The Capsule Backpack
- Katy Dyer
- 3. Aug. 2017
- 4 Min. Lesezeit
For nearly twenty years it has been dream of mine to take a trip exploring Europe by train. Time out or a gap year to travel was a bit of a rite of passage when I was a student back in the 90’s. But after graduation I was keen to pursue my career and whilst I always had the idea in the back of my mind it wasn’t until the end of 2014 that I began seriously thinking of taking that inter-railing trip I’d always dreamed of. After looking into ideas for travelling by rail, everything I read completely inspired me to plan the trip – and though it didn’t on the face of it seem to be a relaxing holiday (with our twin boys and carrying our belongings with us for the duration), the challenge was set. After a few fraught evenings planning the route, train tickets and accommodation we were booked. 20 days, 7 countries and 15 train journeys.
But what to pack - well, I’d have to carry everything I needed (plus half of the boys clothes) in my 65 litre rucksack and it’s nearly three weeks. We didn’t have a massive budget and booked to stay mainly in hostel-type hotels which had the benefit of laundry facilities. With a plan to do a load of washing every three days, this roughly equated to four days outfits plus some spare essentials, just in case.
Whilst catching up on summer holidays with friends in the September following our trip, I was asked how on earth I managed to pack for a three week rail trip around Europe with just a backpack. So here it is - my capsule train-friendly backpacking wardrobe with room for a few little luxuries:
What did I want from my clothes for the trip?
1) comfort - to be protected from the elements (cold, sun, rain)
2) easy to wash and dry
3) separates that all worked together colour-wise
4) to look a little more polished in the evenings (not much, just a little!)
What did I pack?
3 tops
2 pairs of walking trousers (the most flattering ones I could find - not easy)
1 fleece
Underwear
Thermal long sleeve top & leggings
3 pairs walking socks
3 pairs sports socks
Pac-a-mac
Sunglasses
Quick dry towel
1 pair pyjamas
Washbag
Two paperbacks
1 "buff" (works as hat, scarf, headband amongst other things)
Multi-purpose wash (body, hair, clothes)
2 foldable totes (including my favourite navy Longchamp)
I treated myself to the REN Grab & Go Travel Kit - mini luxuries in washbag essentials. Make up? Just a BB cream, mascara and lipgloss plus my favourite summer perfume, Clarins Eau Ressourçante.
Not packed, but worn for our first day's travel into London and on to Brussels:
-Skinny jeans
-Breton tee
-Linen cardigan
-Walking shoes (lighter and more versatile than boots)
One of our stops was Switzerland and the Alps – it would be COLD at the top of the mountains. But a heavy jacket would be bulky just for the sake of a day or two. The answer? Just wear EVERYTHING, along with a layer of light thermals that take up next to no space and weigh only a few grams.
Anything missing?
What I hadn’t bargained for was a heatwave – two weeks of the hottest temperatures Central Europe had ever seen (hitting 40 degrees C in parts of Germany). And whilst I didn’t want to burn in the sun, I definitely needed to be more comfortable in the heat as I'd only packed trousers. So I bought two t-shirt dresses in Germany – in the sale too – along with some extra pairs of light socks.
Other items that I bought en route, all really as a result of the extreme hot weather: hairclips and earplugs (city centre budget hotels with no air con = windows open & lots of noise!).
A pair of sandals or flipflops would have been good to include too - especially for just wearing around hotels and short strolls in the evenings.
What didn’t I need, wear or use?
The goody bag of toiletries were probably a little unnecessary - but they were a welcome little touch of luxury.
What would I have done differently?
Checked the long term weather forecast before we left...
So how was it?
We had an incredible trip that was better than we ever could have imagined. The only challenge now....I seem to have developed a wanderlust. Where next?
Our route around Europe took in: London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Munich, Innsbruck, Interlaken, Paris and back to London. We stayed mainly in Meininger Hotels and youth hostels along with a couple of (rather nice) hotels in Prague (Jurys Inn) and Paris (Le Marcel - very handy for Gare du Nord and the Eurostar Terminal for London).
What are your must-have items when you go away?
Do you always pack more than you need or do you make sure that you keep it to a minimum with plenty to mix n' match?
Katy Dyer is an experienced style coach and corporate image consultant. Based in Thame, South Oxfordshire and working across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and beyond she helps people of all ages, stages and backgrounds to present themselves at their very best - because when you look good, you feel good.
Find out more about Katy, her work and her blog:
