Need packing help

Julie, With the gear you'll be hauling around, I'd suggest using a larger wheelie bag and checking it. I usually check one Pack on international flights, and it's really never been much of a problem. With that method you'll also need a small Daypack or whatever for a carry-on. One way to clarify your packing list would be to lay out all your kit and then try and fit it into your 21" wheelie bag. If it fits you're in good shape. If it doesn't fit, it should be abundantly clear that you'll need to travel with a larger bag and check it. Good luck!

For that long a trip, and with the hiking and city scenario I don't see how you can get away with just a carry-on. It's not the end of the world. Bring essentials in a carry-on, pack and check the rest.

While having only carry-on is obviously easier, I usually end up checking a bag, and don't have a problem with this. With your particular trip, I'd just plan on needing to take a checked bag, and just make sure you have a few days of clothes plus any valuables and any essentials in your carry-on.

I manage hiking boots and hiking gear, in addition to city clothes, with just a 22-inch carry-on plus daypack as my "personal item". I either wear my boots on the plane( removing them during the actual flight) or pack them in the bottom of my daypack. I also wear or carry my warm fleece instead or packing it in the bag. Somehow it all fits. I am actually here in Italy now, in Venice after a week of hiking in the Dolomites. I brought everything from hiking gear to opera dress. We did buy some gifts so I may have to expand the bag and check it to get home! But I carried on for the flight over.

Consider this: Pack two bags that you can carry on, one as your personal item (or check one if you have to). When you finish hiking, take the bag with that gear to Fedex or UPS (Mailboxes Etc.) and ship it home. I ship back books on almost every trip, it's worth the money not to carry the extra bag that contains nothing I need for the trip.

Use a larger bag and check the darn thing. This obsession with carry-on is a bit much. If you check it just this once no one will think less of you. I know I won't. I go to Europe once, sometimes, twice a year and have never done it with just a carry-on bag. My friends still love me.

Given all the restrictions placed on the answer, of course there is no answer. Personally would question the need for heavy leather boots, parka, etc., but that will dictate more luggage. Cannot get around it.

Zoe hit the nail dead center. UPS and FedEx are world wide. There is no need to carry that heavy gear with you for the rest of the trip after you get done hiking.

Taking the shippinng part up one notch. Can you also mail the Hiking Gear to the hotel ahead of time, if they are nice enough to keep it for you? That way your carry on is only clothes for the rest of your trip. And you can mail the hiking gear back to the states. I work for a international company and when we mail items oversea's we use DHL. They have the best international rates compared to Fedex and UPS. They are the bigger company overseas. But check all 3 before you mail.

Thanks folks, the problem is bulk and weight. I don't want the hassle getting on and off busses and trains with two bags. Shipping pre and mid trip is the way to go I think, the DHL tip is appreciated Robert. To future and enjoyable travels,

"I also need mountain gear; hat, gloves, extra layers, parka, heavy socks .... think potential for snow." Not likely in September. Let me help you lighten your packing list. You can't rule out the possibility of some snow at the mountain summits, but it's a safe bet you won't see any at altitudes you would likely spend the majority of your time hiking through. Any falling snow will melt down to rain at lower altitudes. And my experience with early snow in the Alps is that it's usually a very thin dusting and quickly melts as soon as the sun comes back out. Finally, once you start moving, even if the air is a little chilly, your heart rate will quickly rise and your increased body temperature will keep you more than warm enough. You may even start sweating quite heavily. So, leave the parka at home unless you plan to spend the night in the open on top of the mountains. The socks should fit your feet well to prevent blisters, but at that time of year, you don't need extra warmth on your feet. Your feet will need to breath more than stay warm. Maybe keep the hat and gloves if it's a bit nippy and you want to relax outside of one of the mountain restaurants. Don't go overboard with the layering either, because as mentioned, you'll warm up yourself once you start ascending. You'll end up carrying those extra layers rather than wearing them. Keep the hiking boots, though, and make sure they're well broken in before you go prime time with them.

The only thing you'll have that I don't normally carry is hiking boots and a parka/heavier coat. I usually bring Cuddle Duds (base layer) for wearing out and/or as pjs, gloves are priceless when you need them and very small and lightweight (same for a hat, although I usually leave that at home unless I expect really cold weather), a windbreaker/lightweight jacket, and I dress in layers on my rare cold travel days. I travel carry-on only. Are you sure about the weather conditions? I've seen videos of the Dolomites taken in late Sept, and there was NO snow. YMMV, of course! Another strategy is to head straight for your departure city (let's say Rome) after the Dolomites. Leave your excess luggage at your hotel (prearrange this by email, and bring a copy in case they 'forget'). Whatever they may charge will be less than shipping. Then, make a circuit of your remaining locations and end in Rome.

Start with some light hiking boots and or trail runners to cut down the weight. September is a nice month. Layers is the way to go in or out of the mountains, so it's less extra packing than you might think. I agree with wool socks, a ski cap, and gloves. Buy a scarf if you need it. Skip the Parka in favor of a packable rain shell. Under that you can layer a couple of tops, light to medium weight wool sweater and zip-up fleece if you need them. I find two shirts, two warm layers, and a shell is plenty down to freezing temperatures (especially when you add gloves and a ski cap). Generally, five tops, three bottoms, three pairs of socks and underwear (sink wash as close to nightly as possible), two quart ziplocks for your toiletries and a minimum of electronics. Take tops that can be nice for casual wear out of the mountains and a pair of jeans for the mountains/casual wear later. One polyester skirt (paired with a top) and a pair of sandals that can dress up a little or be casual should cover most of your activities. After you pack everything you need, use the other third of your bag to pack a few things you really want to bring.

We hiked volcanos in southern Italy and needed warm weather stuff. But we took our oldest stuff (long sleeved shirt/gloves/hat/scarf) and just dumped them after that. Plus they smelled like a volcano!