Packing light for January UK and Paris trips

Try compressor bags. All those "travel light" sermons from Mr. Steves are aimed at summer travelers and they're not applicable in the colder months.

Compressor bags may help you pack more items, but you may have to resign yourself to bringing a larger, checked-in bag. Wear your heaviest clothes on the plane, including boots, sweater, and carry your coat. You seem to be saying you want to bring multiple sweaters, cardigans, sweatshirts, etc. just a couple of these is probably all you need, same with slacks. Assume you will have to wear things a few times and do some laundry.

It is harder to pack for cold weather travel, but I like to plan the same way I do for summer travela very limited number of different mix and match outfits and washing in the sink nearly every night. It can take longer for clothes to dry in the winter so you may need an extra shirt and extra socks and underwear. This is what I do to lighten the load: -Take fleece instead of sweaters and sweatshirts. It's not as glamorous, but fleece weighs less and can be compressed more. Plus it will dry overnight if it needs to be washed. -Long underweartops and bottoms. Takes very little space and can be washed and dried overnight. -Layer fleece and a Goretex jacket with hood instead of a winter coat. Again, not glamorous, but it's warm. I think Goretex blocks the wind better than the wool in a dress coat. -Wear boots on the plane. Ankle high insulated boots or snow sneakers work well unless you need to be very dressed up.
-Turtlenecks instead of blouses. They can be rolled up to squeeze into odd spaces in your bag. Poly cotton T-necks will dry faster than all cotton ones. -Knit hat and gloves and scarf. Enjoy your trip!

We just spent the entire month of December in Italy with convertible backpacks and daybags. As mentioned above, fleece is your friend, and so is merino wool. Merino is light, sink washable, and can be layered. I also brought a vest, silk sweater & modal top (also washable). We had some 30-35 degree days, and with a merino or silk sweater layered with a merino cardigan I was fine. My coat was long, microfiber hooded raincoat. Scarf is essential as are gloves, hat if you are so inclined. Brought 2 pair dressy trouser jeans, smartwool socks, one pair of wash-and-wear black dress pants. With my black sweater set and pearls, it was dressy enough. Brought long underwear but never used it. Goretex shoes are essential. Wash every couple of nights. We had apartments with washers which was helpful. I find it isn't the clothes that push my backpack weight too high, it's the "stuff" like electronics, personal care, maps, etc. A Kindle or a tablet computer helps lighten the paper load.

You can do it! Keep working on it. Follow everything that's been written here and stick to thin wools when possible. Jeans are bulky, heavy, and not particularly warm. Take travel size toiletries. Eliminate half the clothes you think you'll need, but don't forget an umbrella. Nobody is going to care if you re-wear the same sweaters and pants for days at a time. If you don't have enough, you can buy something stylish in England or Paris! PS Just read your second posting and see how little you're taking. Try rolling everything into tight rolls as suggested in the how to pack part of this website. It really does work.

You may not look too stylish, but I'm sold on the down-like jackets. I used one on my last trip in December and didn't need to use anything else to stay warm other than a scarf. No need to layer anything. I say "down-like" because the polyester filled jackets are almost as light as down, cheaper, and work when wet. You can also squeeze them down to a very small size. Finally, they were very, very lightweight so easy to carry or wear. The ones I have don't make me look like the Michelin Man either. They are only "sort of" puffy.

Well you must be more fashion consicious then me,, because I think its not alot harder. You are going to pack the same amount of normal clothes,, but you will wear your coat and heavy shoes or boots. The few extras will be one pair of long pants( rather then shorts or a skirt) and one or two turtle necks, by eliminating summer gear( you won't bring sandals or shorts, or capris, or sundresses) you should manage. You wear a cardigan multiple times, same with the shawl( which I would also carry on the plane as they make great blankets) and you may bring one hoodie,, which is also good for mulitple wears. I realize you won't have a bunch of different stuff to look different all the time, but whos to know. The t shirts may have long sleeves instead of short ones, but you don't need more of them.
Bring gloves , take on plane in coat pocket.

