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Thoughts on puffers?

Lucy

Veteran

So it is confirmed - I am heading off to Ireland next May for a conference, and I'm imagining I will add a week or two in England at the end. Yay! Super excited.
But I live in the sub tropics of Australia, where it rarely gets below 20 degrees celcius (68F) in the day in winter. I'm definitely not used to cold weather. I have a few woollen coats for travel in Sydney and Melbourne, but they are not particularly hard core. I am wondering whether I need a puffer. That's the first question! But then if I do, what should I get? We have a Uniqlo locally, does anyone have experience with their puffers?
Basically any advice is very welcome!

Shopping

16 replies

Latest reply was from Lucy

pirouette

Hi I live in Dublin a puffer coat would be too warm in May in Ireland. Most people are in light raincoats or a trench coats at this time of the year. It was 16 degrees here yesterday.

anne

Veteran

A day with a maximum of 16 in Australia would see me wearing my coat pirouette! Maybe not at midday but to and from work in the mornings and evenings. We are less used to cold. That said my wool coat would be sufficient.
How wonderful that you get to go to Ireland and the UK Lucy!

Inge

(website)

How fun, Lucy!

Weather should definitely be milder in May, but then again, Northern European weather is unpredictable (it could rain, it could be windy and chilly, it could be brilliantly sunny and warm ...

Personally, I would pack a lined trench coat or a raincoat, an umbrella, and work with layers as far as tops underneath are concerned. I would then also bring a Uniqlo puffer vest or puffer jacket (something like the ones below). They are super compact and fit in your bag, yet offer a good bit of insulation (and rain protection) worn on their own or under other toppers. And they will probably come in handy when you are back at home too?

Women Ultra Light Down Parka

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Women Ultra Light Down Parka

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Women Ultra Light Down Jacket

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Women's Ultra Light Down Vest

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Women Ultra Light Down Compact Vest

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Women Ultra Light Down Compact Jacket

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Women Ultra Light Down Vest

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Women Ultra Light Down Vest

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JAileen

Veteran

I was thinking of something like a Patagonia Nanopuff. I wear it in SF in the summer. The dampness and wind can make it feel very chilly, especially in the evening. And especially since I'm not used to the dampness.

http://www.patagonia.com/produ.....84217.html

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rachylou

Veteran

What JAileen and Anne said. Yes to the Puffy. My relatives live in Uniqlo puffies. 16 is not gonna feel warm. Jackets don't come off until 75F, let's be honest...

The Cat

Veteran

Well, we are all different, but wearing big puffers in May is not usual for people in Northern Europe, at least not for those of us who live south of the polar circle.

I live in Scandinavia, a bit north of Ireland, and here jackets come off around 65F.

A raincoat or trenchcoat would be a wise choice, as suggested by piruette, who lives in Ireland. Why not trust her?

And work with layers, as mentioned by Inge. Camisoles, thin sweaters, scarves and warm hosiery are much easier to pack, carry, wear, and remove than a big puffer.

Sal

Veteran

I think it depends how much you feel the cold, your need for dressiness, and what you have and might need into the future.

Trench coats are not as common here in NZ/Australia; raincoats seem to be often be gear coats. Wool coats might be too warm and feel unseasonal ; they are also bulky to travel with.

I think a puffer vest with a raincoat could be a good combination - maybe take a scarf too that could be worn in and outside?

It will be very exciting Lucy!!

Lucy

Veteran

Thanks so much for all your thoughts! I had not even considered a raincoat, so that is excellent advice. And yes to the scarves - I love them so much!
I think to some degree climate is what you are used to - we would only get down to 16 degrees one day a year, and everyone thinks it is "freezing". I know it's not, of course, but our winter weather is mainly around 24 degrees, so it certainly feels very cold to me. I would definitely need a coat of some kind.
I didn't realise puffers pack down well (so naive!). Maybe a good option would be to travel in a trench, and pack a puffer. I'm taking luggage not just a carry on because I will need dressed up clothes for the conference, and then casuals for the rest of the trip,including both kinds of shoes.

Staysfit

Veteran

I still wear my nanopuff coats until it reaches 50-60 F. I run cold and think of them like a sweater. I like the color of mine too.

The North Face 'ThermoBall' PrimaLoft Hooded Parka

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The North Face 'ThermoBall' PrimaLoft Hooded Parka

$230.00 $169.90

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Lucy

Veteran

Oooh thanks Staysfit, I like the style a lot, and also the practicality - especially that they can be put in the dryer. I've been caught travelling with a wet wool coat before and it was a bit of a drama!

The Cat

Veteran

Lucy, I immediately thought of you when I just saw Janice Riggs' post "What to Pack for Ireland ...," at theviviennefiles.com. Lots of tips and advice there!

http://www.theviviennefiles.co.....mment-form

Bijou

Veteran

Hi Lucy, I live in Australia and visited London in June and at the last minute threw in a trench coat into my bag - thinking I was mad, because it will be summer. Well, London in June was almost the same as Perth in June, and I was so thankful for that coat. Some days I didn't need it (we did have a few sunny days where I wore a light shirt and blazer), but there were more days than not when I wore it. Layers will be your friend on this trip.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I would take a trench coat that doubles as a rain coat. I once went to Ireland in summer and it was cold and wet (light rain, but pretty regular) the whole time I was there. The temps were similar to our winter temps. But it is a beautiful country. You'll have a great time.

Lucy

Veteran

Thanks Brooklyn and Bijou - that's a good way to think of it, it will be similar to my "winter", as we call it in Brisbane. I'm so glad I checked in on this because I was worrying about cold, but it seems rain might be more of an issue! So I will definitely buy a good trench, whatever else I take.
And thank you so much The Cat - what a co-incidence!
Off to read more

BrieN

Veteran

I own the uniqo puffer in the burgundy color from the finds. It is very lightweight, and not as warm as my north face down puffer jacket. It is one of my constant travel companions because it can be smooshed into a little bag that comes with it and it fits in my backpack purse. So handy.

Lucy

Veteran

Ah that sounds perfect BrieN! I do have a morbid fear of getting cold, so something squash-able would be a good back up