Paris Packing List... Enough/Too Much???

[sarahray85]

I should have posted this earlier but I thought I get in every last piece of advice. I’m leaving for Dec. 19 to Paris and I’m going to spend 2 and ½ weeks there, staying at five different hostles. This is what I’m packing. What do you guys think? Is it enough? Is it too much? I only weigh about 110 pounds and I’m 5’6” AND I’m from Southern California… so I’m really afraid of being cold!!!

clothes
10 underwear
6 pairs of wool socks with liner socks
1 pair of flip flops (for shower)
1 pair of sneakers
1 set of silk long johns
1 set of poly/cotton long johns
1 pair of leg warmers
1 button up shirt with a tie
2 turtleneck sweaters
3 white undershirts
1 long sleeve shirt
1 down vest
3 pairs of pants
1 light overcoat
1 scarf
1 pair of gloves
1 bandana
1 knit beanie

toiletries
face wash
soap (I don’t need shampoo b/c I don’t have hair)
toothbrush/toothpaste
chap-stick
2 pairs of earplugs
towel (the thin kind)
dental floss
makeup (just an eye shadow and mascara)
deodorant

guidebook
Michelin “The Green Guide: Paris” (It was given to me so…?)

Other stuff
Sleep sheet

Question???
Do I really need to bring laundry supplies? Shouldn’t I just buy them there?
What kind of sleepwear should I bring?
Should I even bother bringing a dress? (I can and do rock the dress over pants look…)
I have a big down coat but it’s too big for my pack… should I make room for it?
Do I need a pillow? I don't think I need a pillow...

[me]

Wow, Sararay! i guess shaving your head is one solution to the hair straightener dilemma.

i don't see shaving supplies in your exhaustive list of toiletries. are you planning to just let your hair grow for the 2½ weeks you'll be in Europe?

you prolly don't need all those wool socks, since you have liner socks, they wouldn't need to change as often.

you also might think about replacing the poly/cotton long johns with a 2nd set of silk ones, if you can. silk long johns are warmer, in my experience.

a good way to tell if it's too much: pack it all in your backpack, strap it on your back & go for a walk around the block. this will tell you if it's too much.

however, since you're staying in one city the whole time, weight is less of an issue. but, you do have to get from one hostel to the next. (just, why are you staying in 5 different hostels?)

[stanncie]

10 underwear seems to much to me, but I guess they are not that bulky so it's ok, I would go with half that but that's just a pesonal preference, you can easily wash underwear daily.
I also wonder why you are staying in 5 different hostels....it seems like way too much of a hassle to lug all your stuff around from one to the other

[sarahray85]

I booked kinda late so there were some nights that weren't available. So... I'd want to stay somewhere for ten nights but they'd only have four in a row. Plus I booked one night at a place where I can be in my own room with my own bathroom.

I'm just going to let my hair grow while I'm there.

So, I'll cut the underwear in half.

And should I cut the souck in half (3 pairs) or should I take four? They are pretty bulky so I wouldn't mind taking less of those.

I'm a little worried about not having enough shirts. Do you guys think I have enough?

[Jules80]

i'd bring the down coat. the only place you wont' wear it is in california. esp if you're not used to the cold. i went to paris over the holidays with my cousin and her australian husband. it was between -2and -10 c and he was frozen the whole time. this is not particularly cold if you're used to it. but when you're not its a little chilly.

no pillow. for such a short time, its easier to bring laundry stuff... you don't need much... regular pyjamas are fine for a hostel.

jules

[me]

the sock liners are small & light. take plenty of those - about as many as underwear. but i see no need for more than 3 pair of bulky wool socks.

coming from SoCal, Paris will probably be on the cold side for you. there are parts of Canada that lie further South!

- d