BootsnAll Travel Community

I plan to be in Europe from Jan - Feb(ish) {I'm not a huge planner, I'm more of a play it by ear kinda person so nothing is set in stone until I'm on my way there. } But does any one have suggestions on what type of pack will be roomy enough to carry winter clothes but still be able to be carry on and carry-able? I've been looking @ Eagle Creeks Maiden Voyage - but I'm not sure if it can be carry on, and 70L may be a bit much.
http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_luggage/adventure_travel...en-Voyage-70L-10053/

I'm also not sure what clothes to bring, so any suggestions would be appreciated.
I was thinking something like:
3 jean
4 long sleeve shirts
2 sweaters
2 long underwear
1 long skirt
1 Fleece

I figure I can layer.

Thanks

you can either bring one or buy it there, but in Jan-Feb you will definitely need a coat. Sweatshirts don't cut it for snow, even if you're wearing 3 of them.

70L is not carry on. And it's huge for a 2 month trip.
45L or less is carry on (depending on the airline - I'd go slightly smaller maybe). Jeans are pretty bulky and can usually be worn a few times without being noticably dirty. I'd ditch at least one pair.
Check out some travel clothing sites like rei.com and look at down jackets or vests. I've never actually seen one, but they apparently pack down really small and are still very warm. Some come with stuff sacks.
I'm not sure what other things you plan on packing besides clothes, but downsize the pack BIG TIME. I took an 80L on a 3 month trip (most of my stuff was camping gear) and never again will I subject myself to that. It's carry on for my next trip - a 40L bag. And I'm planning on going for 3-5 years...so you should be able to handle 2 months with a smaller bag.

Definitely ditch one of the jeans - or even two. If you have a fleece, you also won't need two different sweaters.

Depending on where you are going, it might be smarter to bring a winter jacket than a coat. Coats aren't as warm or comfortable as clothing made for sports. It took me until last winter to really appreciate how comfy a snow-boarder jacket is in comparison to a wool coat.

Also bring some warm shoes. A hat or fleece head band is essential to keep your head and ears warm.

It would be easier if we had more specifics on where you are going - winter in the UK is much warmer than Central Europe and you could forget most of what I just wrote.

Thank you guys for the ideas!!!
A friend and I plan to leave the 16th for Ireland and
Scotland. We'll be their for 10 days - then I plan to go
England and Paris alone. That is as far as my plans go.
I'll play it by ear from their on.
Thanks again for all the info!!! You guys rock

Regarding long underwear:

Rule #1: Avoid cotton. Cotton doesn't keep you warm when it's wet. Your cotton will get wet.

Rule #2: Polyester smells. Even the expensive stuff like Patagonia Capelene. It will keep you warm, but you won't actually want to wear it because it's uncomfortable and stinky.

Rule #3: Merino wool is unfortunately expensive. But it's also the best stuff ever. It feels like a soft cotton shirt. It's naturally antimicrobial so it doesn't smell. Go for Smartwool or Icebreaker brand Merino wool long underwear. You'll gasp at the price, but you'll wear it every single day.

If you’re going to be in Ireland and Britain in Jan-Feb, you’d be well advised to have some kind of rain gear. It might not be bitterly cold, although it could be especially in Scotland, but it will almost certainly be wet at times. I’d suggest some kind of convertible jacket with a water resistant/proof shell and a removable fleece liner. I’d also ditch at least one sweater (you can get a nice wool one in Ireland if you want). I usually don’t travel with more than one pair of jeans; I go more for cargo pants made of something lighter and more quick drying than denim.

Thanks for the long underwear advice - I never would have thought of that! I've totally rethought my packing. I'm going to par down my clothes by at least 1/2 because I'd love to buy a sweater from Ireland and scarfs in Scotland.
One of my friends said all she brings are underwear and basic essentials then she buys the rest when she gets there. Is that practical for winter?