Things you didn't need

We brought titanium sporks that I saw on the internet and was convinced I would use them for "picnicing". Didn't use them, didn't take up much space or weight, but Iswear, I WILL use them one of these days.

My pashima and my cute Ecco shoes...

Laptop - way to heavy, and bulky, and expensive to worry about toting everywhere. Netbook, I-Touch, etc sure. Lap top, not so much.

If you have a guidebook, copy, or cut out the pages you will actually use. No need to bring the whole big book.

Hope that helps!

On my trip last year I didn't need my baseball hat, 200-weight windproof fleece vest (it was just too warm), hairdryer (all places had them and I asked this year so I didn't make the same mistake again) and workout capris.

On the topic of guidebooks...
I razor out the needed pages of my RS books in sensible sections and get them spiral bound nicely (and rather inexpensively) at the local Kinko's. Less weight, less paper and they are MUCH easier to use (since they are spiral bound and can open up flat). They put heavy card stock on the back and clear plastic on the front. They held up so well on my 2 week trip last year (being shoved in and out of a backpack) that I'm able to reuse a few from places I'm returning to this year.

Daughter brought her IPod but never used it much,, she just worried about losing it , or leaving it charging in some hotel after we checked out.. LOL

I used everthing I brought, because I brought the very bare minimum.. one small carry one suitcase( 22x14x9) for 26 days.,,

I do sort of wish I had brought more( or thicker anyways) books, I ran out and did not find english paperbacks easy to find anywhere..

I second the Hairdryer. All the places I stayed had one. And forget the curling iron. When you are on the road (and wearing re-worn clothes) the curls in the hair become less important.

I did rip up a guidebook once. Didn't like it. In the book it was organized and there was an index. Ripped out - I just let it get messy and completely not useful. Plus, I have kept all my guidebooks and will still reference them for something and I have loaned to friends quite a bit too.

Also, I really liked having my laptop. At night I would check my e-mail and headlines at home. More convienient than finding a net cafe. I didn't find it too cumbersome to haul around either.

And a stuffed travel pillow. Waste of space. Blow up kind, sure. Real, actual pillow - totally not necessary.

Obviously, it depends on the guidebook. I have also hauled guidebooks over and then left them as I left each destination - London at the B&B in London, Paris at the hotel desk etc... Lightened the load as I went along, which was nice.

I wish I hadn't taken lightweight zip-off travel pants that I hated. On my last trip I just took jeans and regular pants instead and wore them a lot. I was much happier in my "real" clothes and even at home I find I can wear jeans several times between washes.

I brought a laptop once on a non-business trip. Never again!

All the clothes that I brought were quick drying as we were doing most of our washing in hotel sinks. Looking at our pictures we looked like we were dressed like we were camping. THis time around I am bringing a pair of jeans (everybody wears them in Europe!!)and nicer pants. I am still packing quick dry shirts as they can pass for city wear. The hostels I am staying at have washing machines so I will properly wash my clothes.

I finally broke down and tore out pages from various guidbooks. It was very hard to do! It wouldn't be so bad if I was staying in an area that the whole guidebook covered, but I will be travelling to a few countries in Eastern Europe and a few in Central Europe. If I didn't do that I would be stuck with LP Eastern/Central Europe guidbooks and Rick Steve's Eastern Europe guidbook!

Paul - I do cut pages out of guidebooks, but that is because I just buy ones like the Lonely Planet guide and I often buy them second hand. I don't buy expensive guidebooks because they date so quickly and I don't have room for lots of books in my titchy little flat. If I just want to browse through expensive guidebooks I get them out of the library.

It's interesting that so many people consider ripping out pages from their guidebooks. It never occured to us, mainly because we never have more than one or two with us anyway. Mabye because we limit our trips to no more than 2 main areas to visit? We are just not the type of traveler that goes to 5 places in 10 days - and needs 5 guidebooks.

I'm not a truely light packer. Very difficult to do if you travel with kids or meet up with family and friend for whom you're bringing gifts. And everytime I go there is something I end up not using. But mostly because I pack to be prepared for different types of weather. Who would have thought that travelling to Italy in June I would never wear my jacket? Especially when all the reports before we left indicated that Italy was experiencing the wettest June in history ...

