Chicago What to Pack

Luggage and bags: Nothing Special is required.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: For example: TODAY 3-4-2003 You would want a hat, scarf, mittens & boots. We are expecting 8-12 inches of snow before tomorrow afternoon. Winter can be very cold & windy. We have had much less snow than the East coast though.
Since the weather in Chicago can change from one minute to the next, I would suggest packing a jacket, even in Summer. If you take a Lk. Michicagn boat ride it can get pretty chilly. I would also bringa good pair of comfortable walking shoes. There is a lot to see here.

Miscellaneous: OK, all my other Packing Lists have been dedicated to great music.... so what, you ask, is Chicago's great musical contribution? The world famous Smashing Pumpkins? The poetic and honest Liz Phair? The snotty Screeching Weasel? The brilliant Wilco? Well, close, but they're actually from the St. Louis area. No way, man; I got two words for ya: Naked f***** Raygun!!!!!

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Be aware that even as late as June it can be extremely cold here. A sweater, hat and gloves are a smart bet most of the year.

Miscellaneous: Being a large and diverse city, Chicago definetly requires a good guidebook. I bought the Lonely Planet guide to Chicago a year ago and it still serves me well. The book is arranged by neighborhoods and does an excellent job of featuring cool places off the main tourist track as well as Chicago's grand architecture. The maps are excellent.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: In summer, it can get extremely hot here so I highly recommend shorts, sandals and a hat. With highs approaching 40C on some summer days, you'll be glad when walking from place to place.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Swimwear is a good idea if you are interested in spending an afternoon at the beach. It's an unexpected discovery of first time visitors to Chicago.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Chicago can get extremely hot and humid in summer and really freezing and snowy during winter. So, in summer I advise you packing lots of light clothes and always carry a bottle of water with you. Don't forget to bring some blouse too cuz they have really high standard air-conditioning in all the stores and movie theaters there... ;-)

Luggage and bags: I packed a 22-inch rolling suitbag stuffed with cold-weather items, since it was still cold (it even snowed while I was there this year). I am hooked on travelbags that allow you to fold & pack suits, sweaters, etc into convenient size bags the size of a briefcase or smaller.

I also had a computer backpack as my carryon.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Sweaters for layering, a scarf (I usually travel with a black cashmere scarf that doubles as a shawl), a versatile coat (I had a black leather wrap jacket that is functional & still looks great for a night out on the town).

Comfy shoes are a must if you're doing a lot of walking.

I had a 5k to run one morning: definitely, have something to keep your head/ears warm (a fleece headband packs well & keeps your ears from freezing at 6 am when it's 30 degress F), running gloves, long running pants or sweatpants, a running jacket or sweatshirt.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: whatever you forget, you can get at a local drugstore

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Take a hat or cap which keeps your head warm. It's always windy downtown. The lakeshore is the windiest! Once I was trapped at the pier because of the extemely strong winds and at least 20 minus Fahrenheits, I almost cried at the thought of having to walk to our car parked outside the pier...*_*

Luggage and bags: Rollaboards are the easiest. chicago's sidewalks are cracked, broken and bumpy. A traditional suitcase will prove difficult on the subway and rolling it on the sidewalk to your hotel or house.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Weather here is in the extremes. You can expect the upper 90's in summer and sub freezing in winter. The wind is serious here. If you're coming in Dec-Feb a parka is mandatory if you're going to spend long hours outdoors. A hat or some covering for your head will be indispensible. Also, wear thick soled shoes. The cold will seep from the ground to your feet if you are not wearing good socks and good shoes.