What to pack for 5 weeks!

That's going to be a tough fit. You're trying to do carry-on only? What airline are you on - they all have different dimension limits. I can do any length trip in my 20x14x7 suitcase but it requires significant organization. You're going to have a hard time, I think, with that list. The thing I limit most is shoes as they take up a lot of room. I bring the same shoes on every trip - one black Merrill mesh Mary Jane (wear on plane) and one off white Merrill mesh Mary Jane, plus a pair of $4 flip flops from Fred Meyer. That's it. If I branch out more than that my suitcase fills up very quickly. I also bring 3 pairs of capris, 3 skirts with tights to go under them and about 6 shirts. I add two sweaters and bring a REI polar fleece jacket that I carry onto the plane so as to save room. That's it besides undergarments and two pairs of pajamas. I don't know how I'd add riding boots, sandals, sneakers and dress sandals to that list.

One thing I would recommend is a "practice pack", which I do for each trip. Put just your 4 pairs of shoes into a correct size suitcase and see how you fare. I think they'll take up a bunch of room. One other thing to keep in mind - your toiletries take up more room than you think...especially weight-wise.

The riding boots are a pain, take lots of room and only used for a few days. Is there any way you can rent these via the horseback tour?

Or at least wear the boots while you travel, and mail them home after you don't need them with you ?

I was planning on wearing the shortie riding boots ( I asked, no loaner boots) packing the Keens which are bulky, but great for hiking and waterproof, then sneakers for a change and closed toe. I am thinking 2-3 pants/capris, 1 riding tights, 2 skirts and 1 dress, 2 cardigans, windbreaker, black fleece, 2 tanks, 3 tees, 1 long sleeve tee, one blouse. Wear the bulkiest stuff. Enough? Too much?

Flying carry on with Delta going over, will check a bag on the three dinker flights during our travels as the day bag will count as the carry on.

So Delta is 22x14x9, which is pretty generous. Grab a bag that fits those measurements and see how your list fits in. There's really no other way to tell. Your item tally seems ok - I repeat a lot when I travel and pack mostly black with a little bit of color here and there. I myself would probably add another long sleeve shirt, but that's just personal preference.

You'd obviously save room by wearing the riding boots but you'd still be taking up a lot of room with shoes. I myself couldn't do a 12 or 15 hour travel day in boots.

I agree the boots are an issue, but I think you have another issue to consider. Your packing list is still incomplete, so even if you fit in what you've listed, you're not done. You mention beach days, which will require 1-2 swimsuits and a coverup. As mentioned by another poster, there's some serious work to be done in paring down toiletries. Then any accessories (jewelry, scarves); undies, including a sports bra, socks; any pills or first aid stuff, any laundry aids; electronics, camera, chargers; maybe a guide book or map. I'd start by making a truly complete list, and then I'd dump any duplicates. Only take 1 skirt, not 2; take 1 cardigan, not 2; 1 swimsuit, not 2, etc.

I've gone for seven weeks to Europe with sports gear and all my regular stuff in only a carry-on and small tote. It's possible, but it definitely requires planning and lots of trial packing. My sports gear didn't include boots though. (you didn't mention a riding helmet, is it going too?)

Good luck! It's really worth it to not be weighed down by your stuff.

A agree that you need to cut back on the shoes.

Are riding boots required to ride horses? Could you ride using the same boots you might wear for hiking? I like Ahnu Montaras for the support and stability. Along with a pair of graduated compression socks, I can be on my feet for 6+ hours a day with little or no discomfort. I never pack those boots in my bag. They are always on my feet in transit from one place to another, regardless of the mode of transportation. So if you could ride (both horses and bikes) in the same boots you walk and hike in, that would be a big savings in space and weight for your carry-on.

Those Sperry sneakers look cool, but I don't think they will supply the support you need for all that hiking and walking you list in your question. I also think you need to choose one pair of sandals, period. I know a lot of people really like the Keens, but if you were planning to wear them for hiking/walking keep in mind that much of the hiking terrain might not be paved and might have lots of little rocks. I've tried to walk my dog on our dirt roads in similar open sandals and there's no way to keep the sand, grit and little gravelly rocks out of them. The Keens I had were about 1 hour shoes, regardless of terrain.

I have only been one place where I thought I needed "nice" shoes and I was dead wrong. One compromise might be to consider some sandals or flats that are comfortable enough for walking to and from dinner and look good too. My go-to sandals for that these days are Abeos from the Walking Company. I have 3 pair. I also have 3 pair of Abeo flats for weather inhospitable to sandals.

I take one pair of flip flops for around the room, in the shower, at the pool/spa, etc. That means a total of 3 pairs of shoes, only 2 of which, the flats/sandals and the flip flops, are packed in my carry-on.

