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Please comment on my packing list

My trip is rapidly approaching! I will be in Lourdes and Amsterdam, as well as a week long Norwegian Fjords cruise. I will try and check the weather before I leave, but it seems like Lourdes could be warm, but often the high is the low 70's, with the low in the high 60"s. Amsterdam is slightly lower. They both have 10-12 days of rain. The Norwegian ports will be colder, with highs in the low 60's, but we will primarily be on low key bus based excursions.

My bag is a Rick Steves backpack, which I am shipping through. I have a small tote as a carryon (16x12x6).

3 pairs pants (jeggings, navy ponte knit and navy slacks
6 tees (2 patterned, 4 solid)
3 dressier tunic tops/blouses
3 dresses (poly/spandex blends): one is for a swim coverup, 1 for sleepwear and one for "gala" nights.
1 swimsuit
2 "dressy" shawls (one is black sparkly and the other lacey wine color). To dress up "gala" night dress
1 Eddie Bauer windbreaker/rain jacket
1 Chico's lightweight navy jacket
1 navy cardigan
1 pashmina (to wear as scarf, blanket on plane, etc)
1 pair magic gloves, 1 lightweight wicking gaiter
6 pairs underwear
2 bras
2 undershirts/camisoles
1 pair nude tights
4 pairs socks
2 pairs "knee highs"
1 pair Keen Mary Janes
1 pair skechers
1 pair black flat embellished sandals

MISC:
iPad mini
iPhone
tech kit (cords, etc)
"emergency" kit
small jewelry bag
Coach packable tote
deck of cards
Left, Right, Center game
spare pair of glasses
toiletries in small hanging bag

As of right now, my backpack is about 16 pounds (including the backpack), but I'm sure I've forgotten a few things. My carryon is about 7 pounds

I have an eBags Piazza bag (1st generation), but I'm not sure I want to take it. I'm searching for a crossbody I like better.

I'd appreciate any feedback.

Posted by
613 posts

I'm a notorious over packer on trips to the EU, but you out do me. I can't remember the last time my wife took a dress on an EU trip . To meet the Queen, yes, but for tourists, why bother? Where are you going to swim? Water is cold, most beaches are rocks, not sand. Take only one coat (the windbreaker) and two sweaters of different weights) You can get buy with fewer tops. If you are going to do any more pre-trip shopping, get wrinkle free, stain resistant materials or the latest dirt repelling fabric which supposedly goes for weeks without looking dirty or smelling.

Posted by
1194 posts

It’s a lot of tops.

You might want to bring a lightweight base layer top or silk long underwear top.

You may want to bring a pair of leggings for wearing with the dress in cooler weather (rain).

Are all your pants Navy? You may want another color for variety.

When you say shawl I hope you mean scarf. A true shawl is bulky and heavy.

Posted by
713 posts

I'm a notorious over packer on trips to the EU, but you out do me. I
can't remember the last time my wife took a dress on an EU trip . To
meet the Queen, yes, but for tourists, why bother? Where are you going
to swim?

The OP's trip includes a cruise, and she mentions a "gala" dress up night which is often a thing on a cruise. As to swimming, the ship probably has a pool.

Posted by
2324 posts

Personally, I would ditch two of the plain colored t-shirts, one of the dressier tops, the navy jacket, one of the dressy shawls (use the pashmina), and the swim coverup (you can use a t-shirt and wrap a towel around your waist, or use the pashmina). If you're doing laundry (assuming so given the undergarment count), you will still have plenty of choices. I live in the Northwest, so 70 degrees is shorts weather - not sure I would need the gloves unless you're going to Norway in the fall closer to winter. Note if you're going soon it is insufferably hot in Europe right now - you'll be roasting! I've never taken cards or games with me on a trip (put some games on the iPad or phone). If you're on a cruise ship, they will have games you can use.

