City break packing

[AcceptingTherapy]

Trying to plan a capsule wardrobe for a 10 day Canada city tour for autumn. Temperature should be between 15-21 degrees so I think I’ll definitely need a jacket or 2 maybe a lighter and warmer one but I want to keep packing to a minimum because of all the travelling about. What kind of outerwear would you take? Any other ideas to stick to a capsule wardrobe?

I’ll add that it’s mostly coats I’m worried about getting right as they will take up the most room. Usually on city breaks I’ve been on I would just pack for all eventualities but that would usually only be 5 days max and one hotel base so no lugging suitcases between hotels!

I’m now thinking capsule is too hard to come up with and maybe I take 10 tshirts and stick to the same jeans and a couple of warmer layers.

I did 7 days in America last month in very similar temperatures (we were in Boston and New York). I took:

Comfortable walking trainers (HOKA Gaviotas)
Some fancier silver leather Superga pumps
A pair of gold ballet flats
A dark denim full midi skirt
Two pairs of jeans
A jersey dress
A knitted jacket (Uniqlo do good ones)
A light cardie
A structured sparkly sweatshirt from Oliver Bonas
6 t shirts
A light silk blouse
2 evening tops (basically fancier t shirts)
One of those uniqlo light down jackets that can be stuffed in a bag.
A large cotton scarf.

The cardies were black and t-shirts mainly black/white/grey with a couple of bright coloured ones (bright pink and dark red), so everything could be worn with everything else.

With underwear, cosmetics and other stuff (books/tech etc..) I just took a Kipling 65 l duffle bag and a 20 l backpack as my flight bag.

That looks like a great list, thank you, did you wear everything? I was thinking about the Uniqlo ultra light down and off to look at the knitted jacket now!

I think I’ll try and get everything in a cabin size suitcase but I I’ll have to test it out!

I did, apart from the silk blouse as our apartment didn't have a working iron and it emerged from my case looking like a dish rag.

The Uniqlo knitted jacket was a great buy. It is warm enough for outside on a coolish spring/autumn day and also a bit structured so looks good when you need to smarten a t shirt and jeans outfit indoors.

TBH I probably could have got my duffle bag in as cabin baggage but I couldn't be arsed working out all the tiny bottles for liquids so booked hold luggage. Also Mr Monkey was putting his in the hold as he was going out to run a marathon so needed to take gels and energy drinks

My aunt's went to Canada in September and said that it was so cold in The Rockies they had to buy winter coats.

Try to take the minimum number of shoes and can you wear both of your jackets on the flight ? I.e. planes are chilly so you could wear the lighter one one during the flight and put the other in the overhead locker.

Be very simple and unfaffy with bags, jewellery, other accessories and toiletries. I share shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant and toothpaste with DH and use the hotel shower gel.

As pp said wear your coats, I get cold on flights anyway & saves space.

I think one jacket will be fine in that weather- maybe just a scarf if it’s cool in the evening?

Wearing the jacket is a good plan. I don’t seem to have any suitable jackets so I’ll have to buy new anyway so I’ll get something that will be able to squeeze in the overhead locker. I might wear hi top converse for the flight then pack one pair of trainers and then maybe something smarter or even sandals. That’s the bulky things and yes we can easily share shampoo and things.

I'd I'm travelling I always travel with (multiple) packable down jackets and a easy to pack waterproof. I have a short tog 24 jacket, a tog 24 gilet, a long uniqlo down and a waterproof uniqlo trench in a slightly bigger size i can layer over the top. I might take a packable waterproof instead if i dont think i need a waterproof but I rather love the trenches for style.

Depending on the weather I might pack all or some. They all pack down so small it really isn't a big deal even cabin luggage only. The tog 24 packable down are a bit more windproof and warmer (the jacket can manage 13°-16° on its own) but uniqlo are a slightly more stylish cut.

In your case I'd travel with the two short jackets and probably wear the trench. Even if you do hit cold cold you should be ok just by layering the lot. If you have the knitted jacket or fleece you might find you can do without the gilet. but I find it takes so little space I'd take it for versatility ie 17-19° type weather.

That is a fab list Icedlatteplease thank you. I’m so bad at knowing what to wear in what temperature so that is really helpful. Big Uniqlo order incoming!

Always worth trying a hairdryer, a friend passed on that tip. I was sceptical but it really does work on lighter materials.

@AcceptingTherapy If you have to take your shoes off in security, you will curse high top Converse! I would do slip on trainers.

I’ve been to Canada West coast several times in September. It rains!!! So canvas shoes could be a big problem. You must take a waterproof. M&S had very good longer length casual ones. Take a fleece for colder evenings. Canadians really don’t dress up that much. I tend to wear chinos and jeans with shirts. I’m not a fan of t shirts. A cashmere pullover works for evenings too. I find wide leg trousers and a couple of nice tops are fine for restaurants. No one will look at your shoes. Stay comfortable.

I bought my Uniqlo light down jacket a few years ago after watching all the Italian women whip them out at 6am in the airport! They are so easy to pack and warm. I often take a light foldable raincoat to wear over the top if it rains- both can easily fit into a small day bag