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My Top 3 Purchases for UK Trip

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We returned one week ago from a 14 day trip to the UK. I thought I'd share the three things I purchased for the trip that proved to be great choices (besides shoes, which I posted about in the shoe category).

First, we all purchased Rick Steves Rolling Carry On Suitcases. They were perfect! Very easy to pack, very easy to handle.

Second, and probably my favorite purchase, this bag: https://www.rei.com/product/186854/fjallraven-high-coast-pocket-sling-bag?color=DAWN%20BLUE

I had wanted to take something just big enough for ID, bank card, passport, and phone. This was perfect! No need to carry a purse, this was lightweight, never got in the way, tucked out of sight easily, and was easy to access. So glad I spotted it at REI and snatched up the last one.

Third, packable rain jacket. We had good weather most of the trip, but on the two or three occassions when we met with a cloudburst, this jacket was just right. https://www.rei.com/product/127274/rei-co-op-rainier-rain-jacket-womens?color=VAPOR%20BLUE

Posted by
411 posts

Thanks for the feedback, always good to know what works and what doesn’t. The little bag is so lightweight! That is a real plus in my book. I’m leaving in 2 days so no time to hunt down another purchase but I have to give real thought to the possibility of having a bag that’s roughly 6 1/2 x 4” filling my needs during the day. I don’t tote a water bottle so maybe it could work.

Posted by
14055 posts

Ohhh....a packing/gear update! My favorite kind of thread, lol!!

I like the look of that purse. Are you able to wear it cross body or did you wear it as a sling? Inadequate pictures on the REI site, hahaha! They apparently don't know what "WE" want to know!! Lyndash, I have been using a small purse I picked up from TJ Maxx a few years ago that is about this size, maybe an inch taller. I wear it on the plane under my sweater to keep my passport/CCs/money close.

Rain jacket looks good too. I need to replace mine before my trips next year. It's a pretty old waterproof from Cabelas that is wearing out so I'm looking at what is working for everyone else!

Thanks!

Posted by
97 posts

Thanks for the update.
Pam, keep your eye on sales from REI. I purchased the same jacket for $69.99 during their Labor day sale.

Posted by
277 posts

Lyndash, this purse would be just the size you are looking for!

Pam, yes, I wore it cross body, with it resting in front, just above my hip.

Jules, yes, that's when I purchased this jacket, during the Labor Day sale. Great buy.

Posted by
180 posts

My husband and I both bought those jackets before our 2019 UK trip. They were perfect then and perfect for our most recent Ireland/UK trip. And we use them at home for rain walks.

Posted by
662 posts

Regarding the rain jacket: was it breathable? I have an LL Bean rain jacket in a longer length that I've been taking to the UK for several years. However, it gets very "sweaty" while one is running for the bus, walking quickly, etc.

Posted by
180 posts

SandraL- in my experience the jacket is very breathable. It has an under arm zipper to make it more so.

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