Packing Basics for Multiple Destination Weather Scenarios

That is a good list, and pretty much covers what I will be packing for a walking trip in Japan next month. I like some color, though, so my wardrobe is built around grey, teal blue, and burgundy red.

I am glad you listed a Buff as essential. Mine does triple duty as a neck warmer, beanie, and scarf to dress up a basic outfit for dinner.

Thanks, Lola!

I love my fleece buffs, they're so toasty. Last year, I got a deep orange-colored buff to add a little color to my dark winter gear ;)

Hope you have a great time in Japan!

-- Moomin

Excellent breakdown on choices!

For those that don't live where they have lots of cold weather clothing options already, note that many on this forum recommend merino wool for layering. It is supposed to be itch free but I strongly urge you to try this at home first, lol. I tried for several years to convince myself it was not itchy to me...but yes....socks, base layers, tee shirts were all itchy. You can wear the pieces for a very long time before they need washing if you are tolerant of the wool!

I concur with Lola on the buff suggestion. I always pack one as I also use it for sun protection as well as in cold weather.

When people are asking for ideas on winter packing it is always helpful if they have indicated where they are from in their forum profile. It's a big difference in giving advice to someone who lives in Montana, Minnesota or Massachusetts vs someone who lives in Florida, Louisiana or Arizona!

For those that are new to the idea of capsule wardrobe colors, Janice who writes The Vivienne Files blog has some excellent color suggestions. Many of her clothing items are too expensive for my taste and also too dressy for my retired-in-Idaho lifestyle. Still, she uses a lot of LLBean and Lands End clothes for basics and I can work with them. Her color suggestions are awesome!

https://www.theviviennefiles.com/

Hi Pam,

thanks for the comment re: wool. I have found, over time, that certain wool fabrics, even within the same product line, can be uncomfortable, so I try on everything before purchasing.

I find that my feet like some Smartwool and Icebreaker socks better than others. It could be the blend of wool to polyester or whatever other yarns are being used in the fabrication process.

A case in point, my pretty Icelandic sweater from the Reykjavik thrift store is very thick and warm, but boy, is it itchy!

I sometimes like to look at the Vivienne Files for inspiration too but I could never wear half the stuff due to my short stature and general klutziness!

Okay, I am from Florida. Used to live in Buffalo though. But still what is this buff people like so much? I looked it up online and still don't understand I must admit.

Buff = Neck gaiter

Here is an example on an REI search.

https://www.rei.com/search?q=neck+gaiters

I've got 3 or 4 that I've gotten in various trips to Yellowstone, almost all with some amount of SPF.

And from the Buff website....

https://www.buff.com/us/all.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI84b66aWKggMVEhStBh2iIQ69EAAYASAAEgIgXfD_BwE

I also have an old polarfleece one for winter that is about done for!

Oh, I can imagine the weight of that Icelandic sweater. I'm sure it's gorgeous but yes, I can understand it's itchiness. I did get a wool beanie in Shetland from one of the local coops but I don't think it will bother me. Time will tell. It will make a good snowshoveling hat.

BethFL,

I like to wear a fleece buff instead of a wool scarf in the winter for hiking, winter sports or traveling. Just less fabric to worry about around my neck and super warm. Since it's a tube shaped, it can sub for a hat too, if necessary.

Pam, a hat from Shetland sounds like a lovely and useful souvenir.

cheers,
Moomin

Thanks! I can see that. Maybe harder to lose too?

Icelandic wool is naturally itchy! It is not from merino sheep.
I have knit several sweaters with it, for myself and others. No one I know can wear the sweaters against their skin; they must be worn over a turtleneck or mock neck Tee.

Merino wool is from a particular breed of sheep that originated in Spain and now is widely raised in New Zealand, Australia, and some South American countries.

https://armadillomerino.com/blogs/news/introduction-to-merino-wool#:~:text=It%20is%20a%20natural%20fibre,rams%20with%20large%20curly%20horns.

Icelandic sheep are are descended from the sheep that were brought to Iceland by the Vikings over a thousand years ago, and have been maintained as a pure strain. No other breeds are allowed in (their Icelandic horses are also kept pure).

https://www.isbona.com/index.php/about-icelandic-sheep

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icelandic_sheep

The articles explain why some wool is “itchy” and some isn’t. It is all related to the diameter of the individual fibers. Merino is 20 microns or less, while Icelandic sheep have heavier coats with fibers in the range of 28-40 microns. The heavier fibers are stiffer and that makes them feel itchy.