Posted by
4573 posts

My only immediate reaction was a dress for sleepwear, but perhaps that is just me and best left undiscussed ;-)
Otherwise, given your diverse activities, it looks okay. I am not a fan of tees for travel as they take a long time to dry - if you sink wash. If using the ship's laundry service or a laundromat, then they are appropriate. As to shawls being 'bulky' it depends on your taste and if you can fit them in. Clearly you have tried a pre-pack, so use them if you wish. Ships can get cold and a scarf won't cut it.
With further thought, I checked the Wunderground historical weather data for Amsterdam for months of July. There are numerous days in mid - high 70's and usually at least one day in the 80's. https://www.wunderground.com/calendar/nl/amsterdam-airport-schiphol/EHAM/date/2017-7 Lourdes is definitely running more into the 80's & 90's.
I see no skirt or capris to deal with those temps. Would be rethinking some of those cooler weather items for items you can wear in heat with layers underneath for cooler items. Or enlarge your checked bag and add rather than replace. I appreciate the desire to reduce weight, but you don't want to cook - or freeze. As much as checking the weather beforehand makes sense, do look at the past 5 years for trends and anomalies with the link above, or a similar which provides temp and precipitation actual historical data.

Posted by
302 posts

Late July last year I travelled the Norwegian coast from Bergen to Kirkenes on a Hurtigruten ship (no typical cruise dining nor events for which to plan for special, dressier clothing). How far north will you go? Regardless, I think you should plan more functional layers in your # of tops and you definitely might need a warmer base layer and heavier fleece for Norway. I was fortunate with glorious sunny and warm weather the entire week, but outdoors on the viewing decks of the ship could be really, really cold in the wind. I remember one night not being able to feel my fingers or toes after about 15 minutes, wind blowing my hair straight back! And I had on everything: Smartwool socks, waterproof hiking sneakers, cashmere blend long underwear top, fleece sweatshirt and a Nanopuff jacket with my anorak windbreaker over that. And a hat. And gloves! Some shore stops were nice and warm, but at Tromso the sky suddenly darkened, the wind blew and it was cold enough I didn't walk to the cathedral per my plan. I would definitely take something warmer in place of the second blazer -style jacket. Or, since you are checking a bag anyway pack a warmer coat in a bigger suitcase.

Posted by
2714 posts

I struggled with packing light for Italy in May.
You list looks good but I'd change it a bit. My suggestions are:
Leave out the dress that's for swim cover-up; if you need it, use the sleepwear dress.
Leave out one of the shawls or the pashima, they're duplicates
Leave out two tees; 4 tees + 3 blouses/tunics = 7 tops
311 bag? It's separate from your toiletries bag.
Do you need a drug bag?
Sunglasses? Sun hat?
For your cruise, do you need an additional sweater during shore excursions?

Posted by
4300 posts

You appear to have put lots of thought into your list. Good for you! I would choose T's that would dry overnight after being washed in the sink. Also, remember that T-shirts make nice souvenirs-you can easily buy more if you need them.

Posted by
1662 posts

Hi PandaBear,

3 pairs pants (jeggings, navy ponte knit and navy slacks
- Navy as your pants color - with that color, it is like black, many colors can compliment it, bring it to life or be subdued.

6 tees (2 patterned, 4 solid)
- Maybe leave a patterned one at home? Or one of the solids?

3 dressier tunic tops/blouses
- Will you mix and match with the navy pants? If not, bring two.

3 dresses (poly/spandex blends): one is for a swim coverup, 1 for sleepwear and one for "gala" nights.
- Can the swim and sleepwear ones be rolled tight for packing?

2 "dressy" shawls (one is black sparkly and the other lacey wine color). To dress up "gala" night dress
- If you have more than two nights of dressing up, then ok. You can wear shawls in different ways.

1 Eddie Bauer windbreaker/rain jacket
- Wear on the plane?

1 pashmina (to wear as scarf, blanket on plane, etc)
- Ok if you wear it on the plane.

1 pair nude tights
I would definitely bring two pairs - a pair and a spare

1 pair Keen Mary Janes and 1 pair skechers
- Are you wearing a pair on the plane?

