Inspired by the light weight packers on this forum

Well done, sounds like you're thinking it through and frankly I think that's the most important part of packing! Where & when & how long is your next trip? Personally, I would want another shirt, and one less pair of pants. And sweaters weigh a lot, so I've given them up in favor of an ultralight puffer coat. You mentioned shoes, yep they weigh so much, I do carry flip flops for hotels, but if you're taking all those warmer layers, I assume you may not need outdoor sandals? Here's my last packing report, it felt really good to carry so little, easily managed my 2-wheeler on 11 trains!

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/packing-report-for-sunny-skies-6-nights-in-germany

yes agree, take 2 pair pants and another shirt or two. Two pairs of shoes.

How low can you go?
Budget airlines “forced” me to pack less. You can always get a smaller bag, 27 - 32 liter, and force yourself to pack with it.
Here’s a lighten-up tip; wear “hiking/walking” sandals and you can eliminate the shoes and socks. Just wear one pair. That’s it!

OP I’ve been lucky to have traveled to London often. November is my travel month. Nixon was in office on my 1st trip. Last visit 2024.

I only do carryon. It can be done.

No dress, wear Gloria Vanderbuilt black jeans on the plane along with a Lands End long sleeve zip up and puffer vest.

Shoes are Keen Targhee low cut hiking boots.
They are water proof. Had them for years. They eliminated my plantar fasciitis. Expensive but IMHO worth every penny.

Worn in London, Rome, Milan, Venice, Paris, NYC, Yellowstone, Washington D.C., Miami, San Francisco, Yosemite and Havana. Always worn with SmartWool socks.

Packed are black leggings, Amazon water proof rain coat. 2nd velour top, 1 no iron blouse ( usually in either blue or pink ) and REI Hiking pants.

FYI: When I went to check my bag the agent told me that it was small enough and light enough for carry on but I told her that I was carrying hiking poles.

Recently I saw there is a new rule for them and now some airlines allow blunt tipped ones which I have. From TSA website below:

Hiking Poles
Carry On Bags: Yes
Checked Bags: Yes

Blunt-tipped hiking poles are allowed in carry-on or checked bags and must be screened like other property. Sharp-tipped hiking poles are not allowed carry-on items. Please note that even if an item is generally allowed, our officers make the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

Check with your airline to see if they allow hiking poles as carry-on items.

Hi Claudia, Thanks, will check out the Keen Targhee shoes. Also your packing list sounds ideal for my type of trips.

Check with your airline to see if they allow hiking poles as carry-on items.

Well, respectfully, the airline has no say, it is solely the TSA when going through US security that will either allow or disallow. Then you also have to consider that airports in Europe have their own rules, that may be different from TSA in the states. Add the further challenge that what actually flies is up to the agent and supervisor at the time you go through security.

I agree, more and more, blunt tipped poles are being allowed, but the definition of blunt vs. sharp is somewhat gray. Long ice type points, absolutely not, short pointed tips....maybe, just covering with a rubber cap is not a solution.. Since I needed a set due to a hip injury, I bought a set in Europe, they break down to less than 16", and have a tip that appears flat, but is hollow on the end, creating a edge for traction, but I use them with a rubber tip.

So far I have taken several flight to and from Europe with no issues, but I use them for mobility assistance, having them out when going through security. Not sure if I would risk what were expensive poles in my carry on bag just yet. It only takes one agent with a different interpretation to lose them. Maybe someday when everyone is on board.

Reply to Sandancisco "Where & when & how long is your next trip?"

2.5 weeks beginning in Germany arriving Sept. 8; 1st 2 days sightseeing, then taking train from Mainz to Frieburg and meeting up with our hiking group. Hiking up to 11 miles per day in The Black Forest, as well as going to (Alsace, Colmar) and then ending in Basel Switzerland for shorter hiking days.

Hi Leslie, great job paring down your past items!

When deciding how many clothing items to take, I consider my itinerary and how quickly I can have a worn item clean & back into the queue. I am counting three shirts & a sweater. Is that enough? I can’t tell which month you’re traveling, but I am wondering if it will be harder to wash items & have them dry. Example: If you’re wearing one, one is clean, and the other two are dirty but it takes more than a day for them to dry.

Do you need the vest? Would a jacket & base layer be enough?

Thanks, Paul! Good idea about buying poles in Europe since mine are pretty worn out.

On my last hiking trip to Italy I checked my bag with the hiking poles. Upon returning from Italy I did the same but then saw a fellow hiker get onboard with her hiking poles sticking out of her backpack. LOL! I noticed the Italians don't ask people to take off their shoes either.

Wow, what a fantastic trip! Hope you have a great time!

Thanks, Jean! We're excited.

@ Sun-Baked in Florida Speaking of low cost transportation: We did a horse backpacking trip and we put our 9 lb. duffels on the horse with only 6 lbs. on our backs.