Layers for Europe in October

Hi Lisa,

I personally would go with the second choice, just because it looks a little more versatile. The key is that you will want something that you can roll up and pack if you need too, or even tie around your waste. The weather will be just starting to cool and these jackets look perfect for the trip. Layers are definitely the key.

I wouldn't bring a hat and gloves. It shouldn't be that cold there yet. I was in Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Italy in October 2006 and the weather was quite pleasant then.

If all else fails, just go shopping while you are there. :)

Hello Lisa! I have a good answer for you about a warm jacket, if you do need it. I'm going to be in Italy and the Swiss alps in November and should be colder yet!
I ordered from Lands End, "Womens Regular Weatherfield Diamond Quited Jacket. They say the military wears this material, and still looks nice. And that you can stay warm in this in two degree temps! I bought mine in the spring and at that time had a great sale. $39. This jacket is light weight and is very easy to carry around, and warm. I hope so anyway! I'll know when I wear in on my trip in the fall. I looked on line just now for this jacket, and I don't see any jackets there at this time. I would think at the end of this month they should sell them again. It could be more expensive to buy jackets in the fall than at the end of winter. $39 was a deal!
But please do try to find this at Lands End even if you have to wait a few weeks till they have it in stock.
Hope this helps!
Happy Travels!
Lisa

lisa - i'll keep an eye out for that on LE but also i wanted a jacket that would be good in the rain. since i am only bringing one jacket, i'm thinking it will have to be a rain jacket +

what are you doing for the rain jacket aspect?

This jacket is good in the rain too! I'm still am taking a travel umbrella.

Lisa, the 2nd choice looks fine. If you are bringing layering pieces - the fleece, and a long sleeve shirt, then you don't need the heavier jacket.

I've hiked in the Alps in late October, and been in Italy in early November and all I needed was a light rain proof jacket and my fleece. If you have a hood on the fleece you "could" skip the hat, but a lightweight fleece hat is wonderful, easy to pack and useful. The same for gloves, find a nice fleece pair, neither of these items will take up much room, but good "just in case".

Fall is still pretty warm in Europe. If you plan it right, hit the higher altitudes/colder areas first -Alps, Prague, etc, earlier in your trip, then plan to go to Italy last, flying out of there if possible. That way you get the "colder" areas seen before the cooler weather begins.

thanks for all your feedback - i think you all may be right and that all i need is the ultra light rei jacket.

i just saw this one on sale for $41.99. it's one ounce lighter but doesn't have a stuff sack included. i'm thinking its probably similiar to the ultra light:

http://www.rei.com/product/711823

I was in Rome from Oct 20-31 2yrs ago and it was hot hot hot. Since I was going to Munich after that I split my tops half and half, short sleeves and long sleeves. I ended up buying another short sleeve top there because it was so hot and I wore my pj t-shirt as another top. It was also humid.

I was trying to play the averages and that year it was against me. Naturally when I got to Munich it was snowing. So, you might be in for some big weather differences.

Since both jackets recieved rave reveiws but a few people on each said they got wet, I would take the one that is easier to carry and get the less bulky one.

Unless you plan on hitting Lapland or far northern Russia at this time of year, you won't need a hat or gloves to stay warm.

TAKE a hat, gloves AND a scarf!!!
You don't know when you will need it especially the Alps AND if you go to the top of any of the mountains, it DOES GET COLD AND WINDY!!
Make sure your shoes are leather and possibly waterpooof.
A waterproof jacket is one you want to wear. You may think about silk underwear.
I didn't read all the responses but go prepared!

Either will probably do the trick. They both have a hood, which will come in handy. Both are kind of short, something that keeps your bottom dry is a plus. The second seems more packable and possibly more windproof (the first has vents). I like to get all my warmth from layers and rely on the shell only for wind/water protection.

I wouldn't pack a hat and gloves. It will probably start to get regularly cold in the North half way into your trip. At that point (earlier if you need it) visit a local department store and pick up a knit hat, gloves and scarf you like. Use them there and bring them home as a souvenir. In all but the far North in Italy, you probably won't need anything really warm.

It may not be a great time for the Alps. It will have become cold without the snow that makes it pretty.

I am making these same decisions for a trip to Austria, Switzerland and Italy in September and October. I decided on layering with the following: short sleeve shirt, fleece quarter zip, North face jacket, http://www.rei.com/product/746397 and a Marmot Precip for rain. http://www.rei.com/product/718308 Obviously I will only use all these layers for trips to the tops of mountains (ala Jungfraujoch and Aguille du Midi in Chamonix)
On previous trips I took a parka closer to the heavier one you are looking at. In 2001-the weather was unseasonable cold and I used it. In 2003, the weather was unseasonably warm and I carted it around and could have gottan by without it. I feel taking two lighter coats will be more versatile. The precip can be used in the rain-even on warm days and the North Face can be used from cool evenings to fairly cold by layering underneath. The precip is very thin and takes up almost no room, so I don't think these jackets will take up anymore space than my warmer parka did. I already own both these coats, so price did not have to figure into my decision.
As to the two you are looking at I like the Rei Ultra light jacket. It is windproof (very important for warmth), Waterproof and breathable, has pit zippers and a hood. Overall, the Sierra brand is not quite as high of quality as REI or Marmot- although I cannot speak about that particular jacket since I haven't actually tried it on.
If you plan any trips to the tops of mountains, I would bring a pair of those stretchy knit gloves (generally cost about $1.99) Doesn't take up much room, but you will be glad to have them. I just use a hood for the head.
Buona Fortuna!!

Connie - thanks for your thoughts. i am now leaning towards the ultra light. i just need to decide if that will be warm enough or whether i should also bring a light jacket like you are.

here's an idea: what if i bring the ultra light rain jacket (REI) and then also bring my puffy vest (looks like this: http://www.rei.com/product/752893)

i'm thinking i could ball this up or compress it quite small.

am i just being stupid and don't need the puffy? i just would hate to be cold up in the alps but i also am packing light with one carryon.

thanks for all your help!

If you mean a down vest, sure. They are very light, very warm and compress well. Put it in a gallong zip-lock, sit on it to get the air out and seal. I wouldn't bring a down coat because it can't compress as much as the vest and there are too many times you need a shell but don't want the warmth of down.