How Much To Wear

Layers and more layers.

That way you can add or subtract as the need arises. My suggestion and what has worked well for us is an outer shell that is waterproof, breathable and lightweight. Goretex or something like it that will keep the rain out but let the sweat out. Under it a fleece layer for insulation. Then a light sweater or long sleeve t over a short sleeve T. YOu can wear the shell by itself, the fleece alone or both. You may start out in the moring needing the whole kit and by 11 be down to the T-shirt. Keeping everything separate will allow you to peel layers or add layers.

As mentioned even if it doesn't rain, fleece lets an awful lot of wind in. The outer shell is nice if it's windy too.

Dress in layers. Try to find a waterproof jacket with removable zip in liner for warmth. Think lightweight but warm. Or you could add a zip up fleece jacket underneath an unlined jacket in a pinch.

A detachable hood can be handy. Try Sporting Goods stores as opposed to Department Stores. Or even try Costco or Bass Pro Shops.

I could send a picture but it would not show it. This is the max that we would wear and what we take for winter travel in Europe -- Long underwear top and bottom; A long sleeve t-shirt -- SO prefers turttlenecks, I do not.; A nice long sleeve shirt; Medium weight Merino wool sweater; Medium weight Fleece vest; High quality, goretex (or similar) rain jacket. For winter travel we add gloves, stocking cap, and a scarf.

This would probably take us through a blizzard and zero degree (F) weather.

Everything is a synthetic blend -- NO COTTON. Depending on the anticipated weather would start at the bottom of the list and add each item as it gets colder. If the day started very cool but expected to warm, I would take only the vest over a long sleeve shirt under the jacket, As the day warm the vest could go into the day bag, and maybe the jacket later. If uncertain about the day, I would carry the sweater in the day bag in case I misjudge. All of these items are light weight and easy to pack,

Definately in Layers. Merino wool (like ICEBREAKERS or PATAGONIA) have great short and long sleeve silky feeling temp regulating shirts and long-underwear. ALso very very light. Add a fleece or a waterproof jacket with fleece inside. Good shoes (some with goretex like ECCO is good.) 3 sets should be good - 2 pants - maybe one water proof slip over if it will rain. that way you can still enjoy the outside. (just make sure your day pack is water resist/proof or get a smal pack cover for it - no garbage bags please! hah)

Hmm. Thanks for the replies! So, essentially, what I am looking for is a waterproof jacket with a fleece inner lining.

I have to second that!

I just got back about a week ago and found that I never wore the longjohns that I hauled. However my mom did, so I guess it depends on your blood.

The BEST thing I brought was a parka style jacket with a zip out linging. It was fairly waterproof and long enough to go over my bottom. I found there were days that I needed the whole package, and days when I needed just the shell, and days when I needed nothing. Polar fleece isn't the warmest option but you might be fine this late in the spring.

If looking like a tourist is a concern for you, and it isn't for everyone. I foun in France the one thing that made Americans/British stand out the most was brightly colored "outdoor jackets" like Northface or Patagonia etc... Most people wear dark colored jackets.

Also I found people don't dress in layers as much as we do so the insides of stores/musemus are overly warm if you are wearing too much.

Daryl - one of my favorite brands for jackets is MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR - specialize in these light but breathable-water proof jackets (with or without fleecy lining). There are lots of sales now online - they are not cheap but well worth an investment in your comfort and can use it for years!

Hi Daryl, did you look on the weather forcast for Berlin,, I think it can be quite cool and rainy there in the winter,,not anything like you would be used to in Singapore. I think because you do come from a warmer place you should be careful to pack warm clothes as you are not used to this type of weather.
I agree a wind/waterproof jacket with a removeable fleece lining would be a very good idea. Fleece is warm and light, you can wear both seperately or together .

Look in a sporting store REI or something similar to find the fleece and or the water proof jacket. I haven't been to Spain, but I wonder if it doesn't get cool at night, so that sweater or fleece may come in handy.

Pam

Another website to consider is www.duluthtradingcompany.com. They have great travel gear - I wear there stuff all the time.

I found myself a waterproof jacket with a fleece inner lining (non-removable). Do you think this would be too warm for say, Seville in April (9-21C according to weather.com)? Also, its beige in colour. Is wearing bright colours and looking like a tourist really an issue?

Daryl, I'd advise against the jacket with the liner unless its a really great deal. This isn't the only trip you'll take, or the only time you can use it. If you get a waterproof breathable shell (either shell-only or with removeable fleece liner) it doubles as a great windbreaker with just the shell on.

Also, I'd say get the synthetic underwear (shirts & shorts). The synthetics wick, so they help keep you from getting clammy. As a tourist you'll be climbing stairs, walking up hills, etc. and generating plenty of body heat. Cotton gets damp, and then wet turns to cold and clammy. Synthetics wick away moisture, and you can wash them in the sink and have them dry overnite. X-officio sells these, so do many camping stores (REI, Patagonia, etc)

Being in Singapore, Daryl may have forgotten about the benefits of a hat and gloves.

They're the perfect extra layer to combat evening chill or a sudden spate of wind. And the first things you'll take off as you walk inside. Nothing regulates core temp like a snappy, twill cap!

Buy these items in the design zone of a big city upon arrival if you want to look trendy. They're not the costliest of accessories.

Then give them to a homeless shelter or other helpful charity on your way out. Why have them taking up space in a drawer in Singapore?

Also, a lightweight rain shell made of the new generation of breathable, waterproof fabrics (Gore-Tex is so last century) might be something Daryl could use again during Monsoon season in Singapore.

Marmot makes a popular one. I saw them everywhere in Ireland. There they wear them zipped & cinched tight, with layers underneath. Back home you can wear it like a relaxed poncho with shorts.

I disagree with Mike on the coat. Looking at the 5 day forecast for Berlin, it' going to be in the high 30s and low 40s with rain and sleet expected. An all-weather type coat is great for off-season travel since you can add and remove the lining as needed and the coat without the lining isn't terribly heave. Take a sweater, hat (something crushable to pack), gloves and thin thermals and you'll be able to go from the cold of Berlin to warmth of Spain with no trouble. As to the coat itself, I've had one for 6 years and it's made several trips to Europe in May and November.It's getting a little sad now but is going to make at least one more trip this year. If you really don't want to spend the money for one, be sure the waterproof jacket is heavier.

I don't like a shell with attached liner. A light shell will be packable and perfect as your waterproof windproof layer. For warmth use light sweaters or polar fleece. Merino wool is great. Washable Silk is very warm and light if you can find it. Acrylic is another choice. Don't use cotton; it loses it's warmth if it gets even damp and takes too long to launder. You can layer two sweaters if you need to but keep the sweaters light so you can also use them when it's not so cold. If it's really cold, add a knit cap and gloves. I usually plan to travel without them but buy them in a local store if necessary.