1 pair black flat embellished sandals
- Packs easily

Left, Right, Center game
- I don't know what that is. With bringing your electronics anyway, do you need to carry a game?

I'm searching for a crossbody I like better.
- If you can, check out TJMaxx stores for a great selection of bags - brand names, no names. Perhaps you'll find a nice, sturdy, lightweight cross body. I favor Kipling now. But, there is the brand - Travelon bags also.

Posted by
888 posts

Quite a trick trying to pack for a range of weather (current heat waves in Europe) plus as one other person said, on board a ship that's moving can be quite a bit cooler than on land.

Consider ditching or replacing anything made from 100% cotton as it takes forever to dry and weighs more than items made from blends. Companies like Lands End and 32 Degrees (Amazon, Costco) have layering tshirts in both short and long sleeve. Recently took on a cruise and they could be sink washed, rolled in a towel and ready to wear by the next day. I'd swap at least one plain short sleeve T for a long sleeve.

If you plan to wash socks, bring a couple of clothes pins for hanging.

I have a fleece pullover that's light weight but does a good job keeping me warm - an emergency purchase on a June visit to Edinburgh. I'd substitute the Navy cardigan or jacket with that.

Best of luck.

Posted by
1194 posts

My only immediate reaction was a dress for sleepwear, but perhaps that is just me and best left undiscussed ;-)

I’ll discuss it because that is how I pack! A t shirt dress is perfect for sleeping, pool cover up, or as a casual dress. That’s how I travel for warm weather trips. You can wash it in the morning and it’s fine for evening. Or vice versa. You can sleep in your T shirt on nights when you wash the dress.

Others mentioned a Nano Puff jacket. I had thought of that in my previous comment because it was so warm. But then I remember I took one to Israel in the summer and used it! The jacket is small and light and provides a lot of warmth for its size.

I think the key to remember is that there will be extremes on this trip that necessitates layering. There’s a big difference in temp between rain and sun, but also Fjords Vs France. Silk long johns, a puff jacket, and a waterproof raincoat will go a long way on bridging the gap. Also bring wool socks, light windoroof gloves, and a hat.

I’d keep the cardigan. If it gets really cold you’ll want that plus a puff jacket.

Posted by
149 posts

Thanks for all of the comments. I will definitely think about making some more reductions......
Just a few comments:
I will consider adding a pair of capris.
My "tees" are not 100% cotton tees, but travel tops, by Chico, Eddie Bauer, etc.
The "shawl's" aren't true shawls, but more like pashminas, but lightweight and much dressier. One is a maroon lace and the other black sparkly fabric. My regular pashmina is very basic, not dressy, but hugely functional.
I can add my puffer jacket, but I was hoping to avoid it!
I do have a small meds bag, just forgot to mention it.
The Left, Right, Center game weighs 1.5 ounces and is just a little bigger than a roll of lifesavers. That and the deck of cards are for us to play at the airport, etc......we like to play crazy 8's, rummy, etc.
The list I noted includes what I am wearing as well as packing.
We have a pass for the thermal spa on the ship so definitely need the swim suit.

Thanks again.

Posted by
256 posts

Are the 32 Degrees t-shirts comfortable/breathable fabric in hot weather? I took a poly/cotton blend to Mexico recently, and the shirts that were not all-cotton were very uncomfortable in the humidity.

Posted by
5697 posts

32 Degrees makes shirts marked "cool" and others labeled "warm" -- I have both, for different seasons.

Posted by
1259 posts

Tough to pack light and still be equipped for a cruise. If the ship is last, you could consider simply ditching your touring grubbies and buying a few dress up items before climbing on board.

Enjoy your trips and let us know how your packing list worked out after you return.

Posted by
1194 posts

I took a poly/cotton blend to Mexico recently, and the shirts that were not all-cotton were very uncomfortable in the humidity.

A cotton/rayon blend is much cooler.