I’m in the process of putting together my travel wardrobe and all the other items for a trip to San Diego with family and grandchildren, in near future, 6 days plus the travel day on each end. Flying, no car, so packing carryon + a cabin tote that’s big enough to hold a few clothing items. Staying in a type of AirB&B and still trying to learn if there’s a W/D. With little kids, we’ll be doing a lot of meals “ at home” and I expect lounging around many nights.
Temps projected to be mid ‘60’s day/ mid-50’s night lows. I’ve been to SD years ago usually May , professional trips with some free time, and recall mild pleasant walking outside but have almost no recollection of how I dressed. I might have even had a harbor cruise and if that was SD, I was cold!
I’ve got various options laid out and for sure doing layers, but have found myself dithering about what range of “ warmth” to include, without overpacking. I run very cold but occasionally hot flash, ha! Plus, I prefer looser fits and don’t like feeling stuffed into too many layers- so for example, if I wear a LS T + LS shirt or thin sweater + hoodie jacket I start to feel like my actual layers might have been too light to begin with. But, the thinner the layers, the easier to stuff into a crossbody bag or tie around waist.
Anyhoo, I’ll dive into some of my choices & some of my dithering.
First, “ activity categories “, some of which could overlap:
1) Daytime walkabout & activities, zoo, aquarium, parks. Walking, standing, outdoor sun, some indoor time.
2) Beach - but mostly “ playing,” as is cold water! & I assume cool/ breezy + SUN.
3) Evenings in house, cooking, playing, putting kids to bed, some grownups might be able to stay up later than the kids! It’s very possible I’ll feel chilly inside if others want cool air temp. Thinking one softer, looser, warmer, outfit might be worth having IF have room and/ or overlaps with day or sleep.
3) Sleep capsule: Pj’s—worth it for 7 nights; usually I take thin items, not warm enough to wear for lounge; though warmer Lounge could be sleep. Travel microfiber robe -probably-I just find it convenient when sharing rooms & bathrooms.
Shoes: 3
1 Brooks sneaker-wear on plane
Pack 2nd Brooks or Rykaa sneaker; 1 lightweight water/beach shoe
Pants: 3,4,or 5!
1. COH slim straight Jean- wear on plane ( soft, stretchy, was comfy on car trip
2. VB gray Jean/ chino
1&2 serve same purpose but expect to be main “ day out” pants.
3. Gray cotton/ rayon utility pants for beach, thinking as “ dedicated “ beach. Can fit over swim shorts.
4) Maybe/ not : Athleta Brooklyn poly pant. These are so lightweight , easy- dry, had thought of these as might wear for day or beach, but now thinking I don’t really want to grub in the sand in them. Not warm enough alone in breezy 55-60.
5) A cozy knit jogger pant- lounge or day.
2 options: Gap poly/ cot jogger , or a warmer Uniqlo fleece- lined straight slim pant. Gap has zip pockets; Uni has deep pockets ( useful for street wear). Dithering about warmth level.
Shorts: Athleta Trekkie, if any. Not shorts-weather Hence why considering more “ pants” than usual lists.
TOPS
SS T’s: Usually a staple, but maybe only 2 , because, chilly, sun.
LS T’s: 2
LS button front: 1, or 2. Eddie Bauer sun type shirts, 1 white, 1 lilac- vanity, might like the change , might wear one every day, layer easily for me. White & bright pastel are risky but SO fun-sun.
Pullover(s) - love both, need ..?
- medium- thick cotton loose- knit pullover that is super comfy, relaxed fit. Feels very vacay but maybe redundant with hoodies which are easier on- off.
-Uniqlo thin “ sweater” pullover, more like a refined knit sweatshirt-warmer, packs smaller, dressier than hoodies
Jackets- big dither.
Have:
—Athleta thin gray poly hoodie- like because not too tight.
-Title 9 deep lavender hoodie- thin, layers over but also under a button front. HEWI color!
I’m tempted to take both….
—Thicker cotton- poly Athleta gray hoodie I just got, that I thought was going to be my airplane jacket + lounge + night temps, BUT it’s tighter on wrist & armholes & I don’t “ love” putting it on, so think it’s not “ the one” , so should return.
— Fjallraven warm knit zip jacket-I really think this is too warm- was why I got the cotton- poly knit. But now wondering.
All above jackets have zip pockets, one of my travel goals when possible.
Rain/wind:
- Marmot light rain shell. ? Usefulness? Omit ? In SD maybe more windbreaker / beach. Packs down well. But, still more bulky / floppy if not really needed.
Other warm layers to consider or sub:
-a nano down jacket or vest. I thought that might be too much even for me, but would welcome opinions.
-Undersilks longjohns to wear under pants. Not great as pj’s. More as insurance for , wow, I’m freezing here. Was hoping to take my chances.
Or, Jockey slip- shorts, above knee, as an underlayer.
Not likely to change out bottom layers when “out”— public restrooms, I could change tops if sweltering, , but not taking off shoes, pants.
Hat(s) definitely, & scarf, warm or neck- bandana use maybe.
For the beach, I’ll pack swimwear which for me is tankini +swim shorts— But, I’m almost 100% sure I’ll need to wear pants ( for sun and for cold) plus a sun shirt/ rash guard & maybe another layer if it’s windy! Family members are likely to pack 2 suits but I’m wondering if I might find I find it better to just have “ beach clothes”with the above roll- up pants & will hardly need an actual suit! Because 2 different suits while not too heavy, is NOT minimal teeny bikini for packing .
Zip rash guard vs wear LS shirt +/- hoodie
So. Obviously can’t take ALL that. Planning a test - packing run tomorrow & regroup.
I appreciate any advice & weather/ temp tips from CA dwellers of travelers, and capsule/ packing tips all around. I’ve been a big “ what if” packer and trying to trim down.
