Packing for Off-Season City Getaways

Wirecutter It’s the time for travel deals in cities like Seattle, Boston and Dublin. If you pack smartly, the rain, sleet or “wintry mix” won’t stand a chance. Now that the holidays are over, it’s the time for off-season deals in cities like Seattle, Boston and Dublin. The skies may be gray and the sidewalks slushy, but you’ll face fewer crowds in the museums, find tables at hot restaurants and have a better shot at getting those theater tickets everyone’s talking about.

And if you pack smartly — starting with a travel umbrella, of course, and then some or all of the items shown here — the rain, sleet or “wintry mix” won’t stand a chance. These Xtratuf boots have the most slip-resistant outsole of any boot we tested, and they’re also among the most comfortable for walking. ($94 to $100 on Amazon) Rain pants may seem like overkill, but if you’re going somewhere really rainy — and you won’t have access to a dryer — they can be very useful. ($80 from Marmot) The Custom Prospect is as slim and stylish as it is comfortable and durable.

And its waterproof liner will keep your purchases dry while you’re shopping. ($134 from Timbuk2) Available in both men’s and women’s cuts, this well-constructed coat hits at mid-thigh, and looks less outdoorsy than many rain jackets Wirecutter tested. ($110 from Helly Hansen) Keeping dry is just one part of staying warm — wearing a lightweight, form-fitting base layer under your regular clothes will help, too. ($20 to $28 at Macy’s) Wirecutter is a New York Times Company that reviews and recommends products.

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