Oh, but I truly didn't need to bring my shorts. Even though it was hot enough there was no way I could have worn them while touring Rome or Florence. And when we were out at the pool I didn't need to wear anything beyond my swim suit. Even for hiking I simply wore my Mexx skirt (more comfortable than any shorts I've ever owned) - mostly because we never did an entire day of hiking or such but often combined with an activity where the shorts would not have been appropriate. Just remember that on a touring trip like this you seldom really want to waste time going back to the hotel only to change into a different outfit.

I sometimes buy two copies of a guidebook--one to disassemble into the bite-sized pieces I need while traveling and one for my permanent guidebook "collection." It's fun years later to flip through the guidebooks we used for long-ago trips. We've got the Let's Go Europe we used back in 1977 for our first trip to Europe!

Yes, I know it's an indulgence. But guidebooks are cheap in the greater scheme of how much the whole trip costs, and I'm willing to add that tiny incremental cost in order to give myself both the advantages of traveling without the bulk of guidebook portions I don't need and the souvenir of a complete guidebook to help remember the trip by.

I packed an electric razor once rather than just a disposable one.

I also packed a tux, including patent shoes, once for a cruise. I won't do that again.

I took a full camera bag with SLR, lenses, filters, tripod etc. on a three country trip through Asia. My friend took a small all-in-one pocket camera. My pictures weren't enough better to justify lugging all the extra weight.

We packed sleep sacks for hostels. Every hostel has linen now and most don't want you using any of your own bedding because it helps spread bedbugs.

We took a teenage girl on a trip once, she was horrid, next time we left her at grandma's.

I absolutely rip up guide books. I buy second hand ones anyways,,, as the sites locations and historical information never really dates itself, just the admission times and prices, but I always go online and check those out and note if there are any differences( there usaully is no difference other then price increases, LOL ) .
I keep a handwritten notebook with notes and tips I gleaned online.

I have recievced some bigger fanicier ( read, glossy photos and expensive) guide books as Xmas gifts,, I leave them at home,, I read them and enjoy them at home .

Pat,

I rip up guide books too. For some reason though, the library is always mad when I return them. LOL

Ben,

My packing list is somewhat a "work in progress" and I'm always looking for ways to pack lighter. The only "didn't need" item that comes to mind is a small stationery / writing folder (Nylon with zippered closure). I've never used it so far on multiple trips, although it is a useful place for storing receipts and business cards. It doesn't really take up much room (or weight) so I've kept hauling it along. Still trying to decide whether or not to take it this year?

Cheers!

My ex.

Brad, I agree with the teenager comment! When she was 15 she went with us to France. WE had our moments...

Ours is now 19 and is NOT going to Italy with us in June. And, let's be honest here. The parents would drive her nuts as well!

Anyway, in the fall of 2010 (her sophomore year in college) she will spend a semester in St. Petersburg, Russia followed by a spring semester in Oxford, England. She is getting the better end of the deal anyway. However, I will take my 12 days in Italia and be very happy!

Like Brad, I took an rechargeable razor. The damn thing quit working after 3 days. I went out and bought a disposable. Funny thing, when we got back to the states the razor worked fine. Now when I travel I leave the razor at home.

When I backpacked, the think I wished I'd left behind was...the backpack. You're a bother to people around you on public transit (watch you don't hit anyone in the head), it's hard to find stuff in it, you have to carry it, everything gets smashed...A carry on size wheeled suitcase is so much easier, even if you're dealing with trains, metros, etc.

You can always photocopy (doublesided) pages from guidebooks, if you don't want to cut them up.

I can't believe someone travels with those DK books. They're pretty but SO heavy, and every museum has maps for free!

I have read and read and reread this forum and many many other forums. Many suggest "ripping out" pages of guides and making your own book. Which at first I thought was a GREAT idea! Then I came across my receipt for my books and thought no way!

So I have marked my pages that I want to "rip out" and plan to photo copy them. I will then have them binded, along with any thing else that we might need for out trip. into a nice neat little travel book.

I took slippers to wear around the hotel room. I don't know why I thought I'd do this, since I go barefoot at home, and have never taken slippers on a domestic trip. I must imagine I am a more elegant slippered traveler, rather than a barefooted slob.

Doug, Doug, Doug. You cut-up. Paul I do indeed cut up my guide books and only take the pages I will need. Especially ETBD, because they are so frequently updated. But my DK travel books?? Never! The only things I ever took that I didn't use things to keep me busy on the plane because sleeping is never an option. This year I'm going to get a handle on that traveling light thing.