Over the years, I worked out a clothes formula that works for me. I don't wear skirts at home and I don't wear them on trips. They take up much more room in my carry-on than a pair of pants.

My list is usually similar to the one below. If I make any adjustments, they are to take less because my bag is roughly 20x14x8, including the wheels and I don't go over 20 pounds total weight. I hate layering, but for trips, I have to bite the bullet and do it. This is the total and includes what I will wear on the plane. I usually do laundry once a week, so it's pack for a week and a day, no matter how long the trip is.

1 rain/wind jacket
2 lightweight open cardigans
8 tops (at the moment that includes 4 knit tops and 4 button up shirts -- all long-sleeved)
3 bottoms (currently 1 pair pull on knit pants, 1 pair lightweight jeans, 1 pair chinos)
1 pair hiking/walking boots
1 pair flats
1 pair flip flops
2 pair PJ's that can double as base layers if needed
2 scarves
minimal cheap jewelry
1 small cross body purse
1 fleece hat
1 pair fleece gloves
3 pair compression socks
3 bras
3 shapewear tops
8 pairs panties
1 pair swim shorts
1 rash guard top

Those are the basics for my next trip, 6 weeks, May-June, to the UK. Everything coordinates, of course. This trip's colors are purple and gray. Many people take much less. When I try everything on and try packing it in my compression cubes, things may change. I already did a packing experiment in January on a 2-week trip to Texas and made some changes as a result.

Have fun with the packing planning.

Highs in the 60s on a Baltic cruise can be pretty chilly. Are you going to be warm enough?

I am no expert on cruises. The one i took last year was "freestyle" which meant there was no need to dress formal. I could still dress like a dork and nobody would give me a second look. But friends who do alot of cruising often pack formal wear with dress shoes etc.

If you are going to check in for most of the flights anyways, you might consider a bigger bag to accommodate all the different clothes you may need for heat cold, touring, hiking, biking, horses, beach and cruising. Ever watch "Joe vs the Volcano"? Big luggage saved Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.

Kathi, I don't have anything to contribute to your question, but I wanted to tell you that your trip sounds amazing! Have a great time!

Thanks all for the input! Every thought is helpful and considered.

Lo that's what I was looking for! A list of what and quantity for my activities. I am a skirt wearer, instead of shorts. I think I my skip the dress as I can wear a black skirt and top, making it look like a dress. I am not one to dress up for cruises, and the sandals I am bringing are Abeos, so comfy and fairly dressy. I was going to put my inserts into the Sperrys, I require arch support! I used the Keens almost exclusively on my last trip to Europe, I just wish they weren't so bulky!

funpig we really just use the cruise as transportation to hard to reach places, so like you don't mind dressing like a dork, but we will be going to the ballet etc, so want at least one presentable outfit.

Nelly riding helmet provided, phew! I have a list of all the other essentials (undies,accessories,pjs etc) from a previous 5 week trip that worked for me, so that has been taken into account.

MrsEB my daughter is going with me so we can split toiletries between us, we both use little to no make up when vacationing and don't even pack a blow dryer (making for some scary photos of me on our trip, lol) so that will help. Pilgrim thank you, I am so excited, we have some great things planned!

I am concerned about being warm enough. I think I'll add another long sleeve T or cardigan that can be used as a stand alone top. Any other thoughts on quality and selection of clothing items to pack? It's all I can do not to trial pack now and my trip is 4 months away, actually 120 days, 14 hours and 36 minutes...

Kathi,

I've found silk underwear to be a big help when needing to pack for a wider span of temperatures. I have the long bottoms, long sleeve top and a camisole and, all together, they take almost no space. It's surprising how much difference they make on a cooler day. I got mine at REI and they wash and dry with ease.

Kathi, I think you do need to add one long sleeve and 1 pr long pants for the Baltic portion of your trip. I do see you are from Portland so you may have more of a tolerance to cool weather than someone from, say, Miami, lol but I still think you need to have something that covers your legs.

I don't ride, so are the tights something you can wear under the skirts if it gets cold? I am thinking the capris will not be useful in the Baltic areas. You might go to REI and see what kind of convertible pants they have that will roll up to capri length. These are not the zip-off convertible ones.

I actually would go ahead and do a trial pack now, even though it is 4 months out. Include all your toiletries as well. Set out your outfit for In Transit and then pack everything else.

