julies

My piece of advice is to make sure you can really, really layer so when you go indoors (where it can be really warm) you can easily strip down to a comfortable weight layer of clothing. Indoors can be a lot warmer than you might anticipate.

GapHitter

NY, I hear you. Honestly, you probably have much more tolerance for cold than I do, and most certainly my fiancée. She gets cold very easily... I'm constantly giving her a hard time about it.

It's really hard for me to tell, as it's been so long since I've experienced that sort of climate for an extended period of time. I feel like living in Texas has surely changed my perception of what cold is. But I also remember my 1st winter in Texas surprising me, mostly because of how humid it is where we are, so I don't know.

I think all of these variables coupled with the feedback that I've heard countless times now about how the indoors are kept so warm over there does indeed validate the importance of actually having multiple wearable layers, as mentioned, in case I find myself uncomfortably warm.

I definitely don't want to pack a bunch of stuff I won't use, though. And more space for souvenirs is a very good thing!

I'm beginning to think that 2 pair of the icebreakers long underwear are enough now, though. If we know that we will be mostly indoors for extended periods of time, it sounds as though I may just want to wear normal underwear. Although I am quite impressed with how breathable the merino long underwear are though. Pretty nice material!

Thanks again guys! This is getting me pretty pumped up about our trip! I used to love the winters in KC as a kid! This will be a lot of fun for us!

GapHitter

Also, both jackets I was planning to take are relatively thin and quite packable. Neither takes up much space when not in use.

Additionally, the shell jacket would mostly be used only in the event of rain or wet snow. The Arcteryx jacket is very warm for its weight and very nice as an outer layer except in wet weather. It doesn't do very well when it gets wet.

So while I have all these layers listed above, I probably should've offered more info as to specifically how they would be used.

Thanks again for the discussions, guys!

BigRuss

Yeah, you have Arcteryx, North Face and Patagonia and I'm the one who had to suggest REI? Those are all staple brands.

And even though the cost/utility equation you used for the boots you linked is justifiable, the fact is that if you get as good or better for less, you can tell your fiancee about it and she can tell you how to spend the savings on her.

Win win, sort of.

Melnq8

Well, I've spent the last two Christmases in Germany and Switzerland (and will be in Germany for Christmas again this year) and I only take my Keen Voyagers...and we do quite a bit of winter hiking. We also take a pair of Yak Trax for icy trails.

Funnily enough, I'm currently waffling over whether to invest in a pair of over-the-ankle waterproof Keen boots or to go for the waterproof low Keens (I'm blister prone), but I've decided that it's time I went with waterproof as my current Keens are getting leaky.

Regarding warmth, I've been getting by with thick socks, but have recently been reunited with a pair of silk socks perfect for layering, so they're going with me.

Signed,

Function over Fashion every time

sparkchaser

Wait. You're a dude? Take along a pair of Clark's Desert boots. Clark's makes some that have a light lining and pair that with some wool socks and you will be good to go.

http://amzn.to/1HrDJnD

sparkchaser

And for "hiking", take what you use now.

LSky

I'm from CA and can understand why you would consider this packing list. We've been to Germany in the winter and it was cold. Then again, I've spent some time in Dallas during the winter and I packed for very cold weather every time with absolutely no regrets.

The 2nd ones look good. Rugged enough for a hike to a castle, urban enough for a museum, If you're only taking one pair. My husband has thought of taking one pair of shoes and switching the liner every day. He finally decided to be sensible and switch shoes, travel is hard on shoes.

I don't know if this is your first time in Germany. Hiking up a hill is different than taking a hill in the states. Not as rugged and when you get to the top there's a café on top to have a beer and relax.

We used to bring regular hiking boots to Germany but don't anymore because we didn't like being stuck clomping through urban areas in them.

GapHitter

BigRuss,

You nailed it with REI. I've gotten in a bad habit of just buying everything online. Since I have consistently had good luck with Cole Haan honestly that was pretty much the 1st thing that came to mind.

REI is at least an hour away, but for a boot purchase I think that's reasonable, especially considering I could get (functionally) the same boot for literally 1/2 the price. Being able to try them on would also be ideal compared to taking even a minor gamble with the Cole Haans.

Currently I have 2 pair of Merrel boots that I've used for pretty much any sort of outdoor activities. Only problem is both pair I think are about 4 years old now, and it wouldn't surprise me if they're not really waterproof anymore. I haven't really put them to use in a while.

I'm interested in opinions on 2 pairs of shoes being necessary. I really have been planning on taking only one pair for a while, and I feel like that should be fine. But I've read at least a couple opinions expressing the need for two pair of shoes for a trip like this. I'm trying to consider everything, so I value all opinions.

Obviously, taking 2 pair of boots/shoes would be much less of a compromise in a lot of ways. Shoes are so bulky and cumbersome though, when not worn. I really wanted to not have the extra clunky, dirty, stinky weight carry around. Maybe I should reconsider...

Thanks guys! Y'all have been extremely helpful!

GapHitter

God bless the French and all those effected by the horrible attacks on Friday.

The Fiancée's parents are suddenly fairly opposed to us carrying out our travel plans.

I understand their concerns, but I don't like the idea of my decisions being influenced by terrorists. Will the current situation change any of your travel plans for the upcoming holidays?

-Bis Später

Melnq8

I won't change our plans to visit Germany in December.

swandav2000

Hi again,

I'm in Paris now and feel no real danger. Things are closed because of the 3 days of mourning, but that's only an inconvenience.

Don't really think Germany has been affected.

I would have still come here if I had known this was going to happen, and a friend is still joining me on Saturday. Then we're going to my apartment in Garmish.

