Packing warmer>tips England including Lundy Island

Good for you.

What is the question?

I want to pack light. The weather on Lundy Island in early October maybe cold. I understand wearing layers. Looking for tips about light weight clothing while on the island. We live in Texas. Our first trip to England.

Be sure you have a truly waterproof rain jacket (or something longer). Cool + wet is not a pleasant combination. You'll want a hooded jacket because islands always seem to be windy.

I'm extremely cold-natured and have decided to take two pairs of long johns (one made of merino wool) to Scotland this August. I know many people will consider that gross overkill, but I intend not to be cold. I have no idea how Lundy in October compares to the various parts of Scotland in July. I've had pleasant weather on two recent trips to London in early September, but I imagine that's rather different from Lundy in October.

I like to look at actual, day-by-day historical weather data before I travel somewhere new. I use the website timeanddate.com. Unfortunately, it doesn't have statistics for Lundy, but I've linked to the October 2018 stats for Barnstaple, a town fairly nearby, though not on the coast. I check at least five years' worth of data, because there is a lot of variation from year to year.

My warm layer for May-to-September trips to Europe is a relatively lightweight fleece jacket. It has generally done a good job of keeping me warm when worn under the rain jacket, but I do wear long johns, especially below the waist, on days I expect will be chilly. Aside from the warmth, the long-john bottoms have kept me more comfortable when my slacks have gotten wet in downpours.

Hooded rain jacket. Lightweight fleece(s) to layer underneath.

You can buy this stuff cheaply in England at any branch of Mountain Warehouse or similar shop. Us Brits are keen on hiking in chilly wet weather so you’ll be able to find suitable gear for Lundy and thereabouts very cheaply over here.

Good point! Easier/cheaper to buy warm layers in the UK where they're often needed than in Texas where they're not.

And I live in LA where on this St Patrick’s day its 77 degrees.....then again I travel yearly to U.K. and Ireland during the off season ( Nov., Dec., Jan.) so I know about layers.

Go with a lightweight fleece. I like Land’s End.

If really sensitive to the cold, think about getting Capelliene base layers clothing.

Smart Wool socks and knit caps help as well.

All of the above take very little space in your luggage.

Depending upon the cities you are visiting weather could be on the warmer or cooler side - so you'll want to pack a mix of items. So, what does that look like?
1. Waterproof jacket with a hood.
2. insulating layer that fits underneath - fleece is a good choice as is Merino wool.
3. A mix of long sleeved and short sleeved shirts - how many of each you can determine as you get closer to departure and can see what the weather forecast is.
4. pants - jeans work in almost any climate except when it's really hot - and unless it's a fluke, not a high likelihood in England. If the weather is forecast to be a bit warmer, a mix of jeans, khaki and/or cotton pants should work well.
5. Base layer - Uniqlo has a great base layer line - heat tech - you'll probably need to wait until August/ September to get them since they don't sell them in the summer. A pair of their heattech leggings takes up virtually no room and they aren't expensive.
6. I always pack their camisoles and if the weather is going to be really cold (30's) I pack on of their long sleeved tops to go under my shirt.
7. Shoes - definitely one pair closed toe and suited to your activities. Whatever style you decide on make sure they are broken in and you've worn them for extended walking and/or hiking.
8. When putting together my packing list, I think in terms of "warmest day" attire and then "what do I add to this for a colder day" - so, for a warmish day, pants and a shirt. Cooler - add the fleece. Cold and wet? Add the waterproof jacket. Colder and wet - add my base layer. If I need something warmer than that, I layer a short sleeved shirt under the longer sleeved shirt and then add the other layers.
Hope this helps!

Be careful with jeans.. once they get wet.. they stay wet for a long time..

Early October weather can be very variable. It’s often fairly warm, but I don’t live in Texas, so my warm maybe cold to you!