BTW, if you have not already purchased your tickets for your non-Delta airlines, do look at their rules for carry on. It may be much cheaper to pay for checking a bag when you book rather than paying for it when you get to the gate and it is too big/too heavy.

editing to add: I might be tempted to pack a cashmere cardie or 100 weight fleece. I have a Lands End cashmere cardie I wore in France last October and it was the perfect weight. As it gets toward the end of the season they will probably put these on sale. If this interests you, sign up for the Lands end emails and then buy one when you get an offer of 40% or 50% off.

Well...I'm already packed for my end of May trip. My traveling companions think I'm certifiable for a) being packed already (mostly) and b) only taking a 20" suitcase. We'll see who has the last laugh.

So go ahead and trial pack today! Sounds like you have this well in hand.

The silk underwear sounds good, and could be worn as pjs, doing double duty if needed, and taking up very little space and weight. Also easily washed and dries super fast, thus no need for 2 pr pjs.

The silk underwear sounds good, and could be worn as pjs, doing double duty if needed, and taking up very little space and weight. Also easily washed and dries super fast, thus no need for 2 pr pjs.

I agree about the silk underwear, easily doubles as pjs.

I also pack for one week, plus what I am wearing for laundry day. It's good for 89 days. If between different climates, I wear the heaviest stuff/most layers on the planes; then use the zippered extension feature on my carryon to pack those extras or heavies for train/bus travel, or flights within Europe where I might have to check a bag anyway.

Another vote for silk underwear. Lands End has some pretty silk undies that are very warm. The turtle-neck tops are pretty enough to wear as outerwear, and layer beautifully. I took mine to London last February, and never needed more than a cardigan and nylon windbreaker to be warm. (I also wore the silk bottoms, but under my slacks, not instead of them!)

I also would dump the dress; you're taking skirts and a selection of tops already. Add a pretty scarf, and you'll be fine for the ballet. I haven't been to the ballet in the countries you're visiting, but I've been to a number of classical music concerts and ballets in Eastern Europe, and most people wear what they'd wear to church.

I'm pondering hiking boots, myself, for our next trip, Villages of South England. It looks like there will be a fair amount of castle-climbing, and a free day for hiking. I'm starting to wear my lightweight hiking boots around town, to see if I can take them instead of one pair of my regular all-purpose walking shoes.

Your trip sounds great! What an interesting itinerary!

Hi Kathi,
I have Ariat Terrain boots (http://www.zappos.com/ariat-terrain~2) that I wear constantly for working, mowing, walking, riding, you name it. Great support. I think all of the Ariat boots have a riding heel. Many choice to pick from, including waterproof. Maybe pick up a pair to try before you go. Even if they don't go with you on your trip, they'll come in handy. Have a wonderful time!

I would take a regular lightweight suitcase and not stress so much. Carryon was fine for me for 10 days, but if I was going on a 5 week trip in different climates, I wouldn't do it. But I'm not a minimalist at heart.

I forgot about my silk long underwear, I'll have to dig them out! I did find some darling, inexpensive beach cover ups at Lands End that could work as a cover up, dress, or nightie, score! And only $30! I also found some Columbia pants that are convertible yet still attractive, I love this dual duty stuff!

I think I may buy an expandable carry on, that way I can add souvenirs and check it on the way home. Doesn't it figure, I own 2 carry ons and neither expands. I have had lost luggage in Europe before, thus don't want to check a bag, plus we are doing a lot of moving about the first week and a half so lighter is better.

It is a very unique itinerary, lol, but we like to shake things up! Thank you all for your input!

I use travel fashion girl's packing lists to help me build a wardrobe. I have used her Maximista 15 item list successfully. Layer layer layer.

Last fall I was away for a month in Spain and did carry on; I didnot have the variety of activities that you have. My clothes all matched with each other using a black and turquoise theme. Worked well for me. I also cut way down on the toiletries in the 3-1-1 liquid bag, buying them when I arrived. I did research department stores near my first stop and found many travel sized toiletries to supplement what I had. That cut a loyof buk and weight. I also took a small bar of soap instead of liquid soap.

Good luck packing! Have a great trip.

Aside from the riding, which I know nothing about, I have traveled in two different climates with no problem. Here is my packing list.

Black silk long underwear from lands end, camisole top and long pants. Two sets is best. Can wash in sink, and wear as pajamas. They add warmth, but are ok indoors.

2 pairs black synthetic knit pants from Travelsmith. I like long pants, but they make these in a Capri length and you could do one Capri.

1 lightweight black dress from llbean.

3 short sleeved t-shirts, two long sleeved. Have a short and long sleeve in black, for dressing up for evening. Others in colors.

3-4 pairs underwear, two bras. Swimsuit if needed. If I bring my swimsuit I also bring a lightweight Pareto or scarf I can tie around my waist.

1 lightweight fleece jacket, or sweater, preferably black or grey. Rain jacket also.

