7 Essential Travel Garments to Have in Your Suitcase (and Where to Wear Them)

01_20171205_Nepal_Khumbu ValleyWhen trekking in the Khumbu Valley, Nepal, the last thing you want to worry about is your clothing choices!

A great trip often starts with a great wardrobe. What you’ve got packed in your suitcase can make or break your vacation—but what those clothing essentials will be depends on where you’ll be visiting. Trekking in Nepal? Don’t forget a pair of durable pants. Going skiing in Chamonix? You’ll want to bring a warm jacket. Here’s our roundup of seven popular travel destinations and what garments to throw in your bag to make the most of your trip.

1. Dublin, Ireland: A cozy sweater

6I0gI1xAl2ys0O0cmsAEMI
Don’t let the rain get you down when visiting Ireland!

Florian GIORGIO

Ireland’s verdant landscapes come at a price. The country is so green because it rains—a lot. Both the women’s Anja Roll Neck Calico and men’s Noa Waffle Knit Jumpers (sweaters) are spun from 80 percent lambswool yarn and 20 percent synthetic fibers, making them toasty, water-resistant, super comfortable, and stylish. In other words, they’re the perfect fit for your trip to Dublin. These sweaters will keep you warm as you take a train out to Howth to explore the seaside cliffs on a drizzly day and you’ll still be comfortable when you come back to town to check out the cafes and bookstores that James Joyce once frequented. Come nightfall, you’ll be good to go to the homey basement bar for a pint of Guinness and a shot of Jameson.

2. Tambopata National Reserve, Peru: Bug repellent button-down

1k80O7RGWwUEMKSWeKsCOo
When traveling to a place like the Amazon Rainforest, you’ll definitely want to be protected from insects.

John Strother

The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, home to an incredible array of plants, animals…and insects. As you head out into the jungle to catch sight of playful spider monkeys or beautiful scarlet macaws, you’ll want to protect yourself against the mosquitos and other bugs that might find you interesting. Craghoppers’ Insect Shield long-sleeved shirts for men and women are permeated with anti-insect technology that will help keep the bugs away for up to 70 washes. These shirts are also designed to keep you cool on the trail by wicking moisture away from the skin. It’s best to stock up on a couple of these so that once you get back to your lodge after a day in the field you can throw on a fresh shirt and be all set for your dinner of lomo saltado or, if you’re feeling adventurous, cuy (guinea pig).

3. Reykjavik, Iceland: Classic trousers

4ZrJMFsvSUOeISsUAMkoOI
Don’t miss the pristine hot springs in Iceland!

Jonathan Grado

Iceland-based WOW Air or Icelandair are perhaps the best airlines to fly from the U.S. to Europe. Both because of their affordability and because they make it easy for you to spend some time to explore Reykjavik during an extended layover. To outfit yourself for such an adventure, pick up a pair of comfortable, versatile pants, like the Ester Trouser for women or the Bardsey Cord for men. Both of these pants are a travel staple: relaxed enough for the long plane rides but stylish enough for spending half a day stretching your legs with a waterfront stroll along Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, visiting the Reykjavik Art Museum, and scoping out Iceland’s hot springs before getting on your next plane.

4. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Bug repellent trousers

wynNsWLHCSi8ymI8oyEWE
Stay comfortable while exploring the city and taking in the local culture.

SarahTz

Ethiopia’s capital is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with great food, art, and a fascinating history. Thanks to the city’s higher elevation, mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria and the Zika virus that are found elsewhere in Ethiopia are not a huge threat in Addis Ababa, but it’s still not a bad idea to take precautions. The Insect Shield Fleurie pants for women or the Mercier pants for men will keep you comfortable as you learn about human origins while touring the National Museum’s paleontological exhibit, which features the world-famous Lucy. They’ll keep you cool as you walk through the chaos that is Merkato, the enormous outdoor market in which they say "you can buy anything but a life." And they’ll keep you looking urban chic as you head out to dinner of injera and wat *while watching the energetic *eskista dancers put on a traditional cultural show.

5. St. Petersburg, Russia: A jack-of-all-trades jacket

1b8XUe9zA2YAACKMg0eCw2
Many travelers have St. Petersburg on their list.

Ninara

St. Petersburg is a place of European grandeur with an imposing history. It’s a radical city that has been at the center of hundreds of years of war and revolution, and has given rise to some of the world’s most breathtaking architecture, art, and literature. The city’s wide-ranging culture also goes along with some wide-ranging weather. While in July, St. Petersburg is typically fairly comfortable in the low-70s (Fahrenheit), but the temperatures quickly drop as fall approaches, and in winter the thermometer dips well below freezing. Whatever time you visit, having a good all-around jacket is a must—and Craghoppers’ Voyager Hybrid jacket for men and women is just the ticket. This adaptable piece can serve as a water-resistant GORE-TEX softshell while out taking a midnight city tour walking along the canals during the summer "white nights," when the summer sun barely dips below the horizon. Or, come winter the jacket’s Thermo Elite insulation means it does equally well as a mid-layer that will lock in the heat beneath an outer layer as you make your way on the snowy streets to the famous Hermitage art museum.

6. Chamonix, France: A warm coat

2lt3liaU7yamCssuKsWsMc
Bring a jacket that will keep you warm when you hit the slopes in Chamonix.

Jonathan Tellier

Chamonix is a mountain lovers town, with some of the best skiing and mountaineering in the world available right from its doorstep. Nestled in the French Alps at the base of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is gorgeous all year round. But those who seek a snow holiday will want to come in winter—and don’t forget your winter jacket. With their elegant design and color, the women’s Josefine Jacket and men’s Acton Jacket are sophisticated enough to wear to a fine French dinner after a day out on the slopes and warm enough for a snowball fight on the way back to your hotel.

7. Khumbu Valley, Nepal: Trekking pants

6iLItZ1Ie4cSsmI4mUYiaS
You’ll want to pack durable, yet comfortable, clothing when planning a trekking trip to Nepal.

John Strother

Trekking through the Himalayas in Nepal’s Khumbu Valley means logging long days on the trail, come rain or shine. Which means you’ve got to have a good pair of pants that can keep up with you. The men’s and women’s Kiwi Trekking Pants are made from a flexible fabric that will move with you with each step and with SmartDry and SolarShield technology that will help to protect you from the elements. They’re lightweight, which makes them great for layering and for easily fitting into your pack when you’re not wearing them.

Whether you’re traveling to a warm climate or a cold one, planning to see a city’s sights or spend your time outdoors, when it comes to travel wear, Craghoppers has got you covered. With these essentials in your luggage, your trip will be off to a good start!

Originally written by RootsRated for Craghoppers.

Featured image provided by John Strother