Seeking outerwear suggestion for Germany mid-March.

Hi I'm traveling to Munich Germany and surrounding areas in mid March and confused as to what type of jacket or coat to bring. Water resistant is a priority but I'm confused as to what type of weight or insulation.

We'll be on a tour and frequently outdoors. I want to be warm and appropriate but not too bulky. Initially the trip was planned for December. I bought a very heavy Calvin Klein parka with fur lined hood. https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/c.....im/4121062 I'm afraid this will be too heavy for March.

I own a wool blend wrap coat but not sure if this is appropriate for traipsing around with teenagers and doing casual touristy stuff. It only has one button. https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/c.....ly/4036154

Any jacket/coat/apparel suggestions appreciated. I'm going on a school trip with two teen boys and we must pack everything in a carry-on. I'll wear my jacket or coat on the plane of course but what type to buy is confusing me the most.

Thank you -- longtime member/daily blog visitor, although I don't participate on the forum much.

6 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

March might well be warmer than you expect. A rainproof jacket with a removable fleece liner would be ideal. If that sounds too informal for your style, you might check in the blog what Angie did when she visited her father in the Netherlands last spring. I think the two coats you linked to might be too heavy.

SarahD8

My winter coat is a Vosque parka by Patagonia. It's waterproof, mid-thigh length (which I find keeps me drier than a hip-length rain jacket), and has a zip-out puffer liner. With the liner, it is quite warm (I have taken it on trips to Amsterdam and Montreal in December), but without the liner it is comfortable for warmer days in spring and fall.

The Cat

Agree with Scarlet.

I have visited Germany in March wearing a lined trenchcoat (with a couple of layers underneath), and that felt perfect.

LoriFLA

Active Member

Thank you Scarlet, I just revisited Angie's capsule for her trip. She brought a rain jacket and a denim jacket. https://youlookfab.com/2017/04.....ring-trip/ A rain jacket, maybe an lightly insulated one, layered over some lightweight wool sweaters I own might do the trick. It can be very cold (to me 30s), or it could be in the mid 50s.

I came across this blog post of the area and time I'm traveling. It's useful because there are good photos (that you can enlarge) of people in the street and it looks like everything from mid-length puffer coats to short fleece. https://seasaltandcoffee.com/2.....arch-2016/

I forgot about a Liz Claiborne jacket that I've had for years (and wear on every year on winter days here in Florida). It's borderline frumpy but it might be the perfect weight. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Liz-C.....Pockets-Si. I might buy something new just because.

Thanks for advice. I am probably overthinking but to be cold is not fun. I want to get it right.

Thank you Sarah and TheCat. I just saw your replies. Sarah, your Patagonia coat with the removable lining is perfect!

Oh, I am recalibrating slightly if you come from Florida. I would think March in Munich would be similar to your winter. Maybe you could take your Liz Claiborne jacket with you, and do some shopping in Munich if something new grabs your fancy.

ETA: definitely bring a packable umbrella though

UmmLila (Lisa)

I was in Munich and southern Germany in mid-March a few years ago. It rained often, and snowed once (when I was at the Sleeping Beauty castle up on a mountain.) I wouldn't take a full on parka, but I think the combination of a hooded, warm, lined trench coat and a patagonia nano puff would be a good one. At that time, it seemed like all the Germans were wearing black Jack Wolfskin (a patagonia-ish brand) jackets.

Category