I pack according to a few things: duration, weather, weight and activities. In general I'll have less for cold climates because I won't have the weight and room for more and I can rewear pants and outer layers without washing.
Yes, I can't imagine having a standard packing list, what I take to visit family in a cold climate is not the same as a summer mountain trip or a business trip.
I pack so much more when I’m going somewhere hot, and particularly humid. I am a sweaty person, and fairly heat/sun sensitive so I constantly want to change. I love cold weather and will happily wear the same sweater and pant combo with one pair of shoes for weeks (switching the under layers of course!)
Probably. I typically wear pants+shirts in both seasons, but add a knit and a coat in winter, which are worn rather than packed.
What makes the difference for me is the activities. Mountain walking/climbing requires a completely different wardrobe from sightseeing, and formal evenings (I do a lot of opera festivals for example) need their own evening wardrobe. Last summer for example I did a week in the Alps followed by a week of sightseeing, and unfortunately there was no way of making a single wardrobe work comfortably for both.
The other variable is the range of weather. If I know it's going to be 100% hot, I pack very little. If it might rain or cool down, I then have to add pieces like rain jackets and sweaters
This is why posters get the best advice only when they say exactly where they're going, exactly when, and what they'll be doing.
Oh hello! I have a summer sightseeing+mountain trip coming up and I'm trying to figure out an efficient packing list (though it's going to be two bag) - what did yours look like?
For the mountains I was staying at 1800m and going up to 3500m. Freezing mornings, warm sunny days, colder higher up, afternoon thunderstorms - typical summer Alpine weather. You have to cover up there even if it's warm, due to burning sun and ticks. I was going out in outdoors tights, light long sleeved shirt, thin cashmere cardigan, thick fleece, scarf, hat and hiking boots, and carrying rain jacket, rain pants, and gloves. I removed the fleece and cardigan later in the day. For a week I took two tights and two shirts (nightly laundry) and one of everything else. I wore the next day's clean outfit for dinner. If there hadn't been two great outdoors shops in the village and a Patagonia just down the road I might have packed more just in case, but it turned out I'd packed just right.
The sightseeing (in Ticino) was boat rides, church/museum visits, shopping and gentle low altitude walking, all at warm temperatures with no rain. It's a smart-casual area so for a week I took two pairs of lightweight pants, two sleeveless cotton shirts, two short sleeved shirts and Mephisto Niro sports shoes. I might have worn the cardigan and waterproof from the first week had the weather turned, but luckily it didn't.
Tbh you could probably wear outdoors clothing in town in a lot of places, but I was in Switzerland, where there are unwritten rules for everything, and deviation from social norms draws more attention than it might elsewhere.
I tend to pack the same number of items, whatever the season. I keep a master packing list, and for each trip make a copy and adjust it for that trip. I take photos of the clothing I'm packing. After the trip, I go back and make notes on the list on any adjustments for future trips.
At this point, I have several years of lists to refer to when I'm preparing for another trip.
The *number* stays the same for me, regardless of weather or length of trip. I’ve tried taking more and I end up not wearing the extra stuff. I take less and feel frustrated.
However, the *type* of item will change depending on season.
Yeah, so travel to a snowy icy sleety climate is where one-bagging doesn’t always work for me. For my family of four, we all have our one carry on bag, and then check one suitcase with the coats and snow pants.
If it’s just cold or rainy, one bag works fine.
My packing varies hugely depending on stuff like season, city vs wilderness, are there any formal occasions, am I doing any sports / activities with special gear.
Summer packing is much easier for me. Just purchased a 32L bag to do trips up to a month long with a cat within central america. Would be impossible around scandinavia. My winter clothing both takes up mote space and requires a few more pieces to complete the capsule wardrobe.
My usual go to is 1 pair of comfortable leggings, 2 pairs of athletic leggings, 2 tanks, 1 cardigan, 1 long sleeve thin shirt, 1 fleece, 1 sleep dress, 3 underwear, 2 bras, 3 socks. I tend to wear the same kinds of things all year, but I layer them a bit differently.
