Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Outerwear
Waterproof/water-resistant jacket
. The winter, spring, and fall tend to be fairly rainy in much
of Europe, so a rain jacket is a nice thing to have. You don't need a raincoat in much of Europe
during the summer so I would opt for an umbrella.
There are generally two rain jackets categories—hardshells and softshells. Hardshell jackets
are completely waterproof and they're lighter than their softshell counterpoint. The main
drawback to a hardshell is its lack of breathability. This means that interior moisture (i.e.,
sweat) can't escape and it will leave you feeling clammy and balmy. Some high-end hardshell
jackets do have greater breathability but they're expensive.
Softshell jackets are technically only water-resistant (some are virtually waterproof) but
they are highly breathable. The fabric is also flexible so it is more comfortable to wear. Addi-
tionally, softshells normally provide more warmth and look more casual—so they're the best
option for travel.
Fleece jacket
. Fleece is a great material because it provides a lot of warmth without being
bulky. A fleece can be worn as an outer layer or it can be layered under a rain jacket or winter
coat to provide extra warmth.
You never know when it's going to rain.
Additional Accessories