Karen, I think slippers of some sort or flip-flops are a good idea. I KNOW what's on my floors at home.

clothes line
two dressy outfits (one is fine)
too many toiletries

Laurel-I also think slippers are a great idea. I just never used the ones I took. You have to be honest about yourself. Using a journal is also a great idea but I've taken them and never used one. (Great, now you all now I'm a barefooted, un-journalling slob!) If someone tells you to use lip balm on the flight, but you never use Chapstick even in the dead of winter, you probably won't use it on the plane.

I never used the sink stopper, but I'll continue to take it because I may find a sink without a plug.

My first trip to Europe I took a raging sinus infection with me...

This last time a migraine followed me there.

Definately the slippers. Got a cheap pair at Walmart before I left to London. They ended up just useful for taking up room in my bag. The hotel room floor was very clean and it was not cold enough to need them. I ended up giving them, unused, to Oxfam (charity -thrift shop) to make room for the crap that I bought to take home - stuff I also didnt need but wanted more than the slippers I would never wear :)

Don't bring anything you would not use at home if you had to carry it everywhere you go. To decide if your pack "works" fill it up with the items you plan to take, slip on the shoes you intend to wear, then walk a couple of miles or so around your neighborhood. We learned the silk long johns we wear for warmth while skiing were a whole lot lighter to carry than our bulky parkas! And, for God's sake forget the electronics. You'll miss so much with both ears plugged with American music and your thumbs texting every step of the way back home to your buddies. Have fun!

• Shoes (besides the ones on my feet).
• More than three shirts.
• Shorts (wore them only once and was the only adult doing so; could easily have lived without them).
• A cap.

For guidebooks, I scan the relevant parts, save them as PDFs, and put them on my iPhone.

I forgot--I brought a dysfunctional family group with me on my last trip. Mom and two sisters (not MY relatives thankfully). Next time I go I will be more careful about who I choose to accompany me.

On the first trip I took too many clothes and a hair dryer I never used. What I didn't take and wish I had was some Ibuproffin. I have some arthritis from a horseback riding accident years ago and I use generic advil several times a week. They DO have ibuproffen in Italy but it's pretty expensive and they didn't have the liquigels.

Packing for a trip to Europe is a continuous learning experience for me. We try different things each year. I figure by the time we've got it down to an exact science, we'll be too darn old to travel! This year I think we used everything we took. Yea! I still haven't mastered the art of getting everything into my travel pack although I'm getting better. Maybe next trip...

I love the idea of cutting up the guide books. We did that and left a little section about each city we visited in the drawer of the desk of each hotel we stayed in. It's just a book, why not make someone else happy with it when they get to Europe and I can lighten my load?

I would have rather not have brought my SLR and lenses, but the pictures in the end were worth it.

Would not have brought travel towels as well. They were useless when staying in hotels. Same with hostel sheets.

Jeans-they are nice to wear but not good for sink laundry and too heavy. Extra pair of shoes. Several people say they need an extra pair to give their feet a rest. Just one really good pair is fine for me and never bothers my feet.

Rick Steves recommends ripping pages out of his guide books to lighten the load. I do that but once took the whole book on Florence with me. Just before leaving Florence, I left the book at my hotel for others to use. Left me room to buy something else.

I wish I hadn't taken my "good" umbrella with me my last trip. It didn't rain, and it was much heavier than the cheap ones you buy at Walmart. I'm packing the cheap one next time.

I have learned to practice with my luggage filled. Purse, carryon, and checked piece (if applicable). If I can't figure out how to manage up and down stairs, etc. I rethink and choose different traveling vessles to bring.

A mini umbrella. I took it the first time and didn't use it once. Just left it at home the second time and sure didn't miss it. I didn't hit much rain at all and the little I did get caught it was just drizzle once and a light rain another time and my windbreaker with hood was fine.

I did find my camping utensil set invaluable. But I guess that depends on how you travel. I usually ate lunch or dinner from the grocery as well as breakfast on the go (unless it was included with my stay). This saved on the cost and I loved to see the different varieties of items in the groceries.

re:slippers.

I agree hotel room floor may not be too clean,, but, I do walk barefoot outside sometimes,, likely stepping on all sorts of things,, so I don't worry too much about hotel floors, as long as I keep my feet out of my mouth I figure I am fine, LOL

When I was younger( and stayed in some dodgyer places) I did take and use some cheap flip flops to wear in common shower rooms,, no need for nasty germs on feet from wet floors!