Very similar to my list, Moomin. I love when people are specific about what they pack. It helps me think about each thing and if I will really use it.

I bought a new breathable, packable REI rain jacket one size up to be more roomy for layering a down vest under it. We are headed to Best of Scotland tour next Spring. I want to be prepared for rain and cold, so I will bring a beanie and liner gloves. Also rain pants—went without one time and regretted not having those.

To make sure the new jacket will work well for me, I’ve been wearing it on days with similar temperatures I’m expecting next spring (though averages temps can vary). Very good! It packs well too-I’m a serial packer😁.

Moomin, what bags do you bring? Carry on only?

Wow! Am I getting an education. Pam, I went on the Buff site and there are so many fabrics. Which do you recommend? We'll be on a cruise from Istanbul to Athens from Jan. 22-31 and then in Germany (Hamburg, Berlin, Leipzig, Frankfurt) from Feb 1-16. I'd like to get one or two buffs, but when I go to the website, I am utterly confused; they have so many options when it comes to fabric. Can you steer me in the right direction? Thanks.

Note to Moomin: I love your list and will refer to it. Just wondering if you fit all that into a carry on.

@Glassygirl - I would probably go with the Polarfleece gaiter for your Germany portion. I know many like the merino but if you don't live where you will be using it all winter, I'd go with the less expensive option. I also like the fleece because merino wool makes me itch. Plus it's easy to wash out. When I am outside in winter doing something very active like snow shoveleing, heavy breathing makes moisture collect on the inside from your mouth and nose. It is fairly yucky but dries fairly fast with the fleece and I can easily rinse the buff out and it will dry in a few hours. I would wait until you see a sale on the buffs...either at the Buff.com website or one of the other outdoor outfitter websites like REI, Eddie Bauer, Lands End or LLBean. Might have some inexpensive options for Black Friday as they make great stocking stuffers.

I also wear them in summer for sun protection. I've got several that are 50 UPF but others that are not rated. I still feel like I get a lot of protection on my neck from the non-rated ones. You may or may not want one for the sun in Turkey or on your cruise. IF you have a favorite national park their concessioners or Buff.com may offer cool park-related designs. If you are searching also use the term neck gaiter.

https://www.buff.com/us/search/national+parks

editing to add: You may also just want to wait until you get to Germany and get a cool winter scarf!

Lola,
That was really interesting. I now know the difference between Icelandic wool and Merino wool!

Pastelholic,
It's always good to test your outerwear before you actually need it. I once had a new Marmot jacket fail on me during a long hike and got soaked. I agree rain pants are a no-brainer for wet, windy places.

As for packing, yes, I usually do carry-on and have a selection of bags that I can use depending on my destination and what I'll be doing at my destination. If I need a roller, I use my Eagle Creek Expanse (I cut out the backpack straps to drop weight) or my Eagle Creek No Matter What Rolling Duffel. If I know I'm going to cities like New York or London, where the subway stairs are hard to maneuver, I wear my Gregory Jade 28L backpack. (I like the padded waist belt and I can also use the pack for camping.) I usually take my Tom Bihn Co-Pilot as my personal item. It can hold a lot and I can carry it in to museums.

Glassygal,
thanks for the love! Yes, I can fit it all in a carry on. I always use a packlist, packing cubes and stuff sacks to keep it all together. I am always learning something new on this forum too!

Pam,
I am now curious about the Buff brand. Thanks!
Cheers,

Moomin

"I agree rain pants are a no-brainer for wet, windy places."

The only tour I was ever on before covid where I wanted rain pants was the RS Scotland tour. I knew we were in for it when the guide pulled hers out of her backpack. I used them nearly every day in August in Orkney and Shetland.

I've got several Buff brand gaiters thru the years from various gift shops in Yellowstone with, of course, Yellowstone designs on them. They wear well and are stretchy enough to pull up over my face in the sun which is how I use them there. I've also had to pull them up over my ears and head when it's cooled down and I am sitting and waiting for a geyser or wildlife, lol.