First of all….CONGRATULATIONS on your upcoming PNW adventure. You are going to have so much FUN. But now it’s time to start thinking about getting to the nitty-gritty of things and figure out what to pack for Oregon, Washington, or British Columbia…the cities, the country, the mountains, the coast, you’ll want to pack thoughtfully.
***This post was updated on April 9th, 2023. There are affiliate links on this site, however, all opinions here are my OWN.***
Careful thought should go into what you will pack!
As with any destination, it is wise to check the weather report ahead of time for where you will be going and for what day. The Pacific Northwest can be temperamental weather-wise: even in winter, we can get some very mild days, filled with sunshine and (slightly) warmer weather. Even though our summers have been hot and dry recently, you should be prepared for the very real possibility of rain and cooler weather! Check the weather ahead of time so you pack your clothes accordingly! The best weather forecast online is The National Weather Service website.
It all depends on your decision about what things to do in the Pacific Northwest, whether you will be enjoying the big city or a quieter and less bustling experience, you will, of course, need to use your best judgment on what you want to be wearing. But for any Pacific Northwest holiday, these five items are a MUST to go in your suitcase.
A final word on clothing. Dressing in layers is practically required! In the summer, the mornings will be cool and the afternoons warm. In the winter there will be cooler weather but many buildings and public places will have the heat on.
Two pairs of VERY comfortable walking shoes and/or boots.
No matter where you go, you will be doing a lot of walking. The Pacific Northwest practically begs you to get out there, get on your feet and explore everything she has to offer. So bring two pairs of shoes and get some exercise! A trail runner type shoe is always a good idea. Here is one for men. Make one of the pairs waterproof, or opt for bringing some type of water-resistant boot. Heck ladies, go full out and bring a pair of those cute rainboots everyone is wearing!
A good parka for warmth and dryness.
Getting a two-for-one jacket (a hood is a requirement!) that both traps in your body heat and is water-resistant (or waterproof, there is a difference) will take you a long way. Here is a nice one. You never know when you are going to be caught beachcombing on the coast, and the wind will kick up, as well as a raincloud or two!
A Scarf (or two or three) – This Means You Too, Guys!
As a traveler, I swear by my collection of scarves. They are fashionable and multi-purpose! You can throw it off and back on, on a whim. You can throw it over your head for rainy or windy weather, or around your shoulders for a little added warmth. I find that people tend to treat me in a friendlier and more respectful way when I wear a fashionable scarf as opposed to not; it just gives off a vibe of confidence and sophistication. This is a great scarf and beanie set from Timberline.
A backpack or daypack
This is especially useful when you are out and about all day and want to carry all of your essentials. And it looks really good and in line with the Pacific Northwest lifestyle! A light backpack is good for carrying a change of clothes, make-up, snacks, books and anything else you think you will need so you don’t have to go back to your accommodation during the day. Better than a purse or bag and totally hands-free!
A Good Camera
Last but not least, bring a good camera with which to capture the memories and all the fantastic scenery the Pacific Northwest has to offer. The camera does not have to be fancy or expensive…in fact some of the best cameras out there are quite inexpensive and you don’t need a lot of bells and whistle to take the ultimate picture. Just educate yourself on the basic rules of photography and you will be in fine form even if you are only using a smartphone!
