clothes for switzerland

[Ryan2]

Hey guys,
Im leavin on May 5th and havent decided what i want to pack yet. Ill be in Switzerland in mid-may. Im wondering if i should bring my insulated jacket. I already packed my windproof jacket and rain jacket so is a warmer jacket really needed. It doesnt take up any space because it stows in a pocket in the jacket, i mean if needed i could probably use the thing as a pillow.
Thanks, Ryan

[Michelle]

I can't say if you'll actually NEED the insulated jacket, but if you're already bringing two jackets (which I think some people will probably tell you is too many) then you should skip the insulated one. If you find yourself cold, just layer your clothing (wear an extra long sleeve shirt or two underneath your windproof/rain jacket) until you get warm! I say don't pack it, that way you will have extra room in your pack to bring home souvenirs!!

Have a good trip!
~Michelle

[Ryan]

Michelle,
Honestly, my pack is 4700 cubic inches which is plently big. This jacket i speak of stuffs into one of the pockets and is no bigger than my shoe, so space is not an issue; however, its importance is. As far as weather goes im wondering if its gets colder than 45 degrees, cause i was planning on sleeping under the stars for a night or two, and being without a sleeping bag i was just going to use my sleeping mat. I'll l be taking technical clothing which is plenty packable and takes up not much space at all.
Thanks~ Ryan

[Eagle]

Ryan, a few thoughts on your Post....

Since there's no way of knowing what the weather is going to be like at the time you'll be in Switzerland, it's difficult to predict whether the Jacket will be needed. It sounds like you have a large Pack and space is not an issue. If you don't mind hauling the Jacket around for your whole trip, that's your call. You might check some of Kim's posts in other sections of this site, concerning having to send unnecessary items home part way through the trip.

Although the Jacket fits into one of the pockets in your Pack, if you're concerned about the "bulk", try one of the Eagle Creek Compresser Sacks -- you may have seen these? They are available in many travel stores, and seem to work quite well at "minimizing" the size of large clothing items.

Good luck with your decision, and have a great time on your trip!!!

[GG]

Just a thought, but if you go up the alps there may be snow. I went to Jungfrau in late August 03. It was 40 degrees in Germany but colder in Switz. I put my thermals on, on the train going up and we were in slushy snow and the weather changed to freezing winds while we were there, so I say go prepared.
Enjoy your trip.
Kathy

[CuriousToronto]

I too was in Switzerland in August 2003 and I saw all types of weather. But I remember when we decided to go to the Berner Oberland (Gimmelwald) we took one of the scenic train trips to get to Interlaken. Being the genius I was I had only taken linen pants, shorts, and a denim skirt. I was totally kicking myself . . . when we were going through the mountains on the way to Interlaken (not that high in altitude 'cause we were heading out from Montreux) I looked out the window and saw decidedly FREEZING weather. Even the locals were wearing winter jackets.

Thankfully things were different in Gimmelwald despite the higher altitude. I did layer up to go to the Schilthorn though. Jackets (light ones) and sweaters (good ol' Canada Roots one) were definitely called for. During hikes you get warm so it's not a big deal but the weather can change rather quickly when up in the mountains.

And since I don't know what 40 degrees is I can't comment on that but I will say that when we first got up to the Schilthorn it must have been in between 5 and 10 degrees celsius.

Pack a jacket - particularly if it's one that doesn't take much space.

[char2]

For anybody that wants to see, this is the jacket im taking.... suprisingly warm www.usoutdoorstore.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=AA85!702 Take Care- Ryan