What kind of Jacket/clothing?
 

Hi All

we are headed to Switzerland / Italy in september and I am wondering if I need a new jacket/warmer clothes.

We are spending 10 days in Switzerland (Montreux, Wengen and Lucerne)

We want to go up the Jungfraujoch ... but wont be spending much time in the high alpes - just that day pretty much. The rest of the time is in Switz/Italy where it will be fairly warm so no real need for too many warm clothes.

We are trying to pack light - so :

Do I need a thick/warm coat? Or will a thermal long sleeve top under and a fleecy jumper do the job?

Can you hire snow jackets in Wengen? (in summer)

I would always have a lightweight jacket and a sweater or two for Switz - even in midsummer. You will need those to head up the mountains (over other layers - since the temp will be freezing at the top and you will want to go outdoors) and there will be some nights they will be useful even in the valleys (we've had 50s and rain at night in June).

But I think a heavy jacket would be definite overkill, plus a PIA to drag around.

You need a wind- and rainproof jacket with hood. A must-have for your whole trip, not only for the Alps - that applies to anywhere in Europe in any season (except maybe the Mediterranean). In September a thin rain jacket will do. Plus, a warm fleece sweater/jumper which fits underneath the rain jacket. Even in the lowlands you may need these on chilly, rainy summer days or in the evening. These are essentials.

It gets chilly in Wengen at night by early September.

You will need a rain jacket with hood (I have one from Patagonia) and at least something as warm as a sweatshirt, sweater or hoodie.

Dress in light layers if going up to Jungfrau and don't forget to take a Bonin tablet before you go up!!!!!!!!!!

Indian people go up to the Jungfrau in saris and slippers!!!!!


Thin

Sorry--Bonine tablet for vertigo.

Thin

Depending when in September and weather, it can be sweltering in lower land Switzerland. While people might associate Switzerland with snow, it gets very hot in low lands.

Montreux, Sept 2013:
http://www.accuweather.com/en/ch/mon...onyr=9/01/2013

Lucerne, Sept 2013:
http://www.accuweather.com/en/ch/luc...onyr=9/01/2013

If you want to pack light, don't bring one heavy item but follow quokka and Pepper's recommendation, layer it. You only need to deal with cold temp for a few minutes off the train up Jungfrau in the tunnel to see the opening in the mountain, and then again at the top. A lot of things at the top of Jungfrau are actually in covered areas. If you layer it, the components of the layer can be used elsewhere during your trip. If you take a heavy item, it will remain a dead weight for the remainder of the trip. This is one of the many mistakes heavy packing first timers make -- stuff luggage with many bulky one time event substitutable items.

I combine a nice sweater with breathable water resistant jacket. A nice sweater can be used in low lands to go to restaurants at night and the breathable jacket is a must item as it can pour during your trip. Sometimes when it is muggy especially in Italy. You want a light jacket for this purpose not just for the temperature on the warm side as well as being able to keep in your day pack on iffy days.

My standard packing list always includes a long sleeve wicking t-shirt (rather than a thermal top); a long sleeve shirt; a down vest (sleeveless); a wind/waterproof jacket with hood and a Buff. A combination of layers like that will be fine for the Jungfraujoch.

Hiking boots and warm hiking socks would be a good idea but I would guess you will have those if you plan to spend time in the area.

People do go up in the most unbelieveable clothing and footwear. What it means is their length of time and comfort are severely limited, that's all.