Packing suggestions needed for travel to Amsterdam

citygirldc

Hi all. We are leaving for Amsterdam tomorrow for 10 days and I'm in the process of packing. I'm a bit overwhelmed because I may be overpacking but am scared I may not have enough since the weather will be cooler than I expected. Any suggestions? This is what I'm planning to take so far. Most items have black in them so I can match everything.

1. Outerwear: black puffer will be the only thing I'm taking, although I want to take my leather jacket and cotton-y army green jacket but don't think it will keep me warm and don't think I'll have space in my suitcase.
2. Shoes: pair of oxfords, loafers, black adidas, rubber rain boots, and 2.5" ankle booties. Too many shoes?
3. bottoms: dark blue skinny jeans, black skinny jeans, Gap girlfriend jeans, pair of black looser pants.
4. Sweaters: Long gray cardigan, black cardigan, black/white funnel neck sweater, JCrew wool sweater burgundy multicolor, Gap wool sweater black and blue, black wool sweater. These items seem to be taking up a lot of space.
5. tops: 2 wicking shirts and 3 tanks for layering mostly in neutral colors, Boden mod red funnel neck top, black and white striped 3/4 sleeve top, no button ups.
6.other accessories: 3 wool scarves, gloves and 2 beanie hats, no jewelry, 1 black leather handbag, umbrella, and camera bag (part of me says no on the camera especially if it's going to rain), IPhone, IPad.

What do you all think? Please forgive me if I don't respond until tomorrow (EST).

9 years ago

General

11 replies

Latest reply was from citygirldc

Anonymous

I think that you are taking a lot for a 10 day trip. Your puffer sounds like the best coat to take. I don't know what color your shoes are but it sounds like too many. Take a couple pair of the most comfortable and wear a third pair while travelling. That should be plenty and even allow drying time for any that get wet.
I usually take three bottoms for 2 weeks and then don't need one of them.
Sweaters. Cut back. I usually just take a black or grey cashmere pullover. If you have a cardigan that can be worn on its own buttoned up or layered over one of the sweaters, that's probably all you need...the cardigan and the sweater that you could wear under it if it's really cold. You can add color/pTtern with scarves.
Tops sound good as layering pieces and possibly to sleep in. Scarves..3 woolen ones sounds like a lot. Maybe one and a couple of silky ones.
Take what you are willing to carry and ignore my light packing tendencies. You need to be comfortable and confident. Have a wonderful trip!

9 years ago

rabbit

Veteran

Is your puffer rain proof? My first inclination would be to take less sweaters (since they don't really get dirty) and take maybe one of your lighter jackets as well as the puffer as it's nice to have variety and wind protection even on a warmer day.

Shoes: oxfords and loafers seem like an overlap, would they serve the same function and would one work? rubber rain boots -- I've never used these unless I'm actually wading but I might be envisioning something different than what you mean if they are good walking around shoes. I'd definitely bring at least three pairs of shoes though as if you are on your feet all day it's great to swap around.

bottoms - three might be enough, I'm guessing the looser pants are for on the plane? (always a good idea)

sweaters - cut back to one for each function (i.e. one cardigan, one pullover), and then maybe one more if you plan to wear them daily.

tops - you might be fine with almost all of them if they don't take up that much room, you can do laundry but I've found that means I am hanging around a laundromat when I would rather be sight-seeing.

scarfs - I'd take one wool scarf, maybe one lighter one (I usually like a light/thin but large pashmina type thing as a personal tent/blanket on the airplane)

Have fun and don't sweat it either way, you can always buy something there if you suddenly need it.

9 years ago

Sal

Veteran

I agree with the others.

I would take less sweaters/jumpers as the underlayer is what needs the washing. I think you can ditch two here, or at least one.

I would take either loafers or oxfords, and not sure about rain boots?

