Icy cold weather - what to pack??
Nov 17th, 2005, 07:42 PM
#21
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We live outside Austin;and yes, the weather DID really change this week, didn't it? Feels great.
We travel in Europe almost always in off season. Depends how much you will be walking and be outside. I would certainly "factor" in that it will be WET and DAMP, besides being chilly. But probably not as COLD as you might think.
And Yes, as someone else said...Stores, buildings, lobbies, restaurants etc in Europe DO tend to be way overheated.(for sure in UK)
An all purpose lined raincoat in black is great....and I don't even take the lining with me. (too bulky). Doing layers underneath is a good idea, and you won't probably need a heavy coat, or the lining. I wouldn't take the leather....it usually is not good for warmth.
Good , waterproof hiking or black athletic shoes would do you fine.
Some days will be rainy, some no rain...but often in Jan. you don't see the sun very much. Certainly COULD however.
Doubt it you will even need the long underwear, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to have one pair of the new fiber...And that would let have a shorter coat!
Whatever....you will have a great time in Jan. A wonderful time to experience Europe. (keep in mind that the "daylight" hours will be about 9 AM to 4 PM.
We travel in Europe almost always in off season. Depends how much you will be walking and be outside. I would certainly "factor" in that it will be WET and DAMP, besides being chilly. But probably not as COLD as you might think.
And Yes, as someone else said...Stores, buildings, lobbies, restaurants etc in Europe DO tend to be way overheated.(for sure in UK)
An all purpose lined raincoat in black is great....and I don't even take the lining with me. (too bulky). Doing layers underneath is a good idea, and you won't probably need a heavy coat, or the lining. I wouldn't take the leather....it usually is not good for warmth.
Good , waterproof hiking or black athletic shoes would do you fine.
Some days will be rainy, some no rain...but often in Jan. you don't see the sun very much. Certainly COULD however.
Doubt it you will even need the long underwear, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to have one pair of the new fiber...And that would let have a shorter coat!
Whatever....you will have a great time in Jan. A wonderful time to experience Europe. (keep in mind that the "daylight" hours will be about 9 AM to 4 PM.
Nov 17th, 2005, 08:50 PM
#22
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Please give me some latitude. This is my first post on any message board ever - but I think I can offer a small tip regarding weather and it has nothing to do with clothing. My wife and I (Dallas residents) went to Paris last February and spent tons of time worrying about how cold it was going to be and buying the appropriate clothing. And believe me, it was cold - the kind of cold I haven't felt since visiting my parents one year in Iowa. They were driving nails in wood with a frozen banana. Anyway, we had a couple staying with us, and we weren't prepared for it. But enough of that. Here's my point. We weren't prepared for what the weather would do to us financially. Our typical routine is to eat something for breakfast, get some nice street food for lunch and then finish with an all-out, hide-the-cattle and fish, man-these-people-are-hungry dinner. What happened last trip is that is was so freakin' cold, we found ourselves ducking in to restaurants for lunch and spending tons of money because just wanted to sit somewhere warm. Like I said, we're from Texas and it was cold. We found that we nearly doubled our food budget. It wasn't pretty. That's all I have. Thanks for the time.
Nov 17th, 2005, 10:31 PM
#23
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I live by my silk long underwear here in Minnesota (and we know cold - it was 5 degrees last night) and on my off-season travels to Europe.
But if you're looking for a higher-tech version that might wick moisture better (I think silk works great, but...) try an outdoors outfitter such as Cabela's (www.cabelas.com) or the like. They have men and women's lines, high-quality items and are likely to be slightly less expensive that REI, department stores, etc.
If you go that route, don't freak out about all the camouflage items you see - they have solid colors, too
Don't worry, you'll do fine.
But if you're looking for a higher-tech version that might wick moisture better (I think silk works great, but...) try an outdoors outfitter such as Cabela's (www.cabelas.com) or the like. They have men and women's lines, high-quality items and are likely to be slightly less expensive that REI, department stores, etc.
If you go that route, don't freak out about all the camouflage items you see - they have solid colors, too
Don't worry, you'll do fine.
Nov 18th, 2005, 03:18 AM
#24
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Think I'll stop by a sporting good store and do some trying before buying- thanks everyone.