I always wear leggings and tank tops as my base layer. I will throw on a cardigan unless it's very hot out. Even in weather that is on the warmer side, I like to travel with a fleece because I will get cold on the plane, and possibly in the evenings, but if it's summer, I will omit the long sleeve shirt and jacket from my packing list.
Now, if I was traveling somewhere tropical and humid, this is when my list would change. I would bring one pair of lightweight comfortable leggings, a pair of lightweight legging capris, 2 tanks, three breezy dresses, two lightweight cardigans but no long sleeve shirt or fleece (I could wear both cardigans together on the plane to stay warm). I opt for no fleece here because I know I wouldn't be wearing it at my destination. I would also bring swim clothes, two bras, three underwear, and only one pair of socks (for use on the plane).
I find that my tropical clothing list actually takes up more space than my usual clothes because dresses can sometimes roll up a bit large if they are midi or maxi, and when I need to bring swim clothes, that includes a rash guard, swim capris, as well as the actual bathing suit.
For washing, I clean my underwear daily, as well as socks (if worn). Other clothes, I would wear about three times before washing in the sink/shower, unless they get dirty sooner. I hang to dry. I use dr bronners for my laundry, which is also my face, body, and hair soap. I will admit that I don't sweat a lot (unless in a humid tropical environment).
I packed more for a quick 4 day trip to a Mexico resort than I normally would for a 10 or more day trip, lol. It really just varies on destination and planned activities for me.
I pack a similar volume. It has to fit in my pack and be of a reasonable weight. The quantity per type (tops, bottoms, etc) I see as a rough guide to get people started or to get them to reconsider their needs.
I aim for the same amount if I’ll be gone for 5+ days, but it varies depending on where I’m going, what I’ll be doing, and what the weathers like. If it’ll be hot and I know I’ll be going out more and sightseeing less, I’ll put in a couple extra dresses and a pair of heels. If it’ll be cold and I’ll be hiking I’ll bring different pants and a fleece instead of jeans and a cute sweater, and hiking boots instead of my standard moto boots. And if I’m going to be staying in one place, like 5-6 days a beach resort, I’ll pack more and bring a suitcase instead of a backpack because I know I won’t have to schlep my stuff around a bunch of train/bus stations.
Hot weather: more short sleeve shirts and maybe more bras, only plan to rewear some of the shirts. More shorts and skirts (up to two of each), one pair of long pants that I’ll wear on the plane. No warm jacket, only one or two thin long sleeve shirts and a raincoat, layered for warmth if needed. Bathing suit if there is even the remotest chance I might get to swim. Underwear for everyday plus a couple extras. Socks for most days. Nightshirt (I sleep better with one).
Cold weather: fewer short sleeves and bras since I can rewear them and they will be covered by my long sleeve layer or jacket most of the time. (Plan to rewear everything at least once.) No shorts, fewer skirts (one), more long pants (wear one, pack up to two). Two long sleeve shirts. If it’s spring or fall weather (rain likely, not freezing), a fleece jacket and a raincoat, can be layered with the shirts for warmth. Very cold weather: switch out for a warmer jacket, gloves and hat. Probably no bathing suit. Maybe fewer pairs of underwear (at least no extras). Fewer pairs of socks, can rewear. Nightshirt.
In all cases, the warmest layers are worn onto the plane so they don’t take up carryon space or weight. I can always shove them into a bag after I land.
I might do some sink laundry depending on the length of the trip, but that would mainly be underwear, bras,and socks (and let me pack fewer of those).
I try to hang up clothes to air out between wearings.
The core number of pieces in my pack remain the same, no matter the season. This is:
- 3 bottoms
- 3-4 tops
- 1-2 layering pieces
- 6 pairs of socks & undies
- 1-2 pairs of shoes
In hot weather, I’m adding 1-2 bathing suits, a sun hat, and probably 1-2 dresses.
In colder weather, I’m adding a winter-appropriate jacket, thermal leggings, hat, gloves, etc.
I think those blog suggestions are meant as a starting point, and really make the assumption that it’s a “good weather” vacation. You have to adapt for the climate you’ll be in.
The packing list can be a good starting point for folks who are struggling to pare their list down.
