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We named our entire blog after the adage Always Pack a Sweater. So without further ado.
Why should you always pack a sweater?
It’s 5 o’clock on a Friday and I’m running around the house trying to make sure we haven’t forgotten anything. My husband comes into the house and asks if I need help. I’m tossing shoes and tablets at him.
“Did you grab the sweaters?” He laughs, “Always pack a sweater”.
This scene plays out in our house before every trip. No one can say we’re not predictable, that’s for sure!
Sweaters are one of the most versatile elements in your wardrobe and you might have never known it. They are one of the most important things you’ll pack for any trip.
Read on and find out why you should always pack a sweater.
1. thinking You might need a sweater?
I’m starting with the most obvious reason here.
Sometimes it’s cold out and you get cold. Simple as that.
Maybe you’re travelling during the spring, fall, winter, or to a high altitude. If you are travelling during any of these times you should always pack a sweater. And you’ve probably already planned to.
We love travelling in the shoulder season. While it’s usually less busy it often means the weather isn’t ideal either. For example: this year we went to the Grand Canyon in early April. The high altitude combined with the time of year meant it was going to be cool. We knew this when we booked and were prepared with our sweaters when we got there.
2. hoping for the creature comfort of pillows?
Another reason to always pack a sweater. They make great pillows!
We have bought 3 different styles of travel pillows for airplanes and car rides. Only 1 of them seems to half work and I usually end up forgetting it anyways. Although, as long as I have packed a sweater, a pillow is only a few folds away.
Sweaters are easily folded into a pillow like shape and are really useful on airplanes when you don’t want to lug around a bunch of extra stuff. The kids especially appreciate the small comfort this provides.
3. wishing you had a blanket?
No worries if you always pack a sweater or two!
We’ve used our sweaters to wrap the baby in if its colder than expected. I’ve also put my husbands sweater on to put our baby in front as a little pouch. You can also lay it on the ground so you don’t get baby’s primary blanket dirty.
They also make excellent picnic blankets. Combine 2 or 3 on a sunny day and you’re set. We’ve been geocaching our way through Utah this summer and have used this trick on a number of occasions. There’s something cozy about a picnic in the sun mid-way through the day during a long car ride.
4. sitting on the rock hard ground?
Speaking of places you should always pack a sweater to….outdoor events.
You can fold your sweater and put it on the ground or on those hard stadium seats as a cushion.
When we first started to go to outdoor movies, we’d never bring enough blankets so we’d use this trick to make our seats more enjoyable.
We’ve also used this hack in concert halls or even at the rodeo when we’re stuck sitting in 5-minute seats. Anything to make those hard plastic or wooden seats slightly more comfy. I know I could stand, but where’s the fun in that!
5. melting in the sun?
Have you ever gone for a hike or a picnic and found there’s no shade at all?
You are just hot hot hot! A little shade goes a long way!
Thank goodness you always pack a sweater. A perfect use for your sweater? A sweater shade cover! If you’ve brought more than one; tie the arms together and bam you’ve got a blanket. You can put it overhead for a bit of shade.
We also use our stroller as a stand, then put the baby underneath in the shade. It’s been especially useful during open air markets. The older boys play on the playground toys and she plays on her tummy in the “shade”.
6. needing a nursing cover?
Another great reason you should always pack a sweater? You’ve got a baby and want to pare down the amount of stuff you carry.
Rather than carrying a nursing cover and blankets… grab your sweater! You can take it off and use it as a cover.
Super handy when there’s loads of people around and you’d like a little privacy.
7. Getting wet and don’t have an umbrella?
It’s the worst when you walk outside and it’s raining in sheets. You know what I’m talking about. Before you walk outside you already know you’ll get in the car cold, wet, and uncomfortable. I don’t think there’s anything worse than sitting in a car for a long journey feeling soggy.
But… if you always pack a sweater…
You can take it off or pull it out of your bag and drape it on your head. Just like that you’ve got an umbrella.
It may not be the designer umbrella you hoped for, but you might make it to your car with only wet pants. At least half the problem is solved!
8. Layering up for outdoor activities?
It’s the middle of winter and you’re hitting the slopes, snow shoeing, tubing, or any number of winter activities. Or maybe it’s summer and you’re starting an early morning hike.
Always pack a sweater.
Once you get going and your blood is pumping you’ll be happy to take that sweater off. However, when you reach your destination and take a break, you’ll be happy to have a sweater with you.
I always dress in layers and often joke about the number of times I take it off and put in on during the day. I love being comfortable and hate being too hot or cold. Plus, it saves me from whining about it all day.
Dressing layers gives you flexibility for all your outdoor activities and gives you this extra level of creature comfort.
9. spending the day inside?
What?
I thought you said I should always pack a sweater! Why would I pack a sweater when I’m planning to be inside in a movie, museum, etc. Especially when it’s summer?
In two words – air conditioning.
I can’t think of how often I walk in from outside that’s like 100F (39C) and inside the building is 68F (18C).
What’s the deal? I don’t even keep my house that cold in the winter!
Anyways. It’s a great reason to always pack a sweater. Pack it just in case you might freeze indoors because the air conditioning is cranked and you decided to wear shorts and a t-shirt.
10. Making a fashion statement?
And the last (but not least) reason to always pack a sweater?
Make an epic fashion statement!
Wrap it around your neck 90’s style or around your waist skater style or simply throw it over the shoulder Armani model style. No matter how you choose to make your fashion statement….
Rock what your mama gave you! Just don’t forget to always pack a sweater.
11. Bonus reason to always pack a sweater: Needing a bag or a cover?
Ever been travelling and needed a bag to carry all of your ‘finds’ to the car or into the hotel, but don’t have a bag?
Take off your sweater and tie a well placed knot or two… bang… you’ve got yourself a bag.
We’ve hiked a distance with our camera when it started to rain and it couldn’t take a lot of water. Having it just sit there around my neck wasn’t going to work. We had a backpack, but no waterproof bag. Improvising, I wrapped it in my sweater. That kept the immediate water away from the camera and we were able to keep on truckin’.
So whatever the reason. Wherever the place. Always Pack a Sweater.
Got additional ideas? Comment below.