9 years ago

Jen W

Active Member

Given the rainy forecast I would try to take fewer shoes and sweaters and add an additional waterproof coat/jacket, ideally with a hood. Bottoms and sweaters tend to re-wear easily with a change of the layers underneath. And if it's chilly you won't have to worry about sweating through clothing, but rather things getting wet and taking a day to dry out. Amsterdam is such a fabulous place. I hope you have a wonderful time!

9 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I find that if I am on a sightseeing trip (versus work or visiting people) my clothes get dirty from being out all day, sweating, public transit, etc, so I tend to bring more clothes. I plan on 2-3 wears max for bottoms, 1-2 for tops (the inner layer anyway; sweaters, jackets, etc don't get as grimy). And plane clothes (for long flights) don't get reworn, except maybe on the flight back. I just feel icky otherwise. I also usually bring 3 pairs of shoes, all comfy. I need to at least alternate shoes for my feet to not be mad at me. And yes, I can almost always get this into a carryon size rolling suitcase.

If I were you, id leave some of the sweaters at home (take one cardi, and 2 pullovers maybe?) and keep all of the tops and pants. I might actually add another bottom. Maybe swap one of the sweaters for a jacket that could function as both a layer under the puffer or outerwear if it's warmer. for shoes, I'd take either oxfords/loafers, the ankle boots, and sneakers. are the ankle boots fairly waterproof? I don't think you need rubber rain boots unless it's REALLY wet... But maybe I'm projecting, as I find them almost always uncomfortable...

9 years ago

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I second cutting back on sweaters, shoes and scarves and adding a lightweight very large scarf. I like to leave space for possible purchases. I also bring a large garbage bag for laundry and if I might have wet clothes, a second one.

9 years ago

approprio

(website)

Veteran

Weather is changeable, damp but not that cold. My standard outerwear right now is spring weight jackets and big scarves layered with an ultralite down (a very useful thing to have) over long sleeved tees.

Bring the moto and/or the army jacket if you can. If you layer them with a tee and a cardigan you'll be warm enough. The puffer will be too hot if it warms up next week.

Barbara Diane is right about the big scarf. Best thing you can pack.

Do you have a good lightweight waterproof? It's really windy here and umbrellas don't last long in my experience unless they are very stormproof.

That looks like a lot of sweaters. Ditch some for the jackets.

Too many shoes. You'll be fine with trainers and oxfords. Heels are not great on cobble stones in my experience.

Pack the camera. You will kick yourself if you leave it at home.

And please PM me if you need help, wanna meet up, park luggage, get some tips etc. I'm around all week and I'm not that scary

UNIQLO

Women Disney Project Ultra Light Down Compact Jacket

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9 years ago

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

Thank you all for your suggestions. I will definitely ditch the rain boots, the higher heeled booties, plus some sweaters. I will bring my moto jacket and the olive jacket too. Now time to repack....LOL!

@approprio - I may take you up on that offer. We arrive tomorrow morning around 9:30 and will take the train to central station and hop on the bus to our hotel. I'm hoping to check in early or at least store our luggage at the hotel. Then it's off to find breakfast to find lots of coffee, walk around a bit. We could always meet up tomorrow or Saturday at some point although I probably won't be looking my best.

Later in the evening, we are headed to the Netherlands vs. France soccer game. I'm already exhausted thinking about this. Hah Hah!

9 years ago

Windchime

Veteran

I think you'll be glad to have the two lighter jackets. Have a wonderful trip!

9 years ago

approprio

(website)

Veteran

Good call with the repack. I'm a great believer in packing light.

And enjoy the game! I hope Oranje don't disappoint. They don't always step up to the plate in the friendlies and they just got beat by Wales. Oh the humiliation.

PM'd you my mobile number. Always happy to help.

9 years ago

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

I"m really wanting to bring these booties #1. They are not uncomfortable and have a chunky heel and sometimes I want to look good. Shoes 2,3 and4 are coming with me.

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9 years ago

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