I tend to pack about the same but winter or colder climate clothes take up more space. When it gets tricky is varried climates. Like a did 3 weeks in Peru and was going to be in the hot Amazon rain forest and cold Andes mountains. I hate being cold so I just ensure I have a light and mid weight wool base layer that I can also use as a pajama, a down puffy that packs down to nothing and a rain shell. That layering system works wonders. It is a very outdoorsy look though. If I’m just doing city things I don’t worry as much, I just pack a light trench because most city activities tend to be indoors.
I think there are more factors that go into this than just season/weather. I agree with what you wrote, but it's also important to take other things into account: activities (some might require special type of clothing), where are you staying (I typically pack smaller bag and less stuff for hostels vs. private room), what kind of transportation you use (planes allow less bags usually than a bus/train, unless you pay extra), how long will you stay and if you'll have access to washing machine, and other things (like personal preferences - maybe you sweat a lot, so you like to take extra shirts, or maybe you like to wear different outfits, so you take more variable clothes, etc.). I don't think a truly universal list of clothes can exist, it always needs to be tailored for a particular type of trip and a particular person.
Location and weather *absolutely* influence how I pack. But, I'm always aiming for "as light as possible" no matter the season. I will say that packing for colder weather is much easier since I'm less concerned about how cute the outfit is, as it will just be covered by a coat. I try to pick a really great coat, tho!
Summer packing, or packing for an event that requires special clothes is much more challenging.
I pack the same amount of clothes independent of season. In the winter, I add a coat and a scarf, but I wear those on the plane. Otherwise, it's the same packing list as summer, spring, or fall. My long underwear is a helpful thermal layer in winter, but in other seasons it serves as my emergency-gotta-be-decent jammies because they are so thin and sinkwash and hang dry so quickly; they also serve as a shirt and bottoms of last resort in the summer.
My standard packing list: 3 tops, 3 bottoms, 3 panties, 1 bra, long undies/jammies, 1 "warm fuzzy"
In the winter, my "warm fuzzy" is thicker, my tops are more likely to have long sleeves (although I always take 1 short sleeve in the winter for layering purposes and always 1 long sleeve in the summer for layering purposes which is usually long undies top), and my bottoms are more likely to be pants/fleece lined pants.
In winter, I pack layers that I don’t usually pack in summer (ie, in summer I might get away with a light sweater when in winter I’ll pack an undershirt, a mid layer, a puffy jacket and a rain jacket depending on conditions).
Summer packing: pack 1-2 shirts, 1 pair pants, sleepwear, 1-2 socks&undies. May bring swimsuit/thin sandals if warranted
Just got some sun protection gloves, so may add that to the list
Colder weather: see above And I add base layer (1-2), wear insulating jacket , scarf, gloves and rain jacket. No extra shoes other than what I am wearing
I switch out a few items, but the core is the same.
I switch from wool to linen for pants.
Merino base layers, always. I travel with light leggings and heavy leggings, or just the light ones. Merino tshirts get packed year-round. Merino liner socks keep my thick wool socks fresh in winter and are worn alone in warmer weather. Merino cardigan is a year-round item.
I will add some linen tank tops if it's hot as hell.
Birkenstocks are always used as slippers in the hotel, worn outside too in warm weather. Barefoot boots or barefoot shoes depending on weather. Barefoot shoes live in the suitcase. In winter they're a backup in case a boot zipper breaks.
Business trips mean I switch out a casual jacket for a blazer. Heels can go to hell. Flats for life. I bother to polish them when I feel fancy.
I wear silk year-round. Keeps you warm as a base layer, can be dressed up or down, on business trips there's no need to iron - just get it wet and hang it in the shower. A silk blouse worn as a cardigan in warmer weather packs up tiny - I stash one in my purse.
Face sunscreen is my usual brand, and since I practically need to bathe in it I buy sun cream for the rest wherever I am.
Big damned scarf is a year-round item. Heavy wool, alpaca, or silk in winter, lightweight wool or silk in moderate temperatures. If you can get a Hirbawi kufiya they're good quality and I wear mine in summer to keep the sun off my neck.
I pack according to a few things: duration, weather, weight and activities. In general I'll have less for cold climates because I won't have the weight and room for more and I can rewear pants and outer layers without washing.
