(I have been meaning to write this blog for over 12 months – I have at last gotten around to it!)
If you are anything like me then packing for a 6-day trip to Canada would throw you into a whirl of panic. I would fill, to overflowing, a 23kg bag. The uncertainty of the weather alone would make me pack twice as much as I would or could ever wear. Not so my sister who was venturing off to meet her daughter on a June trip to Vancouver.
Having checked out various websites, she knew the temperatures were going to be variable:
“What to Pack
Whether you're going on a day trip or for a longer stay, bring clothing for a wide range of temperatures, especially if you're planning to be near the water where breezes can be cool. Keep jackets, sweatshirts, and shawls handy, and don't forget a pair of long pants.” Advice from TripSavvy.com - (https://www.tripsavvy.com/vancouver-june-weather-and-event-guide-1481635#:~:text=Vancouver%20Weather%20in%20June&text=By%20June%2C%20the%20average%20temperature,of%20the%20city's%20many%20restaurants.)
Well she certainly would be near the water – her daughter would be out kayaking, they were staying in ‘cabin’ by the sea, and they would be travelling on the ferry to Vancouver Island.
She would be travelling on her own so didn't want to be burdened with heavy bags, so she set about packing small.
Luckily, like me, she is a huge fan of merino wool. It’s perfect for all temperatures, resists odour build-up, so there would be no need to wash, no need to iron and it’s lightweight.
She decided on a colour palette of black, turquoise and fuchsia and off she went.
So – what did she pack?
2 long sleeved Amazing Merino tops – 1 black 1 turquoise - baselayers
2 short sleeved Amazing Merino tops – 1 black 1 turquoise - baselayers
2 other merino tops - baselayers
I merino nightie
3 merino zip hoodies – 1 black, 1 grey ,1 fuchsia
1 crinkle wool scarf – turquoise
6 pairs knickers – merino
2 pairs black trousers
2 pairs merino socks
Wool beanie - blue mix
Wool earmuff - fuchsia mix
Once she had packed, she asked me to have a quick look through to make sure she had all eventualities covered – I’m not sure why she did as she had done an absolutely sterling job, which I could never have done. (Fair enough she wasn’t planning on going to restaurants where a posh frock would be required but, even if she had, I think she would have managed in her black trousers a nice merino top and pretty scarf.
On her return she reported that she hadn't been in need of anything extra and, had she been brave enough, probably could have managed with even less!
In these covid19 times it is going to quite difficult going on trips to Canada but many of us are now staying in the UK and going camping, glamping, wild camping etc and the last thing you want to be doing is carrying huge amounts of luggage and having to wash clothes. The selection my sister took to Canada would be just perfect for the UK with its unpredictable weather.
So, the tricks to remember are quite simple –
- Plan
- Pick a colour pallet (and stick to it)
- Make outfits interchangeable
- Be strict
- Pick accessories that go with all colours of your pallet (eg a print scarf)
- Lay it all out on a bed before packing (this way you can see how the items work together)
- Most of all – take merino. It works in all temperatures and layers up in a wonderfully lightweight manner. It can be worn and worn without washing – no smell, can be dressed up or down and it’s lightweight, great when space and weight are critical.