Packing light/right in winter
 

We are winding up a 3 month stay in Europe. We started in Ocotber in Greece where it was warm and lovely. then on to the south of France ,where it was nice at first but got rainy and colder. Then on to Prague, Bratislava and Budapest where it was cold and rainy. Then to Spain where it was overcast, cool in Madrid, warm in Valencia and cool in Bar Leona. back in Provence for a bit where it's quite cool and then we end it Paris just before Christmas

As you can tell, we have experience a wide range of weather. We have done all of this with a 21 " carryon each and one slightly smaller under seat bag.

We found that using layers has been key to handling the fluctuations in temperatures.

My husband has used REI long johns that he used when he skies at home. He is a bit less temperature sensitive than I am, and doesn't much mind the cold.

I have used 2 fabulous products for layering and have been quite comfortable. I bought 2sets of Winter Silks (bought online, on sale for about $20 per piece. They are incredibly light weight and can double as pajamas. They wash and dry overnight and are compact and easily tuck into suitcase. These can be easily worn under clothes for extra warmth.

The other items are called Cuddl Right and are a soft fleece material that are super comfy and VERY warm. I bought them from WalMart for $10 per piece. I think they must be sold elsewhere, perhaps online as well. They too wash well and dry quickly. The top can be worn alone or with a WinterSilk under for extra warmth. I haven't had to wear the bottoms yet, as the Winter Silks have been sufficient so far, but think I will need them in Paris next week.

I just thought I would pass this along, as I often see folks ask questions on this topic.

http://wintersilks.blair.com/s/silk-...erwear/195.uts

Sorry, I mangled the name. ClimateRight by CuddlDuds.

http://www.walmart.com/search/?query...20cuddl%20duds

Thanks for the review of CuddlDuds, which I have been considering buying some next time I am in the states. They are sold on Amazon.

WinterSilks are a long time fave and just make winter so much nicer in Italy. They dry in a flash indoors and weigh next to nothing to pack if I am weekending.

Great advice Deb.

I lived in my silk thermals last year during our three week hiking trip in Switzerland and Germany I and will do the same again this year. I find that wearing a pair under my lightweight hiking pants is all I need for winter hiking. I hate bulk, and they work great.

I couldn't get by with a carry on though, but well done to you guys - three months - that's quite a feat.

I struggle to understand the obsession with travelling light.

So far, during this trip, we have slept in 16 different beds so far (2 more to go), taken 8 flights so far ( 4 more to go), taken 4 trains (one more to go) and countless metros and buses along the way. (We don't take taxis to or from trains or airports, we use public transit)

THAT is why we prefer to travel light. Pretty simple.

And it can involve <B>doing laundry</B> or having it done, correct?

As you may recall from my own trip report we relied on very compressible down jackets and knot caps for our ten days in Vienna/Salzburg/Munich. Thins 40 degrees and damp/overcast.

We did take some silk underwear which we never had the need of and several long-sleeved shirts.

In terms of so-called "light" travel we relied, unusually for us, on two rolling carry-ons and small backpacks and we are glad we did. It helped when we had to be re-booked on a flight out of Heathrow and it helped when we had to go through Immigration/Security on the Sunday after Thanksgiving in Philadelphia.

However, what also helped was being TSA pre-check passengers AND a member of the Nexus entry program.

We like being able to lift our carry ons onto the overhead racks on train etc. and yes, it does involve a bit of washing and finding a laundry once in a while for the heavier stuff.

The reality is that you could never pack sufficient clothes for what amounts to 3 seasons and nealry 90 days, no matter what sized case you use.

We do have a home base here in Provence and are able to regroup and do laundry. We also stayed with a friend on Sprain, so we did laundry there as well. In Budapest, we dropped off our laundry, returned several hours later and it had all been washed and dried for under $8. No wasted time on our part. Well worth it.

(We are also TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, that does help a lot too for re-entry to US. )

I'm glad it worked for you DebitNM.
I can't imagine needing thermal underwear in any of the places you have been at this time of year tbh, but if it worked for you that is great.

It was around 0C at times in the evening and I live in the HOT desert southwest US. To me, it was cool/cold and I have medical issue that makes me a bit more susceptible to lower temps.

You don't need to explain, Deb, I realise you are from a warm area, and everyone feels the cold differently.
It sounds like a great trip anyway.

:)

Thanks for the tips, Deb. Sounds like a fabulous trip!

Just out of curiosity, what is "cuddl right"? YOu search on that on Walmarts and you get nothing. If it is fleece, sounds just like those thin fleece tops, which are polyester. Is this just a fleece pullover?

Christina, she said she had mangled the name so gave a link - look at the first response.

I am often too warm indoors, at any time of the year, because most places are overheated to my taste. I've tried Wintersilks in the past, and they just don't work for me, because as soon as I get indoors, I want to get rid of them. I dress in layers in the winter, but they're all layers I can peel off in public.

Since I usually would avail myself of "removing a layer" in the ladies room whenever possible, I found it easy to take the WinterSilk off and since it was so small and lightweight, it fit perfectly in my purse. Eliminates having to carry around a sweater. Go course, if there is a coat check that lessens that issue. Reverse the process and voila. YMMV...

And then you return to the ladies room to put them back on again when you're ready to go outside? And if you're wearing both a top and leggings?What do you do if you're in a shop that's way too warm?

A sweater seems a lot more practical to me.

I am male, but I will interject this.

Tops are easy: undergarment, shirt, cashmere pullover, quilted Barbour jacket, Barbour Border Jacket. Easily shed in public.

Bottoms are a problem. Long underwear is too hot indoors and taking it off is an issue.

My partial solution: undergarment, RUNNING TIGHTS, trousers (preferably light wool).

I bought the running tights years back when I was freezing at Hogmanay in Edinburgh. I couldn't find lightweight long underwear in my very long and large size.

I would think that heavy tights, running or not, and a tunic/dress would work very well for many women. You could in fact have a pair of light wool or wind proof trousers in your pocket book and slip them on or off in quite public places.

My contribution to the war against chilblains, though of course it doesn't work for me as I am going to have to keep my outer trousers on. Whatever.