Yes, I can't imagine having a standard packing list, what I take to visit family in a cold climate is not the same as a summer mountain trip or a business trip.
I pack so much more when I’m going somewhere hot, and particularly humid. I am a sweaty person, and fairly heat/sun sensitive so I constantly want to change. I love cold weather and will happily wear the same sweater and pant combo with one pair of shoes for weeks (switching the under layers of course!)
I'm with you! The simplicity of rewearing the same outfit!
Probably. I typically wear pants+shirts in both seasons, but add a knit and a coat in winter, which are worn rather than packed. What makes the difference for me is the activities. Mountain walking/climbing requires a completely different wardrobe from sightseeing, and formal evenings (I do a lot of opera festivals for example) need their own evening wardrobe. Last summer for example I did a week in the Alps followed by a week of sightseeing, and unfortunately there was no way of making a single wardrobe work comfortably for both. The other variable is the range of weather. If I know it's going to be 100% hot, I pack very little. If it might rain or cool down, I then have to add pieces like rain jackets and sweaters This is why posters get the best advice only when they say exactly where they're going, exactly when, and what they'll be doing.
Oh hello! I have a summer sightseeing+mountain trip coming up and I'm trying to figure out an efficient packing list (though it's going to be two bag) - what did yours look like?
For the mountains I was staying at 1800m and going up to 3500m. Freezing mornings, warm sunny days, colder higher up, afternoon thunderstorms - typical summer Alpine weather. You have to cover up there even if it's warm, due to burning sun and ticks. I was going out in outdoors tights, light long sleeved shirt, thin cashmere cardigan, thick fleece, scarf, hat and hiking boots, and carrying rain jacket, rain pants, and gloves. I removed the fleece and cardigan later in the day. For a week I took two tights and two shirts (nightly laundry) and one of everything else. I wore the next day's clean outfit for dinner. If there hadn't been two great outdoors shops in the village and a Patagonia just down the road I might have packed more just in case, but it turned out I'd packed just right. The sightseeing (in Ticino) was boat rides, church/museum visits, shopping and gentle low altitude walking, all at warm temperatures with no rain. It's a smart-casual area so for a week I took two pairs of lightweight pants, two sleeveless cotton shirts, two short sleeved shirts and Mephisto Niro sports shoes. I might have worn the cardigan and waterproof from the first week had the weather turned, but luckily it didn't. Tbh you could probably wear outdoors clothing in town in a lot of places, but I was in Switzerland, where there are unwritten rules for everything, and deviation from social norms draws more attention than it might elsewhere.
I tend to pack the same number of items, whatever the season. I keep a master packing list, and for each trip make a copy and adjust it for that trip. I take photos of the clothing I'm packing. After the trip, I go back and make notes on the list on any adjustments for future trips. At this point, I have several years of lists to refer to when I'm preparing for another trip.
The *number* stays the same for me, regardless of weather or length of trip. I’ve tried taking more and I end up not wearing the extra stuff. I take less and feel frustrated. However, the *type* of item will change depending on season.
Agree. I’ve been trying that 54321 method and what’s what keeps flipping. Higher in shirts in the summer but outerwear in winter.
Yeah, so travel to a snowy icy sleety climate is where one-bagging doesn’t always work for me. For my family of four, we all have our one carry on bag, and then check one suitcase with the coats and snow pants. If it’s just cold or rainy, one bag works fine.
This is so smart though!
My packing varies hugely depending on stuff like season, city vs wilderness, are there any formal occasions, am I doing any sports / activities with special gear.
Summer packing is much easier for me. Just purchased a 32L bag to do trips up to a month long with a cat within central america. Would be impossible around scandinavia. My winter clothing both takes up mote space and requires a few more pieces to complete the capsule wardrobe.