Flip flops are very lightweight( if you get the very cheap ones) and only cost a few dollars, so you can throw them out before you go home.

A plastic wine glass with a screw on stem - seemed pretty cool for picnics, but I never used it and gave it away half way through my trip. A long sleeve shirt during the summer - never wore it. I have ripped out pages from a guide book, but only one trip.

I no longer take a second pair of shoes along. Sure, I need to air out my shoes each night, but it's worth it not having to carry the extra weight around.

On a trip to Italy a few years ago, I took along a hat best described as a cowboy-style hat (not an actual cowboy hat) to provide sun protection. Not only did I get strange looks, I also got complaints when the hat took up space on luggage racks on trains. Never again.

I also take along sections of travel guides for the places I will visit. I don't tear out the pages, though. I paperclip the sections I want and Kinkos cuts the spine off the book and binds the sections I want with a plastic spiral. Very neat and practical.

One more thing, I'm still trying to find the perfect day bag. I've tried backpacks, which are way too big for the few items I want to carry and usually can't be carried around in museums. I tried an unstructured bag of the type that fit under an airplane seat, but gave up on that too. I'm still looking.

I ripped my rick steves guidebooks in sections to correspond to where we were traveling and tossed the sections as we went. In paris I took the Paris book and left it in the apartment we rented. I took the index pages as well and marked the pages I wanted to find quickly with little stickit tabs & a fine point sharpie. I too didn't take enough books to read for 3 weeks but luckily found a bookstore in barcelona that carried english books.

Dry shampoo. (That's right--shampoo for use without water!) A collapsable rubber cup. One too many guidebooks. Well, maybe two.

I carefully tear up my guidebooks and paste them in a thinner spiral journal which I double as a scrapbook.

When I let friends borrow my journal/scrapbook, it has the guidebook information, conformation emails, receipts or business cards from the places that I stayed/ate, and my itemized list of souvenir purchases for customs. Basically that journal is my "bible".

Now as to what I DID NOT need...
I agree with the teenager comment!

I took my niece to Paris for her HS graduation, and she sulked and criticised the entire week and 1/2 we were there. What a waste of time (that I can't get back) and money (which I also can't get back)

You folks are really scaring me! We do plan on bringing our 14 year old daughter (and her 12 year old brother, too!) Please tell me what was so horrid about yours so I can prepare. So far, my kids are very excited, want to see Versailles, the Cluny museum, Notre Dame, Place des Vosges, etc., and ride the metro. What's going to happen to them on the flight over that will make me wish I'd left them at grandma's?

Your kids are excited to see the Cluny museum?? Did they pick that out of a guidebook or did you recommend it? 12 and 14 year olds are at the age where they are starting not to want to be seen with their parents in public:) Make sure they have real input into the sites your family is going to be visiting. Even if that means doing something "frivolous" like going to a theme park, aquarium, zoo, wax museum, or going out to the movies. They're kids, eventually they're going to get bored of museums and cathedrals...it's a union rule.

I brought a 3rd pair of shoes--- last year we were "rain magnets" and I felt like I never had dry shoes. We had 17 rain free days (making the rain ponchos we packed unnecessary as well). I brought a 3/4 length sweater top that had been great for layering last year---but it was unseasonably warm so it languished in the suitcase with the extra shoes so at least it wasn't lonely.

Thanks for the advice, Michael Schneider. Yes, my daughter really did research on her own and chose the Cluny museum as one of her "must-see" attractions. But I know my son will want to do the more kid-friendly things because 5 days of museums will kill him. And teens don't mind being seen with their parents as much when they know none of their friends will be there to witness it.

Wish I had NOT brought a dictator travel companion!
I now interview potential companions and they must be approved before I agree to pair up with anyone - especially co-workers. And for what - to save a few bucks? I don't think so.

I'd just like to mention that I'm 17 and can't get enough of art museums. (When I was 12, same deal.) It's not just kids in general. After 12, 15, 19 years, you should know your children well enough to understand what they will--or won't--be able to handle. I'd say the biggest thing is making sure kids/teens understand why things are significant; I went to Germany at 14 and the Berlin Wall was a total mystery until a chaperone explained it to me. Then, it was amazing to see the history right in front of me.

