I will be coming into Chicago (business class) with a 6 hour layover 1-8-19, leaving on Capitol Limited to DC with sleeper then south to Miami with sleeper and I will be returning to Chicago 2-3-19 from NOL with sleeper with a 8 hour layover before my train to Macomb, IL. My question is, can I leave a small bag in the self check room in the Met Lounge with a heavy coat and boots that I would during my 2 Chicago layovers. It would be from 1-8 to 2-3, Monday to Sunday?? Also is there a lounge available in the DC station or place to check my bag during my layover there. Thanks, JIM
If I understand your post correctly, you want to leave baggage at CUS for nearly a month? I can't imagine Amtrak would want to promote anything like that with a policy that allows it, but you should ask Amtrak to clarify. I mean, what if a significant percentage of pax started doing that or something like that? The shelves would be filled with long-term storage and little room left for same-day storage. And then there are the post 9-11 security issues to be considered that would escalate if long-term storage was an option.
A better option might be to re-think your clothing choices. Layering comes to mind. You can be totally comfortable in Chicago during winter with a maximum of four or five layers of varying weights, no heavy coat needed. Let Polartec and similar clothing be your friend. I've spent many nights hiking and/or camping in the backcountry during deep winter with this kind of system, and never felt very cold; in fact at times I overheated and had to shed a layer. YMMV. Don't forget a warm pullover hat that can cover your ears, and some decent mid-weight water resistant gloves.
None of this stuff needs to be very heavy; modern non-cotton fabrics are lightweight because they are designed for folks who will be transporting in a backpack when not wearing, 8-12 hours per day. To us, every ounce counts. Some of this clothing will give you sticker shock, but if you invest the time you can find bargains. Focus on weight and insulating properties; if going for a system with as many as five layers, go a size larger for the outer two layers. Your lightest layer would be a moisture-wicking "base" layer against your skin, getting progressively heavier (relatively speaking) the further from your skin you get. The outer layer would be a "shell" that is water- and wind-resistant but avoid super-heavy options (does not need to be heavy if you've made good choices underneath).
The sort of clothing I've described can be easily stored in your travel suitcase or better yet, a comfortable, well-fitting 50L or more backpack which I see more and more train pax using in lieu of luggage. Another advantage is much of it does not wrinkle like cotton clothing would, and as a further bonus is quick-drying. As for footwear, a mid-height hiking boot would work as well in colder climates, with possibly two pairs of socks and a vapor barrier ("aqua socks") if you'll be trudging thru water or deep snow. They could conceivably be packed too, and you'd wear another type of lighter shoe/sock beyond that. Get professionally fitted for the boots, and break them in -- your feet will thank you.
The problem would be if you must have some "formal" clothing anywhere along your itinerary. But if not, you could investigate the myriad effective layering and footwear options available thru merchants like REI and their discount competitors. Even Target and WalMart, tho they don't really have the selection.
If you make good choices, this clothing, footwear, and backpack can serve you well for many years in a number of scenarios beyond backcountry travel. Think outdoor concerts, sporting events, a January 20 Presidential inauguration. It need not be thought of as an expense just for one trip. AFAIK, you may already possess some of the items I've described.
Best wishes; hope I've given you some out-of-the-box ideas that could work if long-term CUS storage is a no-go.