packing light--is this too much

If everything pretty much goes with everything else, it looks like you have a very workable wardrobe. You've planned for layering, and have a mix of long/short tops. Good job!

Gwen, this doesn't sound like too much. Is the fall jacket you plan to wear on the plane a windbreaker/waterproof type, just in case? How about a pair of pajamas and socks in case the nights get chilly?

That looks good, but if your jacket isn't waterproof either bring an umbrella or plan on buying one there.

I've been checking Amsterdam weather in our local newspaper most days & it looks as tho they're having a cold rainy summer. I suggest you take some rain gear with you. Otherwise your list looks great as the skirt & sandals will be comfortable if it gets warm. Will you be comfortable in a tank top if the weather is in the 60s? If not you might want to pack a long sleeved tee. Amsterdam is a casual city. Hope you enjoy your trip. Amsterdam is becoming my favorite city.

Amsterdam rains, on average, every other day all year. Make sure your jacket is water-proof rather than just water-resistant.

Hi Gwen:

Wow! You have a great list! What an expert traveler (honestly, I truly believe a good way to pack is to do exactly what you’re doing; pack, unpack, repack etc)!

Love The Nederlands (the country of my origin). Everybody is right though, it tends to have a lot of liquid humidity…rain. As a rule, in addition to an umbrella, I throw in one of those little clear ponchos as they take up little room and they are very inexpensive. You can buy them for a couple bucks at Walmart. Yeah, they look kind of dorky, but you stay dry. They will fit nicely in a purse too as they come in a handy, compact container.

Have a great time!

Thanks all.
I am not sure if the jacket is waterproof. I am actually borrowing it from a friend- since the only fall type Jacket I have is my Beloit College one, which is a little big on me-and about 10yrs old. I will have to ask! I do have socks- I just forgot to put them on the list I wrote. :D I will pack a hat- as umbrellas and I really do not get along. I tend to get lifted, kind of like Mary Poppins, in a strong wind. : ( As for getting cold in the tanks- I am going to pack the “shrug” in case I get cold. (it’s like a half sweater, long sleeves, but short in torso length.) Also am hoping the zip-up sweater will be good, as it is cashmere and pretty warm, but light. I will add a long sleeve top, that is a good idea.

I am a little concerned how my b/f will pack--- as I usually cannot watch him do it. Since I want to reach over and snatch everything out of his hands and pack like a sane person! He just tosses stuff in the bag- and I mean that literally. When we went to Vegas for a week we shared one really large bag. My half was a neat pile, his half a jumbled mess. (and we still had tons of room left over- but it was the only bag we had at the time.) I have already tried all the : ‘babe, let me pack- just put what you want out, and I’ll pack it’- techniques I can think of. None work, he has to pack his own. :P

You don't need raingear. Buy an umbrella if you need it. Your list sounds good! And you can always buy something if you decide you really need it while there.

Yes, you can just buy something there if you end up needing to. I bought my favorite sweater in Amsterdam when I was cold and hadn't brought one. I think of my trip every time I wear it!

if you bring a small umbrella, the ones that collapse down to about 8" in length, then the jacket doesn't have to be waterproof. Although I'd still recommend going to a sporting goods store and getting the water-repellant renewal spray; you get the jacket wet, spray this stuff all over it, then dry it in a dryer. And then it repels water pretty well.

As for jeans; my experience is that cotton is heavy, clammy when wet, and takes forever to dry. Any possibility of getting a synthetic replacement?

Lastly, this may be more a guy thing, but I tend to perspire a lot on vacation because I'm out walking around all day, and it can be warm. So I bring 4 or 5 sets of underwear/t-shirt made out of synthetic such as that sold by Ex-Officio or REI. I can accumulate for a few days and then wash them in the sink using a little from the 3oz bottle of antibacterial dish soap I bring with me; made out of synthetic it dries overnite.