This charmingman - I can understand the budget effect. I went to Grand Cayman during snowjam '96. It certainly didn't snow but it was cold enough to it into an all week eat fest. There is really not much to do in G.C. besides eat and shop when it is cold.
This charmingman - I can understand the budget effect. I went to Grand Cayman during snowjam '96. It certainly didn't snow but it was cold enough to it into an all week eat fest. There is really not much to do in G.C. besides eat and shop when it is cold.
Nov 18th, 2005, 06:42 AM
#25
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Marzipan: someone mentioned Cabelas.
Am you sure know of the NEW BIG Cabelas store just a few miles south of Austin. It's gorgeous!
I really don't think you will be as cold as you think in Europe in Jan....however you said you "freeze" when temps are in the 40's here.
If you like outdoors, and hiking and backpacking...you perhaps WILL be kept from doing those things as much as in April or May. Is Jan. your only choice? it would indeed be an "adventure".
Sounds great to me, though we "walk the streets" , we are not outside as much as it sounds like you want to be.
I would be interested in hearing how your trip turns out.
You will certainly see how the Europeans live in the wintertime...and not be bothered much by tourists and crowds.
We travel off season a lot, but never have gone in Jan. A friend who lived in Paris for 6 months (Jan. being one) said Jan. is terribly dull, cold, dark and depressing.....but I think it would be interesting and still beautiful.
(we were in Venice for just one day last April, and my husband said it would be fun to return some January...mainly for lack of tourist and crowds, I think!, AND we Texans like to travel in Cold weather.'
Well, it sounds like perhaps YOU don't like cold weather.!...so maybe you should "rethink". (but NOT summer)
Am you sure know of the NEW BIG Cabelas store just a few miles south of Austin. It's gorgeous!
I really don't think you will be as cold as you think in Europe in Jan....however you said you "freeze" when temps are in the 40's here.
If you like outdoors, and hiking and backpacking...you perhaps WILL be kept from doing those things as much as in April or May. Is Jan. your only choice? it would indeed be an "adventure".
Sounds great to me, though we "walk the streets" , we are not outside as much as it sounds like you want to be.
I would be interested in hearing how your trip turns out.
You will certainly see how the Europeans live in the wintertime...and not be bothered much by tourists and crowds.
We travel off season a lot, but never have gone in Jan. A friend who lived in Paris for 6 months (Jan. being one) said Jan. is terribly dull, cold, dark and depressing.....but I think it would be interesting and still beautiful.
(we were in Venice for just one day last April, and my husband said it would be fun to return some January...mainly for lack of tourist and crowds, I think!, AND we Texans like to travel in Cold weather.'
Well, it sounds like perhaps YOU don't like cold weather.!...so maybe you should "rethink". (but NOT summer)
Nov 18th, 2005, 09:16 AM
#26
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hey marzipan--
i live outside of houston, so i know what you mean
i am leaving for denmark & sweden this afternoon, and one of my best recent purchases was of wicking boxers for women from www.sierratradingpost.com
they have some great inexpensive underlayers that can take away moisture & still keep you warm, as well as keeping you from smelling like a goat in arkansas in july...(nothing against arkansas, btw)
forget about the cute shoes--you would rather be comfortable & less fashionable than dressed to the nines and having to spend a fair amount of time off your feet due to discomfort (learned this first-hand in spain--know better now)
i am only packing one small suitcase and a backpack--that's it--just going to swap out layers
i live outside of houston, so i know what you mean
i am leaving for denmark & sweden this afternoon, and one of my best recent purchases was of wicking boxers for women from www.sierratradingpost.com
they have some great inexpensive underlayers that can take away moisture & still keep you warm, as well as keeping you from smelling like a goat in arkansas in july...(nothing against arkansas, btw)
forget about the cute shoes--you would rather be comfortable & less fashionable than dressed to the nines and having to spend a fair amount of time off your feet due to discomfort (learned this first-hand in spain--know better now)
i am only packing one small suitcase and a backpack--that's it--just going to swap out layers
Dec 5th, 2005, 04:41 AM
#27
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living in England, through the wet & very miserable winters here, means layering up, but not over the top. Don't buy a waterproof jacket, that doesn't allow moisture out, otherwise you may as well not bother, you will be as wet inside as out! Allow for going into shops etc. Yes the heating is always on overdrive, and you will fry, then get a cold from going outside with the same amount on as worn inside!