I found it easier to pack for winter. As previous posters said, you can wear a winter outfit more than one time. Layering is the way to go. Don't forget silk underwear. They are great and lightweight. Can easily be washed in a sink, too. I'd bring the winter jacket. Also, compression bags are a great help.

The best combination for warmth and light-weight is a silk turtleneck or T-shirt (Winter Silks sells many varieties of these) and a cashmere sweater (you can get those for very reasonable prices at Macy's). Fleece is also warm but it doesn't squish very well. You can wear tights under black jeans if you need more warmth.........And it really is OK to check a bag. We've been traveling with checked luggage for thirty years - no losses and we rarely need to wait more than ten minutes.

I don't pack that differently for winter as for summer. Instead of t-shirts I take long-sleeved shirts. I don't take heavy sweaters and would rather layer. I can fit in my carry-on size rolling suitcase: 5 pairs pants, 5 shirts, a jacket (wear on plane), scarf, underwear, socks, extra pair shoes, pjs, and all the extras and accessories and toiletries, plus plenty of room for souvenirs. Everything can mix and match. If you're really considering taking all of that heavy winter stuff, I would re-think it and go for layers instead. If you bring one heavy jacket and a few things to wear underneath it, then you should be fine - the top jacket shouldn't even get dirty.

I've been to Germany eight times in the last 12 years, 3 times in August/Sept, once in Dec/January. Each time I packed normal street clothes and a medium weight sweater. Everything fit in an RS convertible bag. The only difference - in August I wore a light weight summer jacket on the plane, in December it was a down parka. I wore the sweater more in December than in August. I skied for 30+ years and learned that the secret is to dress in layers. In winter you only need one more layer or a warmer layer on top. Why do you think you need so many clothes? Stop trying to be a "fashion horse". This is a vacation. Rollons generally have smaller capacity than bags you can carry. If you can't fit it all in a rollon, consider a convertible.

No sweatshirts or heavy sweaters or cardigans, not much made of cotton except long sleeve teeshirts/mocknecks, and only 4 of those. In my case knits were warmer than woven shirts. I like one or two cashmere sweaters ( half price many places,last forever, fold into nothing) and wear one or a vest everyday. The Merino is the same- warm and light. If I don't wear the sweater then I have to have a warm vest with the mockneck, or a fleece shirt and a scarf. Silk longjohns are essential for that time of year, the top everyday for comfort against the chill - for my comfort. Last winter we had quite a discussion about those who like longjohns and those who find them too hot.
Big fan of a down COAT, below the knees- I have an Eddie Bauer, warmer than a jacket, windstopping and snow resistant. Careful about wearing boots on the plane, feet can swell. I've seen people struggle to get their boots back on after a transatlantic flight.

I have only taken one winter trip to Europe and spent the majority of the time in an apartment in Paris. We had a washer and dryer, which was great. I wore my coat and boots on the plane and used compression bags for bulky things. I don't live in a cold climate, so I took the advice of many on this board to assist in my packing. Most people recommend layering. I had a thin silk shirt to wear underneath and I wore tights under my jeans. Yes, I wear jeans and have lived to tell the tale. I brought multiple layers to wear. My experience was that when I would go indoors, I was too hot. Taking off the top layer was usually not enough. But, how many layers can one take off each time you enter a building? If I was to do another winter trip I think I would bring a warm knee or just above the knee length down coat with a hood. That with regular clothes underneath would have been better for me. Don't forget a warm scarf (you can always buy one there as a souvenir) and warm gloves. A hat comes in handy too. Warmth should trump style, because if you're cold you will not enjoy yourself as much. You can accomplish this with a carry on, but don't beat yourself up if you want to check your bag.

