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Posted by
144 posts

I never pack a robe. I always take a zip up sweater or light weight sweatshirt I put that on in the room if I am chilly. My room all have private baths so no need to walk down the halls.

Posted by
5697 posts

And for the places I need to walk down the hall to the shared bathroom, I wear a knee-length t-shirt as a nightgown.

Posted by
2093 posts

Hi, usually I don't take one either, but this time I'm travelling with a friend and I'd like to be a bit more modest. The ones I wear at home are too bulky so I thought I'd try to find something lightweight...

Posted by
36 posts

I found a lightweight knit one at Target, it's comes just above my knees and doesn't take up much room.

Posted by
8258 posts

Maybe look at swimsuit cover ups? I think they would serve the purpose, be lightweight, and fast drying.

Posted by
78 posts

I use a one size fits all Men's silk kimono I got years ago at TJ Maxx. It packs down really small.

Posted by
8377 posts

Takes up too much space for me, but I know someone who takes a white lab coat - a cheap lightweight plastic one from medical supply company.

Posted by
3200 posts

I have one like this one. It is OK, as long as it is not the only thing you have on. Mine came with a nightgown and I have thrown the nightgown out because it would start smelling immediately, and I'm not that smelly...really. I still take this robe sometimes, but I found a seersucker, front zip robe that is actually lighter, so that is what I take when I need to have a robe. I find it the seersucker is more concealing as well. I, too, only take a robe when I am with other people.

Posted by
173 posts

I never travel with a robe. I take dark, silky pajamas--long sleeves & long pants. Also take a dark tank to layer underneath or for warmer weather. This way I am comfortable and modest. If I really want to pack light and get double duty, I'll sleep in black CuddleDuds, but only when I have an ensuite bathroom. Also I never pack slippers, just warm socks. Several friends travel with lightweight silk kimonos. My MIL traveled extensively and packed a caftan. Just my 2 cents.

Posted by
11294 posts

In that situation (sharing a room) I use surgical scrubs as pajamas. They're quite sturdy and last for many years. You can get them from stores near hospitals, or online. In Philadelphia, I recently bought a pair for $25 - far cheaper than the robe from Magellans, and probably easier to pack as well. Mine are 65% polyester/35% cotton. Plus, they come in any color you can think of - and some you haven't!

Posted by
26833 posts

I don't take robes when I go overseas, but when I've need a lightweight, easy-to-pack gown, I have shopped at inexpensive stores like Walmart or Target (or places like Woolworths in the old days). The gown I use now came from Kohl's. Garments from Walmart and Target, in particular, may not be made with the best fabric, but you're looking for something thin, and it doesn't really matter what the fabric content is, since you won't be sleeping in the robe. I'd check locally before ordering something, but it does sound as if the Magellans robe packs up small and wouldn't be a bad back-up plan if you can't find something else.

If you want to explore the surgical-scrub possibility, it's my experience that they often show up at thrift stores like Goodwill. The price will be right for something that you probably will not use at home.

One thing I'd try to avoid is something excessively long. In your situation the extra length will add no value, but it will make the robe bulkier and heavier in your suitcase.

Posted by
9460 posts

I like Carol and Akros's suggestions, as well as looking for swimsuit coverups. Surely there is something at Target or TJMaxx or Marshalls without having to spend $58 plus shipping for a thin robe!!

Posted by
2093 posts

Wow, thanks to everyone who responded and thanks for your advice! I'll continue to check the local stores for something lightweight.

Edgar, we're on a RS tour so probably no "spa" robes at the hotels!

thanks again :)

Posted by
3514 posts

Many of the RS Tour hotels have had robes in the room, especially on the more recent trips I took. Also B&B places seem to have them often as well. Of course not every place had one.

Posted by
34 posts

What about a cozy sweater robe or long cardigan that could be worn as a cover up in your room, but also as a light jacket during the day? If the hotels/B&Bs you're staying in do provide robes, a double duty item will be useful.

Posted by
1194 posts

I never ever add the bulk and weight of a robe!
If I'm lounging in the bedroom I use my sweater as a cover.
If I need to head down the hall I use my raincoat as my outer covering. I have an REI Kyoto jacket.
For pajamas, I use a t shirt dress in the summer and use my leggings and T zip base layer top in the winter.
I appreciate that all these pieces do double duty.

Posted by
424 posts

I second the suggestion for Target. They have a thin, lightweight knee length robe in their pajama section. I think it's the Merona brand.

Posted by
3 posts

I work at a medical clinic and confiscated (with permission) one of the thin pinstriped/seersucker robes we use there to travel with. Lightweight and folds up into almost nothing. Maybe check into something like that.

Posted by
2093 posts

Thanks everyone! I found an inexpensive waffle-weave robe online that I'm hoping will fit the bill. Appreciate your help!

Posted by
9460 posts

Let us know when it arrives if it's lightweight like you want!

Posted by
1 posts

I found a great lightweight robe at World Market. Its cotton and knee length. Love it.

Posted by
2093 posts

Hi, my robe arrived and I think it will work fine. It was advertised as a "bridesmaid's robe" so it's short (knee-length) and the material is lightweight. I got it in black. It was only $18 (versus the Magellan's one for $58) so if it works for a few trips, I'm happy. Thanks for all your help :)