This is what I currently plan on taking to Europe and/or hope to take.
-Jacket
I just bought a Marmot Nano rain jacket. It weighs just 8 ounces uses Gore-tex Paclite and is Cardinal red. This means I will probably stand out like a sore thumb, but it will be lightweight and packable along with pretty sturdy. It hasn't arrived yet but when it does I'll let you know more.
UPDATE: This jacket is sick! I love it. Super lightweight, waterproof, breathable, and fits fantastic! I've been biking in it and hiking in it since I got it and it's worked fabulous. It keeps my temperature nice and warm and yet not to warm or to cold ever. Loving it.
UPDATE: This is sweet. I am really looking forward to taking it. Everything about it rocks... well except I'll stand out like a tomato.
-Mid-Layer
Outdoor Research Neoplume jacket. It's brown, weighs in at 15 ounces, is Primaloft Synthetic insulation and cost 79.99 from Next Adventure in Portland Oregon (www.nextadventure.net) This will be the perfect piece for keeping me warm in all sorts of weather, the synthetic insulation is almost as compressible and warm as a down jacket but with the benefit of staying warm even if it rains. Down on the other hand loses all insulation value if wet.
UPDATE: I wore this thing in the rain the other day (not on purpose I just didn't expect rain) and it shed the water like a pro! In fact I didn't even get wet underneath and I was out in some solid rain for an hour or two.
UPDATE: Not set on this one... I'm looking at taking a Patagonia Micropuff jacket now. It's similar, but has a hood. The only things keeping me from taking it are it weighs more... and the zipper has a minor issue that might break.
-Backpack
I am currently deciding on a backpack but I am really eyeing the Mountain Hardwear Drifter pack. It's 2 lbs 10 ounces, has a frame in it, two big stretch pockets on the side (perfect for my rain jacket and a water bottle) a handle on the front, a zippered hip pocket, about 33L or 2000 cubic inches of space.
UPDATE: So I'm still thinking about the drifter but I did recently come across the Osprey Atmos 35 which might be perfect. It should be arriving at my house pretty soon and I'll let you know more about it. All ya need to know now is that it's a little bigger than the drifter (by 2L) weighs 3 ounces less, and has an airzone/airframe back. AKA my back won't sweat as much. If it doesn't work out I'll just trade in in or sell it and get the drifter but it looks pretty sweet.
UPDATE: Backpack is set! I'm using the Osprey Atmos 35. I've been biking with it to work every day along with just wearing it here there and everywhere. I love it! Very comfortable, has side pockets, really light, and easy to access.
-Socks
I have some fantastic REI Mid ankle hiker socks I love. They fit my foot great and I think I might go buy some more of these, otherwise I'm looking at some SmartWool socks that Next Adventure sells.
-Shoes
I am gonna try the Montrail Rockridge shoes. I love my current Montrails so hopefully these are just as good or better! Should be super light and have more cushion than my current ones!
-Shirts
I got a nice Smartwool t-shirt that is just a short sleeve and a dark green color. It will be great for layering or just wearing by itself. Still looking for a button up synthetic shirt.
-Pants
I don't know which pants to take yet. I got a sweet pair of Mountain Hardwear Synthetic Fleece lined pants, stretchable, quick drying, water-repellent, but they are probably to warm. I also got a pair of Mountain Hardwear pants that are just plain brown and cotton. Super comfy, pretty rugged but.... cotton.... hmmm... yet to choose.
-Money Belt
I bought a money belt used from Next Adventure for $3. SWEET!
-Camera
I bought a Canon A1100IS Camera. Uses 2AA Batteries, takes an SD card, is 12 megapixels and has 4x optical zoom. I'm really enjoying it so far. Can take videos, takes pretty good photos and I can replace the batteries wherever I need.
