We are returning to Paris for 4 nights then onto Canal du MIDI
Trying to fit everything into one carry on. Do I need a lined raincoat or can I get away with light weight north face unlined one. I have the RS pak list which is a fine guide but any must haves that other women plus 65 who are active would highly recommend? I know weather is u predictable now more than ever.
Which ever coat I take I plan on wearing on planes and maybe trains unless it gets unseasonably warm
Thank you
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8382 posts
I see you are from Vashon Island. You already know about layering......
I think the unlined one would be fine as long as you have some warmth layer along that you could add if needed. My lightweight puffy vest smashes down to almost no space.
Posted by
Washington DC
27120 posts
I landed in Nice on May 1, 2017. I had an unlined rain jacket and a fleece jacket that could be layered. I was generally fine with that combination. However, while I was in southern France (Riviera, Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon) that month, there were three days with heavy, long-lasting rain, in addition to others with minor sprinkles. On one of those days my slacks got soaked through and I was chilly; I pressed on with my plans, but it was uncomfortable. I now travel with rain-shedding (not waterproof) 97% nylon slacks and layer them, when necessary, with lightweight merino wool long johns. That combination keeps me from getting too cold even if I get caught in unavoidable rain. I do not have recent experience traveling in May as far north as Paris, but I think I'd be OK there at that time of year with my current packing list.
Back in the dark ages I often took a full-length (unlined) raincoat to Europe, but I found those a real drag to deal with on days when I was changing hotels. The coats never fit in my small suitcase, and rolling a suitcase outdoors for 15 or 20 minutes is hot work, so it's unpleasant if you're wearing a coat that's too awkward to carry. I'm much happier going with jacket-length garments that can be layered. If I were going only to one or two places and farther off-season, I'd probably opt for a full-length coat.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7291 posts
Hi Stephanie, I’m in your age group and an active traveler. I always just take a carry-on suitcase a small day pack for our 3-week trips. I take a Columbia hip length unlined raincoat, a cardigan, 3/4 sleeve blouses & pants, 1-2 dresses, and the very thin 32 degree long-sleeve warm layer tops from Costco. The year we were heading to Switzerland during a couple of cold days before heading to Italy, I also brought a long-sleeve t-shirt. Between those options, I’ve always been able to stay warm & relatively dry.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13944 posts
I use a similar system as Carol…a waterproof unlined outer layer and a puffy vest. Both fit in the exterior pocket of my carry on size suitcase. I wore the puffy vest on the plane last week which turned out to be a good plan as everyone else was complaining about the cold. It’s warmed up in Paris right now so the vest is stashed.
I’ll add that I’m pretty cold tolerant and usually manage with this combo thru the winter in Idaho if I’m doing something active.