Don't take too many toiletries. I've definitely lightened my load over the years, but I still end up taking things I don't use. If you need something, you can buy it--and it makes a great souvenir! I bought a foot pumice piece in Berlin (lots of walking=poor little feet) and still use it all the time. It makes me happy to see the "fuss wohl!" printed on it and remember buying it with my friends.

Well said Charlotte!

I think that if you have a horrible trip with kids it's that they didn't have the opportunity to share in the planning. Life lessons abound in seeing the realness of an amusement park, arcade, or whatever and for slowing down your pace. Give them a chance to choose and you'll have less of a bad time when it's your turn.

As well, my son loves museums, but neither he nor I would want to do that every day!

I wish I would pack less. Just less. It always amazes me on how little you need to live life! My dad used to say (about packing): one on your body, one in the wash (or drying) one spare.

I agree with too many toiletries, as well as first aid items and laundry soap. Especially the liquids add so much weight. Depending on where you're travelling, there will probably be plenty of everything you need.

I do take a small clothesline, but don't bother with hangers, as I've always found enough in the hotel rooms and have usually found it easier to just use a laundromat.

I will be taking dry laundry soap this time to try out -- too much perfume in the soap at some of the laundromats I've hit.

James, that's good! Wish I thought of that! I used to bring bath and hand towels because we stay at zimmers. However, they all provide them now. No longer bring jeans--they're just too heavy. It's so nice not having to bring and store rolls of camera film. Love the digital cameras.

When I went to Europe with my 3 teenaged daughters, we each brought a small stuffed pillow...let me tell you, those were shipped home from London in the first few days of the trip. For this summer, I plan to take inflatable ones.

I also took way too many first aid items...I don't know what I was expecting to happen...but I was prepared for major trauma should it occur.

Like JER, I usually have two of each guidebook. I don't have a problem ripping up my inexpensive guidebooks. I usually pay less than $15 each on Amazon. I began planning this summer's trip in 2008, so I have all of those guidebooks and I've recently purchased all of the 2010 editions, so I've started ripping up the 2008 to take with me. I do love Ali's idea of having them spiral bound...makes it much neater. I have thought about scanning the pages and accessing them on my iPod touch...is that even possible???

Brad...you're hilarious...thanks for the laughs!

The dogs. Even though mine are Bernese Mountain girls, they always have much more fun at home. Don't bring the pooches! Europe has them too, and you can even borrow one if you really need a fix. :)

The umbrellas. It only drizzled once and not enough to use them. However, I purchased them just for the trip and found I am becoming a baby about rain in my older age and now use them from time to time here at home. (Real Seattleites don't own umbrellas! LOL.)

to all who said leave the teenagers at home: i feel sad for you that your kids are a pain to travel with and sorry for them that they are missing out on great experiences. we have traveled to europe and south america with our kids and to europe and asia without them. all have been great but trips with the kids will always trump trips with friends! i guess we're really fortunate that our kids dont mind being seen with us ;)

I can't believe that on my first trip I brought a full size set of hot rollers in the two giant suitcases I brought! Now I am down to a carry on backpack. What I have found invaluable though is to bring a variety of OTC medications-advil, things for tummy issues, cold medicine etc. I don't bring the big bottles, I just put them in a ziplock bag so they don't take up much space.

My Mother-In-Law.

The most useless thing I ever brought to Europe was one of those handheld electronic translators.

April-You're so right about being able to borrow a dog, well, at least pet and love on one. Most people don't seem to mind when I come up and ask if I can pet, and it makes me miss my guys at home a little less, and a little more....

No more books. I have a Kindle and an iPod touch. You can link the two so that you can read all your books on a little bitty iPod. I even have all my guidebooks (including Rick's) on there with pertinent pages electronically bookmarked. So I can read a novel on the plane and before bed, and have all my guidebook pages marked for easy reference, and it's all stored on a device that easily fits in my pocket.

Laundry detergent. Me? Do laundry on vacation? Also, I now leave the guide books at home (even dear old Rick Steves). I have already researched what I want to see before I leave, and if there is a Rick Steves audio guide for iPod, then I use that.