2 or 3 scarves in nice colors.

1 pair of black sandals. Keen Venice is fine, Abeo....whatever feels good. Plus one pear of black rubber flip flops for use at pool, in hotel, etc.

A pair of black flats for evening use.

Walking shoe. In your case, can this be same as riding boot? You could use your sandal as your walking shoe.

Couple pair Merino socks?

This is plenty. Most days you will wear pants and top, with or without fleece jacket or sweater. On cruise you can dress for dinner in black dress with colorful scarf and flats. You can go cooler or warmer by layering silk underwear and long sleeves, or ditch long underwear and wear short sleeves.

Be sure to pack something in case you hit warm weather. A cool cotton (breathable) top and skirt would be useful, with your sandals. You could also use this as a bathing suit coverup. With a scarf, it is good enough for casual touring on your cruise. If thin enough, you can rinse the top and wear it again the next day. The ones that look good already wrinkled are the best. We were in a heat wave our last trip (to France) and had warm weather on a Baltic cruise. No one packed right and we all sweltered! My next trip--4 pants,(or maybe 3 pants and a skirt), 2 tank tops, 2 blouses, 2 long sleeved merino wool t shirts, 2-3 scarves, 2-3 cardigans (merino and/or cashmere), 1 vest, 1 packable raincoat, 1 pair walking shoes, 1 flats, 1 sandals (maybe if they fit in). I really tried to pare down the 3--1-1 bag this time and found most things in solid form (shampoo, lotion). Can the riding boots be sent home after you are through with that part of your trip? I would do the trial packing now, including toiletries and any meds, and try to lose some of the shoes. Pack the things you need only for the cruise separately from the rest (in a foldable nylon tote) and stash it at your first opportunity. Could you just arrange for it to be sent directly to the cruise ship port?
We were in Ireland on a RS tour before catching our Baltic cruise. We traveled with a carry on each (the biggest ones allowed) and the biggest personal sized tote allowed on the plane. I know the touring/cruise part can be done. Your riding boots are causing the problem for me. (I did spend a fair amount of time doing laundry as soon as we hit the cruise ship!) Good luck with your packing. Your trip sounds fabulous!

Thanks all! I appreciate all input and have started the fine tuning of my packing. I think I have it figured out based on your input (I think). As always, the dang shoes are getting me! To me, they make or break the outfit! I know I shouldn't care about looking like a frump, but I can't help it. I don't spend a lot of time on hair and wear no make up, so I am walking a thin line in the frump department, lol. Luckily my daughter wears the same size shoe, so I think I will see if we can share/swap. I really just have to worry about the carry on size going over, as I can expand my suitcase once there. We are actually looking for some super cheap used riding boots that we can just donate once done with the riding portion, that would help lighten the load. Only 77 more days!

Stuff your underwear and socks inside those boots, if you must take them. I pack for five weeks the same as for 1 week; the difference is the different activities. One pair of sandals can be okay as slippers/daytime/evening. Ditto simple separates which can be dressed up with a filmy scarf. A light jacket, a rain layer, and a down vest can take you through all temperatures. A good way to do it is to start with the list Rick gives in his Through The Back Door Handbook, and go from there.

Kathi--You must be on your whirlwind trip(?) --Been reading these posts and all the good advice. Hope you will report back once you're home, and let us know how the packing worked out!

We did it! Its amazing what you can cram into a carry on and small backpack (which I also had to put my purse into) We did have quite the change in weather, anywhere from 58 and rainy to 95 and sunny. I was quite sick of my outfits after 5 weeks, but never even had to do laundry except undies. I brought, including what 1 wore: 3 pants, 1 capri, 1 short, 1 short, 2 skirts, 1 dress, 5 t-shirts, 2 tank top, 2 blouses, 3 cardigans, 1 hoodie, 1 waterproof windbreaker, 1 hat, 2 riding outfits with boots and chaps, swimsuit, a sarong I used as a coverup and beach towel, nightie, 2 bras, 10 undies, 6 wool socks, makeup bag, 1 pair keen sandals, 1 Clark Wave waterproof shoe, 1 Cobb Hill dress sandal (amazed how comfortable these were, would recommend) and my indispensable shoe, the Bzee Flawless, wore the tread off of these! I got a bad case of plantar fasciitis the week before we left and had to change all of my shoes out! Brought a few necklaces and a scarf I never wore. All and all, I would leave the dress, exchange black tops for some color, as all my outfits looked the same, bring another tank top, and another skort instead of a skirt. My suitcase expanded if I needed it, but didn't.

We had a great time!

thanks for reporting back Kathi. Good info.

Thanks for reporting back. I'm glad it all worked out. :)