We've been to London in Nov/Dec a lot. Layers are what you need to plan for. You may get mild, rather dry weather or you could have cold, windy, rain, or snow- all in one day (lol).
Here's what I usually took: Wear on plane: black cotton-blend pants, long sleeve turtleneck/T-shirt and a long-sleeved "big shirt" {button up that can look a bit like a jacket}, water resistant winter coat with hood, good walking shoes - black. Pack in carry-on suitcase: 2-3 pair black or khaki cotton-blend pants (I am allergic to wool and rather hot-natured), 3 -5 T-shirts/turtlenecks (1 short sleeve, rest long) 1 or 2 "big shirts", optional 1-2 sweaters/cardigans that go with all of above, 3-5 bras, enough panties for at least 1 week (often enough for entire trip) same with socks. Hand wipes, stain wipes, first aid "kit" in a baggie- band-aids, small packets of Neosporin, dental floss, Advil or Aleve, Benadryl, Dramamine, Nyquil gel capsules, etc.), sewing "kit"( various colors thread wrapped around a small piece of cardboard, 2 needles, buttons, safety pins), medications, medical info sheet, copy of insurance info, 3-1-1 bag with deodorant, perfume, shampoo, lipstick, chap stick, toothpaste, etc., another quart baggie with eye shadow, blush, powder, comb, brush, tweezers, razor, clippers, etc. , "feminine supplies" if needed, wash cloth in a baggie, gloves, hat or hooded scarf. Totally optional- scarves, phone, charger, adapter plug, camera & charger, extra memory cards for camera, paper & pen, extra shoe liners, umbrella, day pack. Hubby gets by with a bit less - no need to duplicate first aid/sewing kits, etc. My suitcase will weigh about 14-15 lbs. and his will weigh 10 or a little less.

Roll ons so take up some packing space....we do the Osprey Porter 46, a backpack that packs like a suit case but with waist belt and shoulder straps for ergonomics. We have only traveled in the winter, and am able to put everything in our carry on Osprey Porter. I bring: -4 sweaters/thick long sleeve shirts: wearing one of the 4 -4 Undershirts: wearing 1 of the 3 -3 Jeans: wearing one of the 3 jeans -7 Smartwool socks -7 Underwear -Thick jacket, scarf, gloves (which I rarely use, it is hard to work camera with gloves) -One pair of boots that I wear so do not make it in the bag: I do not find it necessary to bring 2 pairs of shoes, even though some say that it is essential....shoes really just take up too much room. Now all of this is placed in compression bags, which are then shoved into 2 packing cubes for size and shape consistency.I therefore have no problem with my winter attire and a carry on.
We also bring a compressible duffle bag for our return trip home to put our clothes in because there is no space in our bag when it comes to our over the seas purchases. We check the clothes duffle and carry on our purchases.

You don't say where in the UK you are going but Paris shouldn't be much different from a normal winter in Rockville. I packed for a week in London using just a carry on. In the city you will probably be in and out of buildings, so you probably won't need as many clothes as you would for a ski trip. I find as long as I have a scarf, gloves and sometimes a hat along with a mid-weight winter coat I'm comfortable. Of course everyone's cold threshold is different.

I'm with Kim. I get the feeling that you might be under the impression that you need to pack for entire days out in the freezing sleet on the bitterly cold moors, or something. :D In Paris, you will likely be spending quite a bit of time indoors - and while you don't say where you're going in the UK, I assume you won't be sleeping rough and spending much of your time in the elements, will you? We go to Europe twice a year - in spring and in winter (late December/early January). For our winter trip my husband, who gets cold easily, packs basically what he would for spring weather, with a few swap-outs and a few additions. Swap-outs: thinner socks for spring get swapped for heavier socks in winter. Lighter khaki pants for spring get swapped for thin wool trousers. The one short-sleeved shirt he takes in spring gets swapped for an additional long-sleeved shirt. So that's the same number of articles - which take the same amount of space. Add-ins are: a cashmere sweater or two, which, like merino wool, is light and very squishable for packing. A pair of long john bottoms (roll 'em up tightly to pack, or wear 'em on the plane.) Gloves. A scarf. A winter coat. He wears one of the sweaters and the heavy coat on the plane. Et voila!

Wow Kira, I'm impressed that you actually know what your husband packs. I gave up years ago.

