Packing pains

We just returned from Berlin and Vienna, where I learned a couple painful packing lessons that you can avoid:

• weather forecasts can change even after you've reached your destination - sometimes within hours - which makes your packed wardrobe obsolete

• just because you can pack a lot of things doesn't mean you should

Weather forecasts

We knew, of course, that weather changes, and we thought we packed accordingly. I had waterproof shoes with good traction for the rainy days, as well as a real raincoat with zipped pockets (hint: buy one to two sizes too big so you can comfortably fill those pockets).

What I forgot about was the range of weather changes.

While we were there, the weather shot past the expected 45-degree morning temperature into 90-degree daytime highs. Because heat waves in Europe are rare, it's also rare that any place has air conditioning.

For extra fun, my body doesn't work quite like it should. It's fun, in the States, to joke about being more reptilian than mammalian, but the reality is less fun. Once I heat up, I can't cool down - not in the Abracadabra sense, but in the I'm-going-to-pass-out, I-can't-breathe, I-might-need-a-doctor sense.

I had packed for a 40-degree range of temperatures: 40 to 80 degrees. I hadn't packed for 90 degrees, which is remarkably stupid on my part. I know better, and now you do, too.

Just because you can...

The basics of my plan were solid, and it followed a solid strategy you'll want to consider. It wasn't the plan, but the logistics, where I made my mistake.

One main backpack held the bulk of my clothes. My smaller backpack, carefully chosen for its dimensions, measured within the limits of even the budget airlines' personal item limits. This is where I carried my extras, my liquids and meds, and the things I was less likely to need.

As we reviewed our packing the night before we left, I was smug about everything I was including. Why was this wrong?

Although I stayed within all airlines' limits, I still had to carry both backpacks when we changed locations: one on my back and one on my chest. We traveled solely on public transportation, which meant that, out of courtesy to other passengers, at those times I carried a backpack in each hand. I didn't want to thwack someone in the face when I moved.

It's surprising how heavy two 15-pound backpacks feel when you've been awake for 27 hours straight and you're in the middle of a hot, crowded 45-minute bus ride.

The take-home message: conservative but flexible

It's easy for you to avoid making the mistakes I made.

First, realize that meteorologists are probably just as inaccurate where you're going as they are at home. Even with the latest technological tools, it's possible to only guess what the weather will be in 14 to 21 days. In my experience, two to three days is the longest you can expect accuracy, and even that is within a 5- to 10-degree range.

Second, pack layers of clothes: sleeveless as well as short-sleeved shirts, as well as light sweaters. It's easier (and cheaper) to put on an extra layer than it is to wear the same thing every day and wash it every other night.

Third, consider earmarking a little money to buy some lightweight (or heavyweight) "staple" clothes once you reach your destination. I'm too frugal to do this, but it's easy to see (sweat, faint, feel) the advantages.

When it's this easy to pack right, why do anything else?