winter packing list

When we go in winter (late Nov./Dec.) (UK, Austria) I take 3 pair cotton blend pants in black/khaki, 3 long sleeve Ts/turtlenecks, 1 short sleeve T, 2 or 3 long sleeve button-up big shirts that can double as "dressy" blazer-type jackets, socks and undies. I don't use the long underwear because I tend to be overly warm rather than overly cold. My hubby does use them because he is very cold sensitive. I like a knee length or mid-calf coat if it is going to be really cold (with a hood and a hooded scarf and gloves) or a lined windbreaker type jacket if it is only cool and wet.

Where are you going? When are you going? For how many days?

We're going to Amsterdam 12/14-18; Prague 12/18-12/21 and Paris 12/21 to 12/26. Then back to Amsterdam for 2 nights before we leave. My daughter is in school in Amsterdam.

This is what I found on backpackeurope.com.
Clothes for travel in Fall/Winter October-March:

* 1 pair jeans
* 1 pair light-weight trousers (in a neutral color--khaki, black, or navy)
* 1 pair leggings, pajama bottoms, or light sweat pants and 1 sleep shirt (whatever you sleep in)
* 1-2 button-up-front long sleeve shirt
* 1-2 long sleeve t-shirts
* 1-2 short sleeve t-shirts
* 1 sweatshirt
* 1 PolarTec fleece Jacket*
* 1 water resistant/windproof jacket (can be layered over PolarTec fleece)*
* gloves and scarf/headband
* 1 pair black silk long underwear (top & bottoms)
* 4-6 pairs underwear
* 4-5 pairs socks
* 2 bras (most guys shouldn't need this item :-)
* 1 pair "hiking" boots or good walking shoes

• These two jackets can be substituted with a Gortex anorak/coat/jacket that is suitable for temperatures between 50ºF to 30ºF (10ºC to -1ºC).

One technique I have used is to wear black pants and a thin wool cardigan sweater in black or charcoal. I can wear these over and over again and I just switch out pretty colored turtlenecks under it each day. Gives me some color near my face, the outfit looks appropriate just about anywhere, and is lightweight to pack. Plus you can remove or put on the cardigan layer as needed. I never wear long undies because, though it may feel good if you are outside for long periods, once you go in a museum or somewhere inside you will roast. You're stuck with it on; better to layer on the outside so you can remove it if need be.

Last year we went to Amsterdam, Bruges, and Paris for a total of 10 days from Nov 27-Dec 7th. One major piece of advice: BRING RAIN GEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Make sure your jacket & shoes are waterproof. Do not forget an umbrella. And most definately, dress in layers. Besides the obvious coat ( a lite gortex North Face), scarf, and gloves, I brought 4 pants, 4 outer long sleeve shirts, 4 under long sleeve shirts, 5 undies, 5 socks, plus a 1 set of sleep clothes. I feel it was a bit much for a 10 day trip, so when I go this year, I will probably down size to 3 pants (jeans), 3 outer long sleeve shirts, 3 under long sleeve shirts. Another mistake I will learn by this year will be to wear Smart wool socks instead of regular everyday socks. They are sooo much more effective than just long socks during the winter when you walk a lot thru cold, rainy weather. I also use compression bags and then put them in packing cubes. Makes it easier to carry on board. This year I will be going to Vienna, Budapest, Prague and Rothenberg Ob Der Tauber for a total of 14 days Nov 21-Dec 5. I think I will be prepared. If I get sick of what I am wearing, clothes can make nice souveniers!

Here's another winter packing list from contiki.com

http://contiki.com/contikipedia/articles/suggested-packing-list-europe-winter

I second the advice about wool socks. My gloves and scarves are wool, as well. A Gortex coat (mine is from Cabelas) will save your hide.

I really do appreciate the help. Do you prefer a longer coat or a short coat?

I prefer a coat that comes just over my hips because I feel it is easier to manage. I've tried a long coat (Since I live in Europe I often take short trips of just a few days. Of course I have all my clothes here with me, and can select something different each time). It seemed to get in my way and I was always stepping on the hem when getting on a bus or something. But that really is just an individual preference.

There was a thread about "December in Europe" (I think). I couldn't find it but the poster was going to Scandinavia as I recall.

Here's basically what I posted. My visual packing list plus extras I'd take if I was expecting very cold. It's built for a man but you might get some ideas:

http://www.polyvore.com/mens_travel_pack_list/set?id=1440268

This is for North of the Alps in shoulder season. For winter (still with one bag) I'd add a knit cap, knit gloves and silk long underwear. My sweater would be a little heavier and the fleece would be 200 weight rather than the 100 weight I normally take.

I like my travel coat to come to just around my knees, so that when I sit down somewhere outside, my tush stays warmer and dryer.

I took a few cashmere sweaters (black goes with everything), because they are lightweight, and with a wool overcoat stay very warm with them.