The difference in my winter packing is long sleeves versus short sleeves, and socks. I wear sturdy shoes. In addition, I either wear or pack a hat, scarf and gloves. I wear a boiled wool sweater/jacket, and a leather jacket. The amount in my suitcase varies little. I have a 40" in total, carryon with wheels and all fits easily. I find Europe warmer than Boston, except perhaps this year.

Constance, please consider this: How warm do you dress to take the Metro into DC? Will you really need to dress for being out in the elements for an extended period of time? Note: just read Kira's post- sorry for being repetitive.

I pack almost identically for winter as summer. Some tops, some bottoms, a couple of lightweight warm items (a thin fleece, and/or lightweight washable merino wool sweater), and a waterproof/windproof shell. If it's summer (not just shoulder season), I'll only pack one warm layer item. I could go skiing with a t-shirt, second shirt, light sweater, light fleece and rainshell all layered. The winter additions to my pack list are (all as non-bulky as possible), ski cap, wool/fleece gloves, scarf, and silk long underwear bottoms. I'd probably also go with wool socks rather than an acrylic crew sock and waterproof shoes. Sometimes I run into unexpected really cold weather, so I head to a department store and buy a cap, gloves and scarf that I didn't pack.

reposted from the other thread: last year i split two weeks in rome and switzerland over christmas and new year's. i traveled carry-on only. i took one pair of shoes (a pair waterproof hiking shoes), a thick fleece with a lining, a hoodie, a fleece cap, gloves, a pair of corduroys, two pair of cotton material pants (these were very light weight), two pair of long underwear bottoms, three long-sleeve t-shirts, a couple short sleeve shirts, 3 pairs of underwear, 4-5 pairs of thick socks. a super light, wind-proof, water-proof shell. i think that's everything. when the weather was in the 40's in rome, i just wore the hoodie and pants. when the temp in switzerland was 25 degrees for the high, i added layers. when we went sledding in switzerland, i loaded up. my wife probably could have gone carry-on only, as well, but she was pregnant, so i didn't push the issue. she told me while we were there that she thought she really could have and should have done the same. i never felt too cold or under prepared.

in reading some of the other posts on this thread, i agree that a simple scarf is a definite valuable addition. i didn't bring one, but my swiss friends had extras, one of which they lended to me. makes a big difference in comfort level, and really doesn't take much space at all.

The thing is layers, with a premium on lightweight warmth. Avoid heavy anything. You may not need a heavy coat, rather something you can wear over layers. You are not going to be outdoors that much in London and Paris. Thin layers--silk, polypro--add the most warmth per ounce and cubic inch packed. A hat. Gloves. Then you pare down. In your other thread you said you had 3 cardigans. Take 1. Your coat goes on your back, shoes go on your feet, etc. Bring rubbers or galoshes, or if you must have boots AND shoes wear the former in transit and pack the latter. If this is too hot to travel in I guarantee it will be to hot to traipse about London in. And if you find you do need another layer (you won't) buy it there and bring home a fine souvenir.

I agree with most of what people are suggesting. My husband and I are in the middle of a 6 month trip to Great Britain, Portugal and Spain. We spent the month of December in London. Pack interchangeable pants (no more than 3 are needed, wear 1, pack 2) and long sleeve tops that also mix with 2 cardigans. I only needed to use long underwear twice, once on Orkney Island in Scotland and once in London, but that was just our good luck with weather. I highly recommend 2 neck scarfs, 1 really warm one and another you can wear to dress up your "going out" outfit. I did not bring a winter coat, just a longish rain/wind coat. I wanted something that could be folded into my suitcase, but I wound up wearing it most of the time anyway. You could bring something heavier if you aren't worried about packing it. You will likely only need one pair of good-looking, water proof walking shoes. Oh yes, only smartwool (or similar) socks for both warmth and ease of washing. We walk everywhere so I prefer the thicker ones. Bras and underwear are small, bring enough for a week. If you are sharing a bathroom bring a nightshirt and rubber thongs. Keep your toiletries to a minimum, you can get that stuff when you arrive.