanks again. I'll miss "talking" to all of you!
Kay