Make sure any shoes you wear are comfortable and as anti-slip as possible, as most paths, roads etc, are usually covered in black ice, outside of city centres. Enjoy yourself, but don't slip or here you will spend your entire holiday sitting in A & E.
Make sure any shoes you wear are comfortable and as anti-slip as possible, as most paths, roads etc, are usually covered in black ice, outside of city centres. Enjoy yourself, but don't slip or here you will spend your entire holiday sitting in A & E.
Dec 5th, 2005, 05:11 AM
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Just returned from Italy and Switzerland and the best investment I made before going were my microfiber undergarments and turtleneck from Sierrablue.com They were lined with soft fuzzy almost invisible fleece.
They kept me warm during the days. Before bed I'd rinse them out with a bit of woolite and hang them up. They were dry before I needed them in the morning again. Black is a good color to build from. Get a couple other colors to set it off. I wore an rusty orange and gold scarf a lot.
These microfiber items are Very cozy and kept the body heat in and the perspiration down.
I also wore a lined leather jacket and bought some warmer boots in Italy to wear with thick socks. And two scarves. I forgot my hat and missed it. Never bought one. Should have.
It's an adventure. Drink caffe. Have fun. Go to inexpensive little spots to warm up with something hot and then move on to the next place. Slow down and do what the locals do.You're on vacation.Enjoy and bon voyage!
They kept me warm during the days. Before bed I'd rinse them out with a bit of woolite and hang them up. They were dry before I needed them in the morning again. Black is a good color to build from. Get a couple other colors to set it off. I wore an rusty orange and gold scarf a lot.
These microfiber items are Very cozy and kept the body heat in and the perspiration down.
I also wore a lined leather jacket and bought some warmer boots in Italy to wear with thick socks. And two scarves. I forgot my hat and missed it. Never bought one. Should have.
It's an adventure. Drink caffe. Have fun. Go to inexpensive little spots to warm up with something hot and then move on to the next place. Slow down and do what the locals do.You're on vacation.Enjoy and bon voyage!
Dec 5th, 2005, 07:06 AM
#30
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I live in the second coldest capital city in the world (after Ulan Bator) and am used to winter temperatures much lower than usually found in Western Europe.
However, the operative word, as some posters have pointed out, is dampness. Even in temperatures around 0 C (32F), the damp air can be bone-chilling and most unpleasant. It seems to me to feel as cold as it does at much lower temperatures at home. In the Netherlands, you have to be prepared for days of cold rain during the winter.
My advice is to be prepared for damp, cold weather and as other have pointed out, dress in layers with a waterproof outer layer. Thick soled shoes or boots will help.
On the bright side, there is much that is worth seeing and doing indoors at that time, the crowds will be non-existent, and who knows, the sun may even shine for a day or two.
However, the operative word, as some posters have pointed out, is dampness. Even in temperatures around 0 C (32F), the damp air can be bone-chilling and most unpleasant. It seems to me to feel as cold as it does at much lower temperatures at home. In the Netherlands, you have to be prepared for days of cold rain during the winter.
My advice is to be prepared for damp, cold weather and as other have pointed out, dress in layers with a waterproof outer layer. Thick soled shoes or boots will help.
On the bright side, there is much that is worth seeing and doing indoors at that time, the crowds will be non-existent, and who knows, the sun may even shine for a day or two.
Dec 5th, 2005, 07:19 AM
#31
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Two items: warm boots and a warm hat. Wisconsin farmers solved the problem years ago. Felt socks and rubber overshoes. Ice fishermen, downhill skiers, snowmobilers; all have worked out heat retaining uniforms. Check a local construction site. What is being worn?
Dec 5th, 2005, 04:32 PM
#32
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Hi Marzipan,
A microfleece neck warmer (Lands End, Eddie Bauer) will keep you warm when walking outside, and you can still wear a pretty scarf over it. I wear these over my turtlenecks to keep the cold out. Keeping feet warm is so important. Consider light double layers of socks, one microfiber or cotton on the inside, wool or microfiber on the outside. GSteed has it right - without a warm hat, most of your heat is "Gone With the Wind."
