Clothes
A great thing to keep in mind when choosing what clothes to pack is to lay your clothes out and see if you can wear every top with every bottom. This way, you can create new and effortless combinations. It also comes in handy when you start filling up your laundry bag and are left with limited options.
10x Undies
10 pairs should be enough if you do washing once a week.
Bra
*Wear on the plane
5x Socks
The amount you take depends on the types of socks you wear. I packed 5 pairs of thin anklet socks and 2 thick pairs of hiking socks.
*Wear the thick pair on the plane
2 x Singlets
For layering under your other tops for those extra cold days.
*Wear one on the plane
5 x Long Sleeve Tops
I mostly brought merino wool tops as these are thin, warm and comfortable. Thermal tops work great as a base layer. Try Icebreaker, Patagonia, or Under Armour for a more affordable solution.
Chambray Shirt
I take my light blue cotton chambray shirt everywhere. It’s easy to dress up or down.
2 x Thin Sweaters
Bring two lightweight sweaters which are perfect for layering. Again, merino is a great option. Cotton generally isn't as warm and wool can be too thick.
*Wear one on the plane
Hoodie
A big, thick hoodie to keep you warm! I love my Roots hoodie!
*Wear on the plane
3 x Leggings
Comfortable black leggings can be worn everywhere in Europe. Bring one sportier pair for any active activities you may be taking part in.
I advise against jeans but if you're adamant, also pack a pair of thermal leggings to wear underneath to stay warm.
My picks for thermal leggings are from Icebreaker and Patagonia. A more cost-effective brand is Under Armour.
*Wear either your jeans or your thickest leggings on the plane
Optional. Pajamas
If you need pajamas then pack a singlet and thin cotton shorts. Everywhere has heating so you don’t need to pack your warmest pair of fuzzy thick pajama places. Otherwise, your thermals also double as great pajamas.
Warm Jacket
I bring my Huffer jacket with me everywhere! Columbia also has great options.
*Wear on the plane
Optional. Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
If your warm jacket isn’t waterproof, pack a really lightweight shell jacket. Just make sure it actually fits over your warm jacket! I love my Columbia shell jacket.
Accessories and Shoes
Beanie - Merino wool is always best! I am a huge fan of Love Your Melon and the incredible work they're doing to help kids with cancer. They have a range of cotton and merino wool beanies.
Scarf - A heavyweight woolen scarf is a must for winter in Europe, the wind can get very chilly and its good to have a scarf to keep your neck warm. I take my 100% yak wool scarf with me everywhere. Love your melon also has a cute range.
*Wear on the plane
Gloves - I have hand knitted merino gloves I bought from a gorgeous lady at a market.
Sunglasses – I didn’t bring these but I wish I had.
Collapsible backpack for day use - So you don't need to lug your main pack around everywhere. Sea to Summit has a great range of lightweight bags.
Sneakers – Ones you can walk in all day.
Flip flops – For showers. If you’re not staying in hostels you may be able to skip bringing the flip flops.
Hiking Boots/Waterproof Boots – I nearly didn’t bring mine but decided to at the last minute. I was SO thankful I did as my sneakers got ruined throughout the journey and I ended up wearing my hiking boots every day. If you plan on going out at night, bring a nicer pair but just make sure they’re comfortable. I love my Keen boots!
*Wear the biggest and bulkiest pair of shoes on the plane
Toiletries
Try and bring these in the smallest containers possible. Preferably plastic over glass as it’s lighter.
Toiletry Bag – I didn’t have one lightweight enough so used a thick ziplock bag.
Lip Balm
Makeup – I only brought Mascara. This is a personal preference and depends on how much room you have spare.
Toothbrush With Cover
Toothpaste
Deodorant – The very small travel sticks last 3-4 weeks.
Facewash and Moisturizer
Cotton Ear Buds - Only as many as you will need.
Tissues – One small packet.
Hairbrush - Small fold up comb.
Argan hair oil - Or other hair product you just have to take.
Shaver
Contact Wearers: Saline, contacts, glasses, glasses case
Pads, Tampons or preferably a Diva Cup - only as many as you will need.
Shampoo – I usually double this as soap so I don’t have to deal with a messy soap bar.
Conditioner
Hair Ties/Bobby Pins
Nail Clippers
Other Health: Antihistamines, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, birth control, period pain medication, your personal medications.
Dirty Laundry Bag - A very thin lightweight bag. Sea to Summit has a great range of lightweight bags.
Miscellaneous
Eco-friendly Water Bottle
Drivers License
Credit and Debit Cards
Passport
Booking Information
Packable Bag – A really compact bag comes in handy for so many situations - check out Sea to Summits range.
Trtl Neck Pillow - The only next pillow I'll ever bother with. Read my review on the Trtl neck pillow here.
*take on the plane
Ziplock bags – A few small ones usually come in handy.
Small Padlock
Eye Mask and Ear Plugs – For obvious reasons. I bring the earplugs that are connected to each other as they’re easier to keep track of.
Pens
Camera
Camera accessories: charger, memory cards, lenses - I wasn't unable to bring my tripod. You may need to make sacrifices if you have more camera gear you want to bring.
Music and compact headphones
Mobile phone, charger, and small power bank
Optional. Ipad or Tablet – This isn’t necessary but I actually brought my laptop with me.
Power Adapter – Bring an all country adapter with a plug inlet and USB inlets so you can charge your phone and camera at the same time.
Perfect timing for this post! Appreciating the time and effort you put into your website and in depth information you offer. Such a helpful guide! It’s always hard to know what to pack, especially when you want to pack light but this post makes it so much easier. Worth sharing! Please do continue sharing updates! Thanks a lot!