Packing the right clothes

Layers, layers, layers! That is - clothing that you can easily layer. It will take you everywhere. For example, let's say that in cooler weather, you wear a tank with a cotton shirt over it and a light fleece jacket over all. That will keep you nice and warm.... and if the day warms up you can take off the jacket, scrunch it into your day pack, and be cool and breezy. If it gets really hot, tie the shirt around your waist! Also, as much as I adore natural fibers at home, when I'm travling, I do rely on knits. I usually pack a few knee-length dresses in cotton knit or a poly/rayon.cotton blend, plust leggings (calf-length, with lace at the hem) that can go absolutely everywhere. They also roll or scrunch up nice and small in my luggage. I can get WAY more clothing in if I don't bother to pack jeans or khakis... or maybe just one pair or each. Remember - if you're walking a lot (travel generally means walking way more than you normally do at home, unless you're super fit) - the dreaded Thigh Chafe is a consideration. There are plenty of threads on Thigh Chafe on this board. For me, bike shorts or leggings under a skirt work wonders to prevent it. It's worst when the weather is hot. And for everything, from Paris to Gimmelwald - comfy walking shoes.

If you can stay dry in Gimmelwald, you will likely stay warm. A sweater and a good rain jacket will be enough. If you ascend to the summit of the Schilthorn or Jungfrau, bring a hat, gloves and scarf. But you will likely only need a sweater and jacket at Gimmelwald's elevation.

Tom is not kidding. In the mountains elevation differences can really make a difference, even between two locations that are relatively close, kilometer-wise. On average the temp gets about 3 and 1/2 degrees F colder for every one thousand feet you ascend. And then there's those mountain afternoon winds.

Layers. Been in Paris and just south of there for the last few days. It's been coolbeen wearing a summer tee, topped by a wool sweater with a scarf around my neck and topped with a rain coat. Layers. At the same time the metro can be stifling. Also, a heat wave could start tomorrow, which is exactly what happened last June from one day to the next. It's always changeable in the Paris area due to the north Atlantic.

I packed a mid-weight white UnderArmour long sleeve shirt for Italy in March. I could wear the shirt under everything. Very light weight, washed and dried well and added a great layer of warmth. Took up very little room in my one backpack bag.

Just got home from almost the same trip 4 days ago. Switzerland was nice. 60 and somewhat sunny. I wore capri pants the entire time, but had to have a sweater. Up in the mountains (top of Mont Balnc) it was snowing. We all had umbrellas but France was awful! Cold wind, pouring rain. POURING! I'd say 50's. Except once you are wet, it might as well be 30, because then you are slopping around in wet pants and shoes and you can't warm up. Amsterdam rained too, less wind so our umbrellas worked there. Make sure you bring a jacket, like a North Face. For sure an umbrella and a few extra pairs of socks incase your shoes don't dry overnight. We had bad weather. Hopefully, it clears out.

To Everyone who replied to my query regarding dressing appropriately for varied weather conditions, and packing lightly for my trip to Europe --Thank you so much for all your advice, it really helps!! Au revoire, Peggy