Lundy is to the west and therefore likely to be wetter and windier than where I live in Kent. It should be much milder than say Scotland in October. Therefore, wear layers, as others have suggested. I would never have the need for thermals in early October - these are for December through to March. Keeping your feet dry is key, so a good pair of waterproof walking boots would be useful plus a lightweight waterproof jacket with a hood with a fleece underneath. This kind of equipment isn’t particularly cheap in the UK and you don’t want to be breaking in a pair of new boots whilst on holiday.

Questions such as this remind me why I don’t pack light, as I like to cater for all eventualities!

Enjoy your trip to Lundy.

I’ll add that I’d also take a pair of lightweight gloves. I like Smartwool brand glove liners as they are slightly water-resistant. They are small enough and light enough to stash in your jacket pocket.

Right now is a good time to pick up the pieces people are recommending as most online sites are clearing out winter gear. Sign up for Lands End emails and you’ll get lots of codes for 30-70% off.

As a base layer I like the Lands End Heat Crew. I size up and wear this all winter as a regular shirt under a dri-fit quarter-zip. Both of these layers dry quickly after a sink wash.

I travel with jeans and have no problem with them drying but I do make sure the fabric content is a cotton/pily blend.

Jeans are top of the ‘not under any circumstances’ list for outdoor wear. If you get away with it, great, but if they get wet you are in for a long, cold, unpleasant time of it. Especially in October on Lundy

I rather like the Craghoppers Kiwi Stretch Pro trousers which are light and comfortable and dry really quickly. However other brands are available!

The rest of the advice about layers, layers, layers and a wind proof and waterproof top is on the money. Being wet is not a happy experience but if your top is not windproof, that’s where the real risk lies.

Have a grand trip!

Ian

Questions such as this remind me why I don’t pack light, as I like to cater for all eventualities!

This is a false dichotomy. You can pack light and also be prepared for all eventualities. I’ve done it with a 16 liter bag so most can do it with a 40 liter bag!

I agree that jeans are a bad choice in wet weather. Once they are wet they become cold and uncomfortable. A good pair of quick dry pants are a better choice in wet weather. You may also want to bring a pair of waterproof rain pants if you’ll be out in the rain all day.
My favorite is the Montbell Versa-lite pant. Expensive and worth every penny if you are an outdoors person. They used to be unisex but now come in men’s and women’s versions. It is inexpensive trip insurance that lasts for years.

The topics of packing light for Europe and packing light for cold/wet are easily researched on the Net.
It’s possible to be comfortable, warm, and dry with only three days of lightweight clothing that can be layered, and underwear, supplemented by good, but light, outerwear.

I’m headed to Scotland with the RS folks in a few weeks. I’ve got everything I need in one 40 liter carry-on duffle and a small backpack. Here’s my important cold/wet gear for this trip: hooded Eddie Bauer down jacket (deep clearance right now); hooded Marmot rain shell; REI cycling rain pants (might not need but, heck, Scotland in April); Royal Robbins nylon long pants; waterproof socks (instead of waterproof shoes/boots); silk sleepwear; wool gloves, sweater, and socks; and long sleeve polypro t shirts.

These are basically the items I’d take on a high elevation bicycle tour (glad not to be schlepping tent and sleeping bag) or a February visit to San Francisco, Portland, or Seattle.

Here’s my important cold/wet gear for this trip: hooded Eddie Bauer down jacket (deep clearance right now);

I’m going to push back on the down for a wet trip. Down compresses when it gets wet and becomes pretty useless. Prima Loft still retains most of its insulation capacity even when wet. Fleece is the best for super wet conditions because it doesn’t lose any insulation when wet.

I personally prefer the Prima Loft puff jacket and rain shell for cold wet trips. That’s mainly because the Prima Loft is more compact and lighter than fleece. It worked very well with my rain pants when I trekked across the Andes (15,000 feet and spring rainstorms). Combined with a T zip synthetic base layer and Royal Robbins tech pants I was snug and warm.

I would go for waterproof shoes or boots and merino socks. They keep the feet dry and warm.

As Bogiesan noted, NOW is the time to get great deals on puff jackets and other foul weather winter gear.