When packing for Oktoberfest and a week in Austria in fall, we had to consider mild-to-cool temperatures, time spent both in pious abbeys and laid-back vineyards, and lots of walking. We also had to save room for our Oktoberfest Trachten, traditional Bavarian outfits that are a must-wear at the festival.
Click for a printable packing list for a fall trip to Oktoberfest and Austria.
What I packed in my carry-on suitcase
I took the Away Carry-On. I absolutely adore this suitcase and can’t recommend it enough. Interested in an Away suitcase or other travel item? Click here for $20 off your first purchase.
Tops
Athleta Cloudlight tank
Athleta Cloudlight top
Athleta Cloudlight asym top
Athleta Speedlight short sleeve top
Athleta Speedlight long sleeve top
LOFT lightweight crew neck sweater
Bottoms
Lululemon Align leggings
Two pairs of Athleta Highline hybrid cargo tights
Athleta Wander slim crop pants (I didn’t end up liking these much)
As you can tell, I love Athleta for travel gear. Their clothes are comfortable, versatile, good quality, and on-trend. They’re also really easy to mix and match. Click here for 20% off your first Athleta item.
Essentials
J.Crew pajamas and sleep tank
Seven pairs of ExOfficio bikinis
Two True&Co. True Body bras
Three pairs of low-cut sneaker socks
Three pairs of SmartWool PhD Outdoor Light Micro Socks
Oktoberfest Trachten
Dirndl (dress, apron, blouse) – I ordered mine online from Ludwig & Therese
Cardigan to layer over dirndl
Accessories (jewelry, chain, ribbon, etc.)
Dirndl bra
Tights
Outerwear
North Face fleece
North Face hooded rain jacket
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
Lululemon Vinyasa scarf
Shoes
Keds lace-up sneakers
Rothy’s flats
Salomon Comp 8 trail runners
Rothy’s are incredible for travel; they’re comfortable, don’t take up much space, and you can machine wash them – click here for $20 off your first purchase.
Gear
Filbert Pixley crossbody bag
Toiletries bag
Rain cover for backpack, small First Aid kit, and a few Ziploc bags
Laundry kit, containing a travel clothesline, drain stopper, and detergent
Universal travel adapter
Copy of passport
On the plane, I wore the Cloudlight top, Align leggings, fleece, Keds, and scarf.
What I packed in my personal item
I took the Filbert Baker hobo packed inside my Osprey backpack. The hobo was perfect for city days as it fits my DSLR, but I also needed a hiking pack. Depending on your travel plans, you may not need both.
Passport and other travel IDs (Global Entry, etc.)
Wallet
Sunglasses
Lonely Planet’s Austria book
Printed trip itinerary w/ accommodation and reservation details
iPad
Bose noise-canceling headphones (worth every penny)
DSLR camera
Cord case containing all needed chargers and back-up batteries
Small notebook and pen
Travel water bottle
Carry-on essentials bag (this contains my must-haves for plane travel, including an eye mask, earplugs, playing cards, tea bags, and toiletries for freshening up and staying germ-free: face wipes, toothbrush and toothpaste, tissues, mints, antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.)
I felt really well-prepared for all the various activities, climates, and dress codes during our trip, and didn’t find that I had either under- or over-packed. Had I not needed to pack the Oktoberfest Trachten, I would have had even more space. Many of the pieces I packed were layerable, lightweight, and quick-drying – a necessity when you’re hand washing throughout the trip. I also stuck to neutral colors to make each item as versatile as possible.
Click for a printable packing list for a fall trip to Oktoberfest and Austria.
If I can pack everything I need for Oktoberfest and a week in Austria into a carry-on, you can too!
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