All those little "just in case" items. Steve was right - don't worry about it and if you get into a jam just buy your way out of it.

about the guidebook ripping though, i'm not sure the point of it is to have a "neat little book" to keep you from flipping an extra couple pages. It's about weight.
If you a suitcase traveler then its one thing, but when your backpacking its completely different. every ounce counts. I'll be backpacking for 3 months straight and there is no way in hell i'll be lugging around a guidebook with me the whole time. At least not the whole thing anyway. I'll keep select pages with me that will actually really help me while i'm there. After all thats what the book is for, to help me - not to look pretty on my bookshelf.

i only carry one suitcase and a PacSafe shoulder bag when i travel, but on my last trip to paris i wasted space by bringing:

1. an umbrella (as if they don't have them in paris?)
2. books to read (now i have an iPhone and read everything on it, even on the plane)
3. guidebook (ditto, everything is now on my iPhone)
4. cameras (ditto, i use my iPhone and fantastic camera apps)
5. first aid stuff (again, as if they don't have that in paris?)
6. raincoat (again, should have bought it in paris)
7. alarm clock (ditto, have it on the iPhone now)
8. laptop (ditto, now i use the iPhone for all e-mails and internet surfing)

now i have room for the only thing i missed while traveling: my own soft pillow!

however, if i lose my iPhone ...

Brad and Frank, you gave me a good laugh with your response.

Every trip we take something(s) that never get much use. I think last trip (December), I took a bulky wool sweater that I used once. Made a note that this should stay back next time.

Extra jewelry. Thought I'd be out and about every day--going out to dinner etc. not cooped up behind computer all day like I am at home so it would be nice to have it, but it was just a nuisance. Just bring what you will wear all the time, not take on/off, worry about leaving behind, having to pack it properly etc.

I made a combo first aid/sewing kit, and although very compact( about the size of a package of playing cards), on a 6 week trip never opened it once...would leave home next time....mini flashlight, never used, stays home....very small roll of duct tape, never used, stays home, pen or pencil but not both, ball cap stays home, rain pants stays home ( rain jacket a definite keeper though)

Reading these posts is interesting and a good example of things you could consider NOT bringing. But it occurs to me that a person could go a little overboard here, too. I mean, if you are fortunate enough not to have to use your tiny sewing kit during a trip, it doesn't mean you are wise, necessarily, to leave it home.

Many examples like that...

Personally, I start by packing the absolute bare essentials, then see how much room I have left, and adding a bit to make my life on the trip a bit easier and more worry-free. If that means lugging around six ounces more than I absolutely need, then so be it.

But it won't be six pounds more. You can count on that.

I'm of the school that thinks some people here go a little overboard and really mislead newbies. Yes, you can get otc meds in Europe, BUT we Americans are accustomed to having 24/7 markets. In much of Europe, little is open at night or on Sunday. Additionally, otc meds can only be purchased at pharmacies. Do you really want to endure the pain of a sprain, sore back, headache, etc. to save the weight of a travel-size package of painkillers? Or have to travel to the next town for the one pharmacy open in the area? Also, the cost of such items may be shocking to Americans who can buy at cutrate stores. A basic first aid kit doesn't weigh much and is a good idea.

Hey Ben,

We don't take jeans anymore. Too hard to wash and dry. I got three pair of those stain resistant, non-wrinkle, microfiber pants in darker colors. They dry quick, always look dressy, and you don't look like an American so much. Leave baseball caps, shirts with writing on them, tennis shoes, fanny packs, etc,etc...at home. And the suggestion previously about backpacks is smart. Take a RS carry-on bag that rolls, has a handle, and turns into a backpack. It gives you options. A small collapsible day bag is good too, so when your main bag is in a locker, you can have guidebook, map, water, toilet paper, and small camera with you. My wife and I have not checked a bag flying since 1998, nine trips ago. Also, I hate to say it, but women's pantyhose in Germany, or anywhere else in the winter, worn under your regular pants, keeps you incredibly warm. They weigh nothing. Wear your money belt!! The pickpockets are sooo good, especially in Paris and Amsterdam. Have fun!

I didn't need a hairdryer, an umbrella (we have rain hats and rain coats and an emergency cover for the camera bag) and collapsable cups and last year I brought too many snacks from home I didn't end up eating.

My trip wasn't backpacking, but a 10-day tour of Southwest England in September. I took a coat that consisted of a shell and a zip-out fleece liner as well as a small packable windbreaker/rain jacket. I also took a bulky wool sweater, as well as a lighter cashmere sweater. Never even took the heavier coat or wool sweater out of my bag. The cashmere was much lighter, and when layered with a t-shirt under the windbreaker, was all I needed. Not only were they heavy and unneeded, they just took up too much room in my bag. I'm doing a similar trip this year, and those two items are staying home. I hope they enjoyed the ride!
Ann