How to pack for transition weather (April, 10-25 degrees Celsius)

[josepidal]

How does one pack for transition weather (say April, 10-25 degrees Celsius)? This is roughly France this past month, with a cold spell, a week of hot and sunny weather, and mistral wind in the south. More importantly what items are stylish and minimize ironing? And save some room for a change of hiking gear for light hikes and walks along the way.

For this kind of trip, merino wool from boxers to long sleeve shirts that double as baselayers are lifesavers. Same with more casual wool pants that are readily worn with a blazer to a nice restaurant yet are comfortable casual.

A water resistant jacket that gives some warmth or accommodates a cashmere sweater underneath like a Harrington are also great for layering. Better to take extra layers for a cold spell than a heavy jacket or coat.

I was wondering what is easy for shirts, though. If it were summer or the tropics, then it's easy and you can take polos and short sleeve shirts. But for transition weather, is there an alternative to sport shirts or dress shirts? For example, does anyone use long sleeve polos for this kind of trip or have a couple of long sleeve t-shirts handy?

 

[jazznpool]

How does one pack for transition weather (say April, 10-25 degrees Celsius)? This is roughly France this past month, with a cold spell, a week of hot and sunny weather, and mistral wind in the south. More importantly what items are stylish and minimize ironing? And save some room for a change of hiking gear for light hikes and walks along the way.

For this kind of trip, merino wool from boxers to long sleeve shirts that double as baselayers are lifesavers. Same with more casual wool pants that are readily worn with a blazer to a nice restaurant yet are comfortable casual.

A water resistant jacket that gives some warmth or accommodates a cashmere sweater underneath like a Harrington are also great for layering. Better to take extra layers for a cold spell than a heavy jacket or coat.

I was wondering what is easy for shirts, though. If it were summer or the tropics, then it's easy and you can take polos and short sleeve shirts. But for transition weather, is there an alternative to sport shirts or dress shirts? For example, does anyone use long sleeve polos for this kind of trip or have a couple of long sleeve t-shirts handy?

Besides long sleeve merino wool shirts, I have a few merino long sleeve henleys and a merino wool quarter zip. I leave my better quality long sleeve polos at home.

On some trips where the projected weather will be cool, I don't bother with short sleeve shirts. Layering works best for me too. I pack light. With merino wool I can get a few days use out of my garments without them becoming malodorous.

I'm a fan of Outdoor Research garments including their Helium packable rainwear and ultra light hoodies and Ferrosi jacket. When traveling I sacrifice style to some degree for the sake of functionality and comfort. Safe travels!

 

[josepidal]

"sacrifice style..." I have long decided not to when traveling to the extent possible!

how do you layer henleys?

my issue is, many things other than a cotton turtleneck or button down shirt look horrible with a v-neck cashmere sweater

 

[jazznpool]

"sacrifice style..." I have long decided not to when traveling to the extent possible!

how do you layer henleys?

my issue is, many things other than a cotton turtleneck or button down shirt look horrible with a v-neck cashmere sweater

I layer over a henley as needed.

 

[sam67]

I was in Chicago a couple weeks back for five days. I concentrated on shirt, pants, shoes, and sport coat that I could work in different combos. And I got it all into my Saddleback leather.

 

[josepidal]

How do you pack those clothes wrinkle free in that beautiful bag sir?