Remember that some Europeans are scared to travel to the USA because of random gun violence. What would you say to them?

I say, go!

s

LSky

Your instinct not to be controlled by terrorist is a good one. I felt that way after 9/11 and went to Italy the next month.

One never knows what will happen. This is life. Germany is not affected now, except in grief.

Enjoy your time in Germany. It's a beautiful country.

What boots did you decide on?

GapHitter

Glad to hear that a lot of you will be carrying on as usual. I'm hoping that a little time will help everyone see a little more clearly.

The gun violence metaphor is very interesting! Thank you for that, as I think it's a great perspective. I could go on for days about all of that, but it's unnecessary. Point taken!

I hope to head to REI next weekend to pick some boots out. There were also a couple recommendations on here that I still haven't been able to look at. But if will before I make any decisions! Thanks for all of your help!

Tschüs!

GapHitter

Well, I decided on the Forsake Hiking Boot from REI. Thanks for the suggestion. We also picked up a few more things for our trip.

The fiancées parents are still quite concerned, especially considering we were planning to spend a night or two in brügge...

We will see.

Bis Später

annhig

Hi, GapHitter,

just chiming in here for the first time, but where do your fiancee's parents want you to go for your honeymoon and how do they know you'll be safe there? The fact is that we never know what's in store for us - just yesterday some tourists in NZ were killed in a helicopter accident on the west coast glaciers. You could travel and see the world in perfect safety, or stay at home and get run over by a bus!

I think that you can re-assure them that security in Europe is likely to be super-tight over the next few weeks which will include the time that you are going to be here. Certainly it had been stepped up at Gatwick when we came through there on Monday and I suspect that will be the case everywhere else that you are likely to be. Brugge should be lovely [though it might be a bit chilly due to the canals, and damp cold can be very wearing] so good waterproof footwear is essential, IMO. Personally I think that two jackets is overkill - it's layers that you want like a silk vest next to your skin, then a thin washable jumper or t-shirt, possibly a cotton or woollen shirt next, then a fleece, finally a waterproof/windproof jacket. You only need one fleece and one outer layer, but more of the under layers to allow for washing, change of weather/mood etc.

also, if the long underwear is wool, I'd forget those too [or just bring one pair] and get some silk ones - much lighter and more adaptable to the sort of weather you are likely to get.

BTW, what is your fiancee bringing with her?????

nubbyrose

Hi Bis, I loved the pair of Cole Hahn in the first link. I would take two pairs of boots/shoes - CH for form and something for dealing with dirty, slushy snow for function.

I also loved those women's Born boots someone linked to and will check those out for myself.

Just wondering if there might be an age issue here in regards to the OP and others. The CH shoes are kinda hipster (including the currently trendy white soles) versus the sensible walking shoe replies (helpful but the type of thing I would say to my daughter).

My daughter was in Germany for a month December 2010 - Jan 2011. They had a ton of snow. I guess that year must have been the exception. She had two pair of boots - form (fashion) and another pair for function. Despite the conditions she wore the fashion boots more.

nubbyrose

I wish I could edit my comment but anyway. I just took another look at those CH in the first link. Since they are waterproof I think those boots would be a great choice for your one and only boot - both form and function.

GapHitter

Hey guys,

Sorry for the delay!

Honestly, I don't 100% know exactly what my fiancée is bringing. I can tell you that I talked her into base layers from icebreaker, as I've used them in the past and have been very happy with them. I also know that she's bringing a pair of Baffin snow boot things that are really tall. She's also bringing at least 1 other pair of shoes. Whereas I make it a point to travel with only what I know (or think) I'll need, this doesn't seem to be nearly as important for her. I will often have to help her lug extra stuff around. Though not ideal, I'm ok with it, as long as she's happy.

As far as the travel safety concerns with the inlaws, that battle has been won! We will be honeymooning in Germany. I don't criticize my inlaws for their concerns, but I don't have time to be inconvenienced by idiots.

As far as the Cole Haan's they're no doubt a little hipster, but I'm ok with a little color. To be completely honest with you, the very reason that led me to the brand in the 1st place was 100% function, as they make dress shoes that are pretty much like wearing Nikes. Though they are pretty colorful, the Cole Haan's are as functional as it gets in my eyes. These Forsakes are pretty great for an all arounder though I feel like! I think they will do just fine.

The more I'm looking at things, the more I realize I want to spend some time in the alps. There's a gorge I want to hike near Garmisch-Partenkïrchen, and a 30 minute toboggan run I want to see 45 minutes northeast of there. Does anyone know of anything we need to experience while we're in that area? I swear, the Bavarian Alps are just the most beautiful thing I think I'll ever see.

I'm already planning ahead to a september trip in the future so I can hunt Edelweiss in the Alps and rent a race car on the Nürburgring Nordschleife... I guess something to look forward to!

Auf Wiedersehen

swandav2000

Hi again,

I live in Garmisch, so I have a ton of things I would say are worthwhile experiencing. We did have some snow (I was on vacation in Paris at the time), with temps in the freezing range for several days. Right now, it is mild (9 deg C) and rainy.

If there continues to be no snow, there are many hiking trails you can take up to the mountain peaks or around lakes or just through rolling hills -- if you tell me your preference, I can give you some suggestions.

If it turns cold and freezing, I would suggest walking the Partnach gorge at night, on a torch-lit tour, when the frozen sheets of water over the rocks are magical.

I also love the village of Mittenwald, and I think the violin-making museum is worthwhile.

If you like peaks, ascending the Zugspitze is a good idea.

Have fun as you plan!

s