A microfleece neck warmer (Lands End, Eddie Bauer) will keep you warm when walking outside, and you can still wear a pretty scarf over it. I wear these over my turtlenecks to keep the cold out. Keeping feet warm is so important. Consider light double layers of socks, one microfiber or cotton on the inside, wool or microfiber on the outside. GSteed has it right - without a warm hat, most of your heat is "Gone With the Wind."
Dec 5th, 2005, 06:21 PM
#34
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I don't have personal experience, but a man in a driver's hat always looks smashing. Look at Landsend.
http://www.landsend.com/cd/index/fp/...28108000#22700
http://www.landsend.com/cd/index/fp/...28108000#22700
Dec 8th, 2005, 02:58 AM
#35
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I *hate* cold weather - originally from South Carolina, but transplanted to Iowa. I keep my thermostat set to 80 in the summer and 75 in the winter... I seriously freeze when it's 70 degrees indoors! Tomorrow's low temp is -1 and we're not even nicely into winter yet! So considering *that*, I'm heading to Paris in January, and lemme tell ya, temps in the 30s or 40s will feel positively tropical.
That said, I know it can be tough going into that from the South. When I go to Paris, I'm taking jeans and dressier wool-blend (i.e., warm) pants and turtleneck sweaters. For a coat, I'll be using my wool 3/4 length coat. (Long coats that extend down past the hips are warmer.) Cashmere scarf, hat, and gloves. I really don't see the need to layer any more than that. Even living in Iowa, I rarely ever wear long underwear / Cuddleduds. I find that if one's ears, feet, and hands are warm, it's easy for the rest of the body to feel fine. Get some nice wool socks - the Smartwool brand is *fantastic*... durable, warm, and not itchy at all - but make sure your shoes fit the thicker wool socks comfortably. As for shoes, I'm bringing sensible, comfy black leather shoes with a nice amount of rubber tread for non-slippage in the rain/sleet/possible snow.
I suppose it's always better to bring too many clothes rather than get there and not have enough and end up freezing every day. But even for me, the idea of bringing long underwear, camisole, sweater, fleece, coat, scarf, etc all layered up seems like overkill.
That said, I know it can be tough going into that from the South. When I go to Paris, I'm taking jeans and dressier wool-blend (i.e., warm) pants and turtleneck sweaters. For a coat, I'll be using my wool 3/4 length coat. (Long coats that extend down past the hips are warmer.) Cashmere scarf, hat, and gloves. I really don't see the need to layer any more than that. Even living in Iowa, I rarely ever wear long underwear / Cuddleduds. I find that if one's ears, feet, and hands are warm, it's easy for the rest of the body to feel fine. Get some nice wool socks - the Smartwool brand is *fantastic*... durable, warm, and not itchy at all - but make sure your shoes fit the thicker wool socks comfortably. As for shoes, I'm bringing sensible, comfy black leather shoes with a nice amount of rubber tread for non-slippage in the rain/sleet/possible snow.
I suppose it's always better to bring too many clothes rather than get there and not have enough and end up freezing every day. But even for me, the idea of bringing long underwear, camisole, sweater, fleece, coat, scarf, etc all layered up seems like overkill.
Dec 8th, 2005, 03:03 AM
#36
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And I hesitate to even mention this because I wear a pair of their slippers around the house, but wouldn't be caught dead in them in public, BUT... Ugg shoes are the absolute warmest you will ever find. They are lined in shearling, super soft. You break them in a little, and they mold themselves to your foot shape just perfectly. Because they're wool, they are good at wicking moisture away while maintaining breathability. And you don't even wear socks with them! (You could, but most people don't). You can see them at http://www.zappos.com/n/br/b/288.html
Dec 17th, 2005, 03:08 PM
#37
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I just received my order of silk long johns from WinterSilks.com. Wow...talk about light! It's cold here today, so I've worn them under my jeans and they're wonderful. I ordered the lightweight, low waist pants. They're a tiny bit heavier than the filament silk and have the slightest hint of a "slub". (All the filament silk pants had a wide waistband.) But the difference is really negligible.
For tops I ordered one chemise and one 3/4 sleeve crew-neck, both in the filament silk. I thought they were going to float in the air they're so light.
Thanks to whoever on these threads pointed me to Winter Silks!
For tops I ordered one chemise and one 3/4 sleeve crew-neck, both in the filament silk. I thought they were going to float in the air they're so light.
Thanks to whoever on these threads pointed me to Winter Silks!
