Packing question

I usually pack a rain layer no matter where or when I travel. I've been in Italy the end of May and had some rainy days. Is your hooded jacket waterproof or water resistant?

As far as sandals - would these be your walking shoes?

bathing suit - are you going to a beach area like Cinque Terre?

The best advice I got on packing light was on this forum and it was to pack on paper first. Write everything down that you plan to take, then start crossing stuff off. Do a test pack soon. Take more out, lol.

A skimpy bathing suit shouldn't take up much room or add much weight to your pack and sandals should pack fairly flat if they are carry-on vs wear items.

I would suggest a light waterproof/windproof shell with hood combined with a fleece or light wool sweater as more versatile than a jacket with removable liner. On dry but cool evenings, the sweater can be a stand alone that may be more stylish than wearing the jacket liner.

See REI Basic Layering advice: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/layering-basics.html
Italy is a big country with south vs. north and coastal vs mountain weather. Spring in the Dolomites vs. a Mediterranean coastal town will different weather/climate wise. And clothing needs for sitting at an outdoor cafe enjoying an Aperol Spritz will be different than hiking Mount Rosa. Layering will give you comfort versatility.

You don't really mention where you are going which makes it a little more difficult. I would find that time frame on the cooler side for swimming, but everyone is different. If you were planning on a spa day or had access to a hotel pool or hot tub that may change my answer. Sandals would be okay as long as they are supportive enough for all the cobblestones. In Rome my feet got really dirty/dusty in the Roman forum area. Layers are key!

Is swimming or sunbathing something you would feel like you missed if your friend went and you didn't? Is it a main objective of your trip? If it is important to you, then bring it. You don't have to do everything your friend does. For me, a bathing suit is one of the last things I would bring, because there are so many other fun things to do. I can swim at home. I can lay in the sun at home. As for the shoes, I generally take one pair. On a formal tour, I would take a second pair in case we had to spend the day in the pouring rain...but they would be shoes I could walk a long way in comfortably. Sandals wouldn't be it unless they were birkenstocks or similar.

I agree with Edgar's thought regarding bringing a sweater/fleece instead of lining. I take a water resistant jacket and an umbrella, which has rarely been needed. I haven't been sorry yet. But, bring what is most comfortable for you. I don't agree about the bathing suit taking up little space...my days of wearing skimpy bathing suits ended about 40 years ago. LOL

Do you mean you do not have a separate purse? Good job!

Where exactly are you going? This is not a time of year where swimming pools are open or beaches in use in central and northern Italy for the most part. I woudn't lug a suit; if you guess wrong you can always pick something up.

Although my Trail of the Lippizaners tour is later, August-September, I wasn't going to take a swim suit until the forum suggested I do so for swimming in hotel pools. Trip to Target to buy a cheap old lady suit. Then I thought about rain but like my cashmere sweater/water resistant jacket layering combination. Trip to 99cent Store for throw away rain coat. Covers me to the knees, weighs 4 oz., so I'm taking two, one in my daily tote, one in my carry-on for back up, throw them away when used.

I understand the challenge of packing light. I'm facing the same dilemma but think I have it figured out thanks to RS's packing list.

And instead of "sandals" i'm the person who always advocates for a pair of flip flops from dollar General . you'll want them in the room at night when you want yr feet to BREATHE after a day out & about...if yr bathroom floor looks at all sketchy/cold/slippery , down to breakfast in the am, and would work for a hotel pool. You can leave them in yr last hotel room if space is tight

I was in Italy the first 3 weeks of May 2016. The farthest south we were was Siena. I found the weather to be cooler and rainier than I had been expecting. I brought one pair of comfortable shoes, one pair of comfortable sandals and a pair of $2.50 Old Navy flip flops that I could easily throw away if necessary. I wore my shoes far more than my sandals. The flip flops were for the room and I did wear them to the pool the one nice day we had at our Agriturismo in Tuscany. I didn't take a bathing suit, but it won't take up much room in your bag if you want one. A raincoat is a must. As for hotel pools, in my experience over 6 weeks in Italy is that the only pools I've personally had were at 2 places in Tuscany. I don't believe they are common like hotels in the U.S.

We are starting in Florence, over to Vernazza and then working our way from Siena south through several towns ending in Rome. I have 2 rain resistant jackets to choose from both lighter weight, one with removeable lighter weight lining. I'm taking lighter hiking shoes (wearing them on the plane), a pair of comfortable flats and flip flops for the room. I'll have to rethink sandals. I didn't know if the lighter jacket would be warm enough even layered. This is hilarious, I'm from Western NY!

We are staying in Air BnB apartments in all but one city.

Your points are valid and I thank you.

Kathy

Good decision on the hiking shoes, especially for the CT where the terrain is rougher and the elevation higher (and cooler). Your traveling companion should consider the same because sandals don't offer the support of regular shoes. If you're concerned about the cold just add another layer instead of a heavier jacket. Easier to take off a layer than be too warm and have to take off a heavier jacket. I just looked on the map and it looks like where you're going in Italy is on a similar parallel as western NY, a comparison of the weather in both places might be helpful in your decision about what to take. I'm a guy and for two weeks I take one pair of Ecco hiking shoes like Rick wears on his TV shows and a pair of sandals to wear with shorts. If you think you may go to the beach you might consider a cheap pair of water shoes at Walmart or a sporting goods store. The beaches in the CT are actually pebbles instead of sand and your feet will appreciate the soles of the water shoes to protect them.

"I didn't know if the lighter jacket would be warm enough even layered. This is hilarious, I'm from Western NY!"

Kathy, I burst out laughing when I read this! If you still have some Western NY in you your lighter jacket will probably be fine!

