My Way Alps Sept -What to pack

Light base layers plus the kind of down jacket that you can squish into a ball should be adequate for mountains. In late October in Switzerland, I was mostly in short sleeves (a record warm year, but maybe less unusual these days).

Do a search on the for for "packing Switzerland" and you'll get lots of great suggestions.

Absolutely no to bulky items if you want to pack light.

Packable down jackets and vests are great and take little room in your bag. Also, a packable waterproof jacket/coat will also cut the wind, wear it alone or over the down jacket. Toss in a pair of gloves or gloves liners and a cap and your ready for anything.

If chilly mornings and evenings are a concern, pack thin but warm base layers. Some options are wool, silk or synthetic like Uniqlo's Heattech line.

I always take a packable puffer when we will be in the mountains. Layer it over a t-shirt of it is mild, or over a lightweight fleece for extra warmth. I often start the day in a wool t-shirt, fleece, and jacket, then peel off as the day progresses.

I wear this lightweight fleece almost year round https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/129259?page=womens-airlight-full-zip-jacket-womens-petite&feat=airlight%20jacket-SR0&csp=a&attrValue_0=37564&searchTerm=airlight%20jacket&pos=1. Super lightweight, not bulky, and adaptable.

LLBean has many packable jackets although my favorite has been discontinued. Lands End is another good source.

I did this tour last year in Sept. I had planned on taking my puffer jacket and at the last minute I took it out. It was warm and even warmer while walking. Long sleeved tees and a couple of lightweight sweater/sweatshirts were plenty for cooler days. Usually I was in my tee and skort or lightweight pants.

I recommend Patagonia items-- and they can serve you well in CA if you venture to Big Bear, Sierras or Tahoe. And I've been to PS when it's cold, too!

Puffer jacket
Wind breaker
hat with a brim. (don't forget sunblock on your face and lips--but you know that being in the desert)
Sun glasses-- good ones like Maui Jim. (but you probably have good glasses being in the desert)
Gortex jacket if it's drizzly or rainy (It can also act as a windbreaker too)
Capilene top that is lightweight and great for wicking. I use a zip turtle neck with long sleeves- also protects against the sun if you peel off layers.
Vest-- doesn't have to be down but could be. Patagonia poly fill ones are fine.

Rick's Civita bag or another backpack where you can put layers, food and water bottles.

I love Kuhl pants for hiking and for long haul flights.

Socks-- get good ones, like Merino wool. Bombas or smartwool.

Walking sticks. ( investigate the trails you will be on and your ability).

Have fun and give us a trip report!!

I took this tour in September last year. It snowed in Italy & Switzerland.

After a number of European trips at various tines, although not this tour, the lightest most easily packable warmth would be merino wool base layer top and bottom. Of course I also bring my puffer jacket that stores in its own pocket.

We had surprise snow on Sept. 12-13 in Mürren last fall. Layers of lightweight shirts, then my light packable down, topped with my waterproof shell worked for me. Leggings under Eddie Bauer travel pants plus my hiking boots added warmth. The start of that week was warm and mid 70’s at Grindelwald First, and as the week progressed, temps dropped, rain came in, and then 4-5 inches of snow. Waterproof layers were enough…and then we left for Alsace, where it was much warmer, and I had two days where I wore a sundress! That was a wide range of outfits, but carefully chosen for my carry on. Only thing I could have used were gloves, which I’ll remember for next time.

Laurie

Laurie, I appreciate your post. Good grief on the radical temp changes! THIS is why it's so hard to give advice that is weather related! Sundress to snow....!!!!

I will just say that while I have not done this tour, I always try to cover myself in the Fall with flexible enough pieces that I can accommodate a wide range of temps. I always bring a waterproof rain layer which will also be windproof, a puffy vest (32 Degree brand) and a mix of long and short sleeve tees. I also have a long sleeve layer to wear over the tees. I always tuck a pr of Smartwool glove liners into the pocket of the rain jacket.

BTW, 32 Degree brand is sold at Costco and also at their own 32 Degree website. I just ordered a new puffy vest which came YESTERDAY during Thanksgiving dinner for pete's sake. The older vests loose their "floof" but I don't expect much for $12.99. The Patagonia stuff is nice but expensive. If you're not cold hardy, I'd go with the 32 Degree puffy jacket. They are using a new shipper which does not do a very good job at updating delivery dates but it actually came sooner than I was expecting.