The Ultimate Pacific Northwest Packing List

When planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest you will want to make sure you are bringing the right gear. Whether that is a road trip through Oregon or a day trip to Mount Rainier National Park, you will want to prepare for many different types of weather and terrain. Below is a comprehensive guide for what to pack to the Pacific Northwest whether that is the wilderness of Oregon and Washington or a trip to Seattle. Use this Pacific Northwest packing list to plan your trip!

Hiking Gear to Bring to the PNW

If you’re packing for a trip to the Pacific Northwest, you will likely be planning to explore the great outdoors! Hiking in the Pacific Northwest can range from very easy walks in the park to multi-day treks in the wilderness. Below is a packing guide for hiking in the Pacific Northwest, for exploring day hikes throughout the area.

Hiking Boots

Real hiking boots are essential to pack when hiking in the Pacific Northwest. Danner makes my absolute favorite hiking boots- Women’s Hiking Boots, Men’s Hiking Boots

Make sure to bring good hiking socks to reduce the risk of blisters! Women’s Hiking Socks, Men’s Hiking Socks

You also may want to buy better insoles to replace the default ones that come with the boots- Hiking Insoles

Read More: Do You Need Hiking Insoles?

Hiking Shirts

Any shirt will do, but the best hiking shirts are made of natural or synthetic moisture-wicking material that is breathable and dries quickly- Women’s Hiking Shirts, Men’s Hiking Shirts

Rain Jacket

The Pacific Northwest is well known for its moody weather. Always keep a rain jacket in your pack, as weather can change in an instant, especially in mountain conditions.-  Women’s Rain Jacket, Men’s Rain Jacket

Hiking Pants

If you are visiting in the summer I would recommend packing at least one pair of hiking pants and one pair of hiking shorts for your Pacific Northwest hikes.

• Women’s Hiking Pants
• Women’s Hiking Leggings
• Women’s Hiking Shorts
• Men’s Hiking Pants
• Men’s Hiking Shorts

Fleece

Make sure to have a mid-layer while hiking for shoulder seasons and in between weather Women’s Fleece, Men’s Fleece

Hat

Wear a baseball hat to keep ticks off your head and the sun off your face. You will also want to pack a knit hat for warmth. Even in the summer, the Washington and Oregon mountains get chilly at night and in the morning.

Heavy Jacket

Bring a compactable down or synthetic jacket to keep you warm that can easily be stuffed in a backpack. Women’s Jacket, Men’s Jacket

Day Pack

A good day pack can make your hike so much more enjoyable. Properly distributing weight can ease your trip and allow you to bring all the Pacific Northwest travel essentials!

Other Hiking Essentials to Bring

The Pacific Northwest hiking packing list doesn’t end here. Make sure to bring all the regular supplies you should have on any hikes. Below are some other key items to pack for every hike.

• Trekking Poles
• Knit hat
• Sunglasses
• Gloves
• Water Bottle
• Sun Screen
• Bug Spray
• Chap Stick
• Headlamps
• First Aid Kit
• Camera

Seattle or Portland Pacific Northwest Packing List

You may be wondering what other clothes to bring on your Pacific Northwest trip if you are visiting the cities– Seattle, Portland, and Bend are a few of the bigger tourist spots to visit. The Pacific Northwest is very casual, so for the most part, you can wear very similar clothes to what you would wear hiking, but below are a few other items you may want to consider.

Read More: Best Waterfall Hikes Near Portland

Flannel

The stereotype of the Pacific Northwest and flannels is completely true, and you may want to consider packing your own. It makes for a great outer layer on chilly days walking around the city.- Women’s Flannel, Men’s Version

Waterproof Shoes

Even when you’re not hiking, you should still pack waterproof shoes in the Pacific Northwest, especially from October through May. I prefer boots that are both waterproof, comfortable, and fashionable!- Women’s & Men’s Blundstone Boots

Shoulder Bag

In addition to a hiking bag, bring a smaller backpack or waist pack to carry around Seattle or Portland with all your travel essentials!

Rain Jacket

I know I mentioned it above, but I can’t emphasize enough packing a good rain jacket for your trip to the Pacific Northwest- Women’s Rain Jacket, Men’s Rain Jacket

Pacific Northwest Packing List by Season

Pacific Northwest Winter Packing List

If you’re visiting the Pacific Northwest in Winter, you will want to pack some extra layers and equipment. Consider bringing the items below on your Pacific Northwest winter adventures.

• Snow Shoes
• Snow Pants
• Microspikes
• Thermal Layers
• Snow Boots
• Hand Warmers

Pacific Northwest Spring Packing List

Be prepared for rain when traveling Oregon and Washington in Spring! Consider taking a trip to the wildflowers and waterfalls.

• Rain Jacket
• Rain Boots
• Light Jacket
• Picnic Blanket

Read More: Oregon and Washington Wildflower Hikes

Pacific Northwest Summer Packing List

Pacific Northwest summer is truly the best time for outdoor adventures. Below are just a few things to pack for your summer vacation.

• Beach Towel
• Paddle Board
• Tank Top
• Sunglasses
• Canoe or Kayak
• Dry Bag
• Floaties
• Fishing pole (and fishing license if needed)
• Sandals
• Water Shoes
• Life Jacket
• Water Bottle
• Sun Screen
• Bug Spray

Pacific Northwest Fall Packing List

Fall is the perfect time to see Autumn colors and moody days in Oregon and Washington. Here are a few things to consider packing for a Fall trip.

• Women’s Flannel, Men’s Version
• Women’s & Men’s Blundstone Boots
• Jean Jacket
• Cozy Blanket
• Thermal Mug

Read More: Best Places to See Fall Color Near Portland

Pacific Northwest Cabin Packing List

There are so many cute cabins in the Pacific Northwest that make the perfect getaway. Below are a few travel essentials for a cabin trip.

Read More: Downloadable Cabin Packing List

• Bathing Suit
• Hammock
• Camping Chairs
• Warm Fleece Pants, Men’s Version
• Women’s Slip-On Shoes, Men’s Version
• PJs
• Portable Speaker
• Books
• Binoculars
• Board Games
• Cards
• Puzzles
• Journal
• Drinks of Choice
• Snacks

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