I would then probably not take the sandals if they are not a primary walking shoe for you. BUT, I've got fussy feet and sandals are not my go-to travel shoe. Many here find Keen's or other sandals great for hiking and walking but they don't work for me. If you are looking to lighten your load, I'd ditch the sandals! For a final decision I would weigh them on a kitchen scale and see if the weight would be worth it. Yes, I (and many here!!) weigh things to help with making a decision.

Sandals comfortable enough for walking on cobblestones are rather heavy. I took a pair of crepe-soled sandals on an extremely long trip in 2015. I did wear them a couple of days just to walk from my Orvieto hotel to my Italian class. Otherwise, they just contributed substantial weight to my suitcase, because I was otherwise doing enough walking that I wanted more supportive (lace-up) shoes. Those walking shoes stay on my feet all day, until I'm sure I'm back in my hotel for the evening. I do not return to my hotel before dinner. For those who do, and who expect to eat a lot of meals quite near their hotels, I see the advantage of having a second pair of (less klutzy) shoes.

For me, the sandals were worth the space in the suitcase but were definitely not worth the weight. I left them at home last year and did not miss them. I don't do beaches, and I just wear socks around my hotel room.

If you are doing air bnb apts, throw in a couple of hotel sized soaps. Yes, 10 people will tell you that the closest store sells soap. I want the chance to use the bathroom and WASH my hands before running to the corner store. My freakishly light packing companion was also happy to wash her hands before leaving apt

Update:
I have decided to go with your suggestions of a lighter jacket. Bringing the other one makes little sense as you mentioned because I do not want to carry it around if I get warm.
I know the hiking shoes will be my daily choice, but I will consider taking a pair of sandals in addition to my flats if I have room.

Glad I could make you laugh with my western NY comment!

Seriously though, this forum has been so helpful.

Kathy

I was told once not to bring anything that would not get used three times minimum.
I do follow that advice.
I wouldn't bring a bathing suit, I think it would be far too cold to swim in the sea!
And if you are in AirBnB's, you won't have a swimming pool.

For this time of year I always bring a lightweight rain jacket, a sweater, (lightweight wool or silk blend cardigan, can be worn backwards with scarf) an unconstructed jacket, (Jean or dressy) a skirt, jeans, slacks, capris, 7 tee shirts, (I spill a lot) 2 dressy long sleeved shirts, sweat pants, 2 scarves, 2 pair socks, underwear. Everything is mix & match.

3 pair shoes.
( Keen maryjanes, Naot sandals
and Sketchers go walk). These are all very light but comfortable.

Everything fits in a 21 inch bag.
The heaviest items I wear on the plane.

Edit to add. This is for a 3 week trip. I live on a farm and "hike around all day in boots" no boots on my vacation

I'm not a skinny little thing, and it all fits.

Pull the things you plan on taking. Then do a practice pack.

Hope this helps.

Hi Kathy -
I'll cheerfully offer an opposite opinion to some of the above and advise leaving the swimsuit and sandals at home. My husband I are hikers, and trekked the CT in the same sturdy shoes (not boots) we wore for city exploring. The trails are very steep and somewhat uneven but easier on the feet than the solid rock we scramble over for miles - in the same shoes - in the U.S. Southwest.

Anyway, we both take two pairs of broken-in shoes/athletic shoes - no sandals - for our 3 weeks abroad and rotate them every few days or so. We also don't take shorts but a lightweight, quick-dry nylon/poly pair might work to, say, sleep in and even take a quick dip in. Pair the shorts with a short T or other top of similar quick-drying fabric that can be worn for sleep or some other purpose. Unlike a swimsuit, if you pack a a couple of pieces that can do double duty, then it's no space wasted if you don't swim.

I have decided no bathing suit and only sandals if they fit in the suitcase.

Is there a weight restriction on carry on bags? I only know about size restrictions.

Some airlines do have weight limits for carry-on bags. You'll need to Google for your particular airline's rules.

There are weight & size restrictions, with European carriers usually smaller for both
So if you start with a U.S. Airline, have a connection with a European carrier, check both for size and weight then go with the smaller of the two.

I vote for layers like a lightweight rain jacket and a lightweight, but warm sweater or sweatshirt. I'm in Italy niw and usually only need my rain jacket on cool days, but add my Nike hoodie (very lightweight for cooler nights). If you're aiming to pack light, I'm sure you won't go over the airline weight limit. Because if all the walking on cobbles and rough terrain, I typically take a good, supportive pair of athletic shoes and then flip flops for around the hotel room. I used to travel with a pair of dressier shoes too, but found I never wore them. I've learned you can be quite casual in Italy; no one seems bothered by how you look. Have a wonderful trip!!

Urgh,

I packed last night thinking I was doing ok and my carry n weighed in at 22#! Guess I will be "unpacking"
some things this evening. Swiss Air allows 17# or I have to check the bag. This brought back a bad memory of overpacking a suitcase and the wheels broke. Oh, dear, don't want that to be repeated. I pride myself in pairing down in my home, but the packing is still a challenge.

Wish me luck because tomorrow the adventure to Italy begins.....

I once arrived at a US airport with a bag that weighed 81 lb. That was back in the 70-lb.-weight-limit days, but still. I feel your pain.

My solution is to give up all hope of carrying on my suitcase.

Go for the weighty stuff - paper/guidebooks/etc. If you can convert to electronic guide books OR pull out chapters that may help reduce some weight.

22# is an excellent weight normally!

Oh yes, I too remember rolling a giant bag up to the Delta desk and the agent automatically tied a heavy tag to it. What was I thinking? So was it inappropriate to dump that sucker off at the charity shop once I converted to the religion of Light Packing??