Packing for Pacific Northwest can feel very intimidating because the weather can vary greatly and change rapidly. It's going to feel like you need to pack for all types of weather. While this is generally true, the key to packing efficiently is focusing on bringing great layers – items of clothing you can quickly take on and off as the conditions change. This blog will help walk you through everything you need for each season.

Know what items you’re looking for? Click on a link below to skip to a section.

Footwear

Footwear

All seasons

Hiking boots

You’re going to want waterproof boots if you plan on hiking (even the shorter trails) — boots that can handle walking through shallow streams, stepping in puddles, hiking in the rain, and even on snow.

Unless you’re purchasing traditional leather boots, you shouldn’t have to “break in” your boots for them to feel great. Of course, you should wear them for a couple shorter hikes to figure out if they are right for you and how tying them will work best (check out this article on ways to tie boots to minimize hot points), but they should generally feel great from the get go.

Warm weather

Wool hiking socks

A good pair of hiking socks will prevent blisters

Trekking sandals or flip flops

Great for playing on beaches

Cold weather

Heavyweight wool socks

Clothing

Moisture-wicking T-shirt or sun shirt

Moisture-wicking pants or shorts

Underwear

These wool undergarments are odor-resistant and temperature-regulating. Choose longer briefs to help prevent chafing.

Sports bra

Base layers

Cold weather

Also referred to as thermal layers, base layers help retain heat and wick moisture. If you’re visiting in winter and interested in hiking or skiing, you’ll want both top and bottom base layers.

Base layer tops

Base layer bottoms

Outerwear

All seasons

Rain jacket

Look for raincoats with pit zips — arm pit zippers or vents — to help moderate your temperature.

No raincoat is completely waterproof, so don’t get caught up in the lingo. Purchase a water resistant/waterproof coat from a reputable brand and you should be good!

Pro tip: Do not wash your waterproof gear like other laundry. Use Nikwax detergent instead and your gear will last much longer.
Ponchos work well in a pinch too

Fleece zip-ups

These are a great insulating layer or worn by themselves.

Perfect for chilly summits, beaches, and mornings and evenings.

Hoodies are a great alternative

Cold weather

Bringing a warmer coat is a must between fall and spring. Choose to bring whichever of these coats fits your needs better.

Packable puffy coat

Packable puffy coasts are great for hiking. They’re very warm but can fit into any bag.

Ski jacket

These coats are great if you’re hitting the slopes to ski but are bulkier.

Accessories

Warm weather

Sunglasses

Sun hats

Swimsuits

Quick-dry towel

Cool weather

Sunglasses

Roads can be blindingly bright after it rains

Warm hats

When a hat would be too warm, Meghann opts for a headband

Gloves

Baseball caps

Baseball caps help keep the rain off your face!

Check out this blog for more tips on hiking in the rain.

Personal items

All seasons

Sunscreen

Lip balm

This balm has SPF so your lips don’t get burned

Body Glide

Prevents chaffing – you’ll spend a lot of time walking to explore the best of Pacific Northwest!

Pee funnel

This is a game-changer for the women/trans/non-binary folk!! It allows you to go pee standing up. Since you only have to unzip and point the direction you want to let things flow, it’s so much more private than pulling down your pants and squatting.

Hand sanitizer

Warm weather

Insect repellent

Hiking essentials

Hiking day pack

Trekking poles

If you’ll be hiking up and down steep hills, trekking poles are a must. They’ll help disperse your weight, help to keep you from getting knee injuries and help you stay steady in variable terrain. We always have our poles on us!

Ten essentials including:

Navigation
Water
Snacks
Fire starter
First aid
Headlamp
Bivy

Extras

Ice chest

The Pacific Northwest’s national parks have very few restaurants. We love packing snacks and meals in an ice chest to picnic whenever we need lunch.

Monocular

Great for spotting wildlife and more compact than binoculars

Tire chains

Mount Rainier and Hurricane Ridge in the Olympics both require you to have chains in your vehicle to enter the park between November and April 1st (the Olympics) or until May 1st (Rainier)