Trying to figure out the clothing situation.....I know about dressing in layers. As a matter of fact, it was 55 degrees here today and I thought, boy, this is chilly......then I realized, this may very well be the temps in the Netherlands and in Switzerland in mid April/May. How many short sleeve, long sleeve, sweaters, over jackets? How many shoes? Hiking boots? Warmer clothes will take up more room in the carryon suitcase!
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
The secret is long SILK underwear.. super soft and lightweight.. no bulk,, keeps you warm.. and can double as pjs..
Jeans are bulky but don't need to be washed often., so 3 pairs( wear one pack two) could do you .. or pack those long yoga pants or leggings.. they are thin and light but can be winter weight and do not take a ton of room . There are lightweight travel pants. Remember you don't need tons of clothes.. you wear the pants for 4-5 days at least.. there is a laundry stop or two.. and just need same amount of tops as you would for any trip( 4-5)
Fleece jacket with a rain cover ,, yes.
And yes.. it can be that cool in April.. heck I wore a long sleeved tshirt.. a lightweight fleece and my rain /wind breaker in Amsterdam in JULY two years ago... so yes.. bring warm jacket and rain jacket.
Posted by
OP
St. Louis MO
737 posts
Pat, i know this subject has been discussed ad nauseum but..........I have a nice newish pair of merrell lightweight hiking shoes/boots and planned on wearing those for the more rugged walking needs......but I decided I will only bring ONE other pair of shoes. Is there a magic pair of shoes you loved on a spring trip to Europe? Sandles, no, because although I have several comfortable sandles, I don't think the weather would make them practical. I do have a pair of Croc Mary Janes that seem to work nicely (learned my lesson to wear SOCKS with those as I developed a lovely blister or two wearing them throughout WDW a year ago).
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Kathy.. I can't imagine only bringing one pair of shoes.. bring two at least.. shoes get sweaty ,damp etc.. and its good for them to rest inbetween wearings.
I think the maryjanes are a good idea.. not a sandal but at least lightweight.. you may have some nice weather in Rome /Venice etc.. so heavier boots may not be ideal there !
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14731 posts
Kathy, just finishing the BOE so did the hiking in Switzerland Thursday. Our guide said his first 2 tours this year in June he had to shovel snow on the trail and in fact had to cut some steps into some areas for people to negotiate the slick areas. He did not say this but I would imagine depending on the snow year you might or might not get to do the Manlichen to Kleine Scheidegg hike. There are others on the valley floor I am guessing might be more accessible. This is speculation on my part based on how hiking trails become available in my area.