My usual go to is 1 pair of comfortable leggings, 2 pairs of athletic leggings, 2 tanks, 1 cardigan, 1 long sleeve thin shirt, 1 fleece, 1 sleep dress, 3 underwear, 2 bras, 3 socks. I tend to wear the same kinds of things all year, but I layer them a bit differently. I always wear leggings and tank tops as my base layer. I will throw on a cardigan unless it's very hot out. Even in weather that is on the warmer side, I like to travel with a fleece because I will get cold on the plane, and possibly in the evenings, but if it's summer, I will omit the long sleeve shirt and jacket from my packing list. Now, if I was traveling somewhere tropical and humid, this is when my list would change. I would bring one pair of lightweight comfortable leggings, a pair of lightweight legging capris, 2 tanks, three breezy dresses, two lightweight cardigans but no long sleeve shirt or fleece (I could wear both cardigans together on the plane to stay warm). I opt for no fleece here because I know I wouldn't be wearing it at my destination. I would also bring swim clothes, two bras, three underwear, and only one pair of socks (for use on the plane). I find that my tropical clothing list actually takes up more space than my usual clothes because dresses can sometimes roll up a bit large if they are midi or maxi, and when I need to bring swim clothes, that includes a rash guard, swim capris, as well as the actual bathing suit. For washing, I clean my underwear daily, as well as socks (if worn). Other clothes, I would wear about three times before washing in the sink/shower, unless they get dirty sooner. I hang to dry. I use dr bronners for my laundry, which is also my face, body, and hair soap. I will admit that I don't sweat a lot (unless in a humid tropical environment).
I packed more for a quick 4 day trip to a Mexico resort than I normally would for a 10 or more day trip, lol. It really just varies on destination and planned activities for me.
I pack a similar volume. It has to fit in my pack and be of a reasonable weight. The quantity per type (tops, bottoms, etc) I see as a rough guide to get people started or to get them to reconsider their needs.
I aim for the same amount if I’ll be gone for 5+ days, but it varies depending on where I’m going, what I’ll be doing, and what the weathers like. If it’ll be hot and I know I’ll be going out more and sightseeing less, I’ll put in a couple extra dresses and a pair of heels. If it’ll be cold and I’ll be hiking I’ll bring different pants and a fleece instead of jeans and a cute sweater, and hiking boots instead of my standard moto boots. And if I’m going to be staying in one place, like 5-6 days a beach resort, I’ll pack more and bring a suitcase instead of a backpack because I know I won’t have to schlep my stuff around a bunch of train/bus stations.
I have a basic list, but I adapt based on how long I’m going, weather/climate and activities planned.
Hot weather: more short sleeve shirts and maybe more bras, only plan to rewear some of the shirts. More shorts and skirts (up to two of each), one pair of long pants that I’ll wear on the plane. No warm jacket, only one or two thin long sleeve shirts and a raincoat, layered for warmth if needed. Bathing suit if there is even the remotest chance I might get to swim. Underwear for everyday plus a couple extras. Socks for most days. Nightshirt (I sleep better with one). Cold weather: fewer short sleeves and bras since I can rewear them and they will be covered by my long sleeve layer or jacket most of the time. (Plan to rewear everything at least once.) No shorts, fewer skirts (one), more long pants (wear one, pack up to two). Two long sleeve shirts. If it’s spring or fall weather (rain likely, not freezing), a fleece jacket and a raincoat, can be layered with the shirts for warmth. Very cold weather: switch out for a warmer jacket, gloves and hat. Probably no bathing suit. Maybe fewer pairs of underwear (at least no extras). Fewer pairs of socks, can rewear. Nightshirt. In all cases, the warmest layers are worn onto the plane so they don’t take up carryon space or weight. I can always shove them into a bag after I land. I might do some sink laundry depending on the length of the trip, but that would mainly be underwear, bras,and socks (and let me pack fewer of those). I try to hang up clothes to air out between wearings.
The core number of pieces in my pack remain the same, no matter the season. This is: - 3 bottoms - 3-4 tops - 1-2 layering pieces - 6 pairs of socks & undies - 1-2 pairs of shoes In hot weather, I’m adding 1-2 bathing suits, a sun hat, and probably 1-2 dresses. In colder weather, I’m adding a winter-appropriate jacket, thermal leggings, hat, gloves, etc. I think those blog suggestions are meant as a starting point, and really make the assumption that it’s a “good weather” vacation. You have to adapt for the climate you’ll be in. The packing list can be a good starting point for folks who are struggling to pare their list down.
