Hi all! First time doing proper one-bag packing and I’m trying to keep it minimal but actually warm.
Trip: Bosnia for 1 week in January
Temps: roughly -5°C to +5°C
Style: city walking / sightseeing most days (not skiing, not hiking)
What I already own (outer layers):
- Uniqlo Ultra Light Down jacket
- Berghaus Deluge Pro 2.0 (waterproof shell)
What I’m looking for recommendations on:
- Warm t-shirt/base layer tops to wear under the Uniqlo down
- Ideally: lightweight, warm, doesn’t stink quickly if worn multiple days
- Bonus if it’s easy to buy in the UK and not crazy expensive
- Trousers for cold city walking
- I want 2 pairs max
- Ideally warm without being bulky, and not something that are technical hiking trousers.
- Socks + boxer shorts that are comfortable for long days walking
- Warm but not sweaty
- Ideally minimise smell and dry quickly if needed
Extra context / constraints:
- I’ll be doing lots of walking, sometimes standing around outside
- I’m fine layering, I just don’t want a bag full of bulky stuff
- I’d rather avoid buying loads of new gear, just the key items that make the system work
If you’ve done Bosnia/Balkans winter with a small bag: what tops/trousers/socks/boxers did you swear by?
You need waterproof shoes, it’s can be crazy wet, like 10 cm of water and snow
Seeking pants/shorts recommendations?
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I just did a similar trip to Serbia in December, with temps a bit warmer.
Decathlon has lightweight merino shirts with long sleeves and relatively long merino underpants. Also, get mid-heavy weight merino socks.
I hopped on here to say "merino at Decathlon" 😄
Whilst we're on the topic of mid-heavy merino, why can't I find mid heavy merino tshirts? Most tees I see are 100-200 gsm. For me that's useless in summer, it gets wet and you feel it. I have an old 250 t-shirt from a dead brand, and it's much better at absorbing sweat and drying fast
-5c really isn't cold. Get 1-2 merino longsleeve baselayers. If your legs get cold optionally long merino underwear. Any pants that fit your weight/space requirements.
Midlayer: get a wool pullover and a fleece jacket/pullover. Can also layer them both if you're really cold.
Your down jacket and outer shell are already great. I'd recommend a merino/cashmere scarf or buff, and hat.
For shoes, leather sneakers or boots or trail runners, with some basic water resistance. Definitely get wool socks.
Get some merino long sleeves. Cheap ones are fine, Costco in Canada always has some 100% for a steal price but maybe Decathlon or Amazon where you are. You'll be wearing layers the entire time, but you can put them under a button up if you know you'll be shedding all the warmth, say at a dinner.
Pack a midlayer fleece. If it was me, walking all day in a puffy in +5C would be too warm, I'd go fleece and maybe shell to block wind or weather. Could also be a merino/cashmere sweater for a less hiker look. The puffy for the colder end of the spectrum, and everything for if it gets proper cold.
Any pants you already own would be fine, golf slacks work great because they're quick dry if they get wet or you need to wash them. Just get 1-2 pairs of merino/blend long johns to go underneath for the colder days, I'd probably just pack 1 pair for a week myself, I wouldn't be wearing them above 0C.
You don't already own boxers that are comfortable to wear all day? Alright well, Uniqlo are popular here, ExOfficio are highly recommended, I like 32Degree Cool Active Mesh and Saxx Multi-Sport Mesh myself. Merino boxers don't do it for me, you gotta wash them after everyday anyway because it's ball and ass sweat, so I find quick dry is best.
Darn Tough socks, midweight personally for those temps. 3 pairs, rotate and sink wash.
I use polyester tees and polos with Polygiene odor control. Patagonia uses their HiQ anti odor process for their Capeline tops and they are available in different weights. Eddie Bauer makes some excellent tees and polos with Polygiene and I see they have some retailers in the UK. Read the fine print as not all their tees have odor control.
Merino wool has good anti odor control but I can’t wear it for tops. I do wear Merino socks.
Consider light polyester long underwear to add warmth to your trousers.
I normally wear Prana Brion trousers. Nylon with stretch is the thing. I’ve been looking for light soft shell versions but they all have zippered front pockets and thigh pockets. The search continues. Windproof is the quality I’m really looking for.
Merino wool for socks. Those with some nylon content are more durable. Darn Tough is a good US brand s factory have upwards of 45% nylon and still remain odorless resistant. Read the fine print on any prospective choice for 50% or more wool content. I’ve bought some on Amazon with good results.
Uniqlo Heattech tops and bottoms. Just use your regular tops and bottoms. Don't wear jeans.
Most of towns in Bosnia are super polluted so I would advise you to bring some proper face mask.
Haha as soon as I read Bosnia, I did my best Bubbles impression with...greasssy