Traveling Light: Packing List for Johnson City, Tennessee

Welcome to the final post in my series about a recent trip to Johnson City, Tennessee! Missed the other two? You can head here to read them: Checking In: A Review of Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City, Tennessee, and The Sweetest Winter Holiday Weekend Getaway Guide: Johnson City, Tennessee.

I always love packing for a trip with a range of activities because it gives me a chance to flex my packing muscles, and a recent trip to Johnson City presented quite the packing workout.

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With an itinerary that included activities as diverse as dining out, hiking, biking, shopping, and driving on a race track – frequently without the opportunity to change outfits – I knew I needed to reach for versatile pieces in hardworking fabrics. Thankfully, I’ve spent the better part of the past five years working to create a wardrobe full of pieces that fit the bill (in my humble opinion, a well-packed suitcase starts at home, long before a trip is booked).

Looking for more packing lists? Check out my packing lists by season: Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter

For this trip, I reached for a cozy, neutral palette of pieces that move easily and layer well. And although we drove to Johnson City, I packed all of my clothes and shoes in my airline regulation-size Carry-On and toted my laptop and toiletries in my Longitude Tote in its inaugural journey. I’m happy to report I wore everything in my suitcase and managed to feel comfortable at every stop of my journey.

Here’s what I packed, some outfit snaps, and my takeaways on packing for Johnson City, Tennessee:

PACKING LIST FOR JOHNSON CITY

This separates-heavy packing list in a balance of light and dark colors seemed just right for the mountains of Tennessee and all of our planned activities. I relied on natural fibers like wool, cashmere, alpaca, and linen for warmth and breathability.

White Linen Sweater* | Green Cashmere Sweater* | Camel Cashmere Sweater℅ [review] | Pullover℅ [review] | Wool Beret* | Leather Tech Gloves | White Denim* | Black Denim | Vegan Leather Pants* | Sweater Dress* | Tights | Sunglasses [review] | Black Leather Belt | Alpaca Cardigan [review] | Puffer Jacket | Sneakers℅ [review] | Heeled Boots* | Hiking Boots | Parka | Wool Coat* | Brown Leather Belt [save 20% with code WAYWARDBLOG or use stacking code WAYWARDEXTRA] | Vintage Bag

JOHNSON CITY OUTFITS

Combining the items in my suitcase was an easy task, thanks to a palette of colors that all coordinate well (eliminating the "does this go together?" dilemma and ensuring I'm spending more time out enjoying the destination rather than figuring out what to wear). A variety of textures and aesthetics, however, resulted in a series of outfits that were never boring.

Alyssa wears a camel sweater and leather pants in Jonesborough — Camel Cashmere Sweater℅ | Vegan Leather Pants* | Sneakers℅ | Puffer Jacket | Wool Coat* | Black Leather Belt | Vintage Bag

Alyssa looks out over Johnson City in her hiking clothes — Pullover℅ | White Denim* | Hiking Boots

Alyssa in a sweater dress, boots, and beret — Sweater Dress* | Tights | Heeled Boots* | Puffer Jacket | Wool Coat* | Wool Beret* | Vintage Bag

Alyssa hikes in Johnson City wearing a jacket, boots, and white pants. She is looking back at the camera, and a white trail blaze is visible — White Denim* | Sunglasses | Parka (not pictured: Pullover℅ | Hiking Boots)

Alyssa on the Tweetsie Trail and and Tannery Knobs — White Linen Sweater* | Alpaca Cardigan | Sneakers℅ | Black Belt | Puffer Jacket | Wool Coat* | Parka

*this item is no longer available and a similar product is linked

FINAL THOUGHTS ON PACKING FOR JOHNSON CITY

While transitioning from upscale lunch to afternoon hike required a little planning and consideration, ultimately I felt perfectly comfortable in all of the clothing I packed (the solution: pairing non-blue denim with an easy-to-swap cashmere sweater and pullover – with a tank top underneath, there was no need to find a place to change from one to the other. A quick change into hiking boots, and you’re off!).

I was also grateful for my decision to bring multiple jackets; a parka kept me warm and dry in the rain, and a wool coat with a down liner kept me warm and stylish the rest of the time. Leather gloves with texting capabilities and a beret (a fun alternative to a beanie!) added additional warmth while taking up little room in my bags or my coat pockets.

And I even found a new favorite outfit to rewear: I found I really love the tension of a sometimes-stuffy camel cashmere sweater with a cool pair of leather trousers. I’m looking forward to playing with this combination some more. If I had to pack and head to Johnson City tomorrow, I know I’d reach for all of these items again (I’d say this packing list is a keeper!).

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What are the fabrics you reach for again and again in the wintertime?