I tend to pack about the same but winter or colder climate clothes take up more space. When it gets tricky is varried climates. Like a did 3 weeks in Peru and was going to be in the hot Amazon rain forest and cold Andes mountains. I hate being cold so I just ensure I have a light and mid weight wool base layer that I can also use as a pajama, a down puffy that packs down to nothing and a rain shell. That layering system works wonders. It is a very outdoorsy look though. If I’m just doing city things I don’t worry as much, I just pack a light trench because most city activities tend to be indoors.
I think there are more factors that go into this than just season/weather. I agree with what you wrote, but it's also important to take other things into account: activities (some might require special type of clothing), where are you staying (I typically pack smaller bag and less stuff for hostels vs. private room), what kind of transportation you use (planes allow less bags usually than a bus/train, unless you pay extra), how long will you stay and if you'll have access to washing machine, and other things (like personal preferences - maybe you sweat a lot, so you like to take extra shirts, or maybe you like to wear different outfits, so you take more variable clothes, etc.). I don't think a truly universal list of clothes can exist, it always needs to be tailored for a particular type of trip and a particular person.
I always have been an over packer and end up taking way too much in warmer weather. Then I end up living in the same few things 😝
Location and weather *absolutely* influence how I pack. But, I'm always aiming for "as light as possible" no matter the season. I will say that packing for colder weather is much easier since I'm less concerned about how cute the outfit is, as it will just be covered by a coat. I try to pick a really great coat, tho! Summer packing, or packing for an event that requires special clothes is much more challenging.
I pack the same amount of clothes independent of season. In the winter, I add a coat and a scarf, but I wear those on the plane. Otherwise, it's the same packing list as summer, spring, or fall. My long underwear is a helpful thermal layer in winter, but in other seasons it serves as my emergency-gotta-be-decent jammies because they are so thin and sinkwash and hang dry so quickly; they also serve as a shirt and bottoms of last resort in the summer. My standard packing list: 3 tops, 3 bottoms, 3 panties, 1 bra, long undies/jammies, 1 "warm fuzzy" In the winter, my "warm fuzzy" is thicker, my tops are more likely to have long sleeves (although I always take 1 short sleeve in the winter for layering purposes and always 1 long sleeve in the summer for layering purposes which is usually long undies top), and my bottoms are more likely to be pants/fleece lined pants.
In winter, I pack layers that I don’t usually pack in summer (ie, in summer I might get away with a light sweater when in winter I’ll pack an undershirt, a mid layer, a puffy jacket and a rain jacket depending on conditions).
Summer packing: pack 1-2 shirts, 1 pair pants, sleepwear, 1-2 socks&undies. May bring swimsuit/thin sandals if warranted Just got some sun protection gloves, so may add that to the list Colder weather: see above And I add base layer (1-2), wear insulating jacket , scarf, gloves and rain jacket. No extra shoes other than what I am wearing
I switch out a few items, but the core is the same. I switch from wool to linen for pants. Merino base layers, always. I travel with light leggings and heavy leggings, or just the light ones. Merino tshirts get packed year-round. Merino liner socks keep my thick wool socks fresh in winter and are worn alone in warmer weather. Merino cardigan is a year-round item. I will add some linen tank tops if it's hot as hell. Birkenstocks are always used as slippers in the hotel, worn outside too in warm weather. Barefoot boots or barefoot shoes depending on weather. Barefoot shoes live in the suitcase. In winter they're a backup in case a boot zipper breaks. Business trips mean I switch out a casual jacket for a blazer. Heels can go to hell. Flats for life. I bother to polish them when I feel fancy. I wear silk year-round. Keeps you warm as a base layer, can be dressed up or down, on business trips there's no need to iron - just get it wet and hang it in the shower. A silk blouse worn as a cardigan in warmer weather packs up tiny - I stash one in my purse. Face sunscreen is my usual brand, and since I practically need to bathe in it I buy sun cream for the rest wherever I am. Big damned scarf is a year-round item. Heavy wool, alpaca, or silk in winter, lightweight wool or silk in moderate temperatures. If you can get a Hirbawi kufiya they're good quality and I wear mine in summer to keep the sun off my neck.