Pacific NW Packing Guide

Everything I’m Packing for a Late-Summer Adventure Get-Away to Portland, Oregon

The Pacific Northwest is a great place to escape the relentless triple-digit temperatures of the South, but it has its own fair share of heat waves. As I look at the extended forecast, it seems like there are multiple climates within a mere 80-mile radius of Portland and even day-to-day fluctuations in the city itself. So, how am I going to pack for that?!

Layers. That’s the answer.

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My trip to Portland, Oregon includes a day trip to the coast, a couple days in the Columbia River Gorge, and a day in downtown Portland. The temperatures on the coast can be dramatically different from Portland – even though it is less than a 2-hour drive away. Currently, it’s looking like the highs at the coast will be about 20 degrees cooler than Portland.

I will not be checking luggage for this quick, last-minute get-away. Everything needs to fit in my 21″ Travelpro Carry-on Spinner and a personal tote bag.

This post will cover:

4 Mix-and-match outfits
The final packing list
Shopping links to individual pieces

4 Mix-and-match outfits for an adventure weekend in Oregon

Even though I am planning outfits, the reality is I will throw on some combination based on what the weather is doing outside. I’m taking a couple extra pieces that I probably won’t end up needing, but I’ll be prepared in case the forecast changes.

Guiding principals:

Pick a color scheme and commit
Layers for cool mornings that I can shed when the sun comes out
No plans to re-wear anything since I’ll be getting wet & muddy

The final packing list

My early morning flight arrives in Portland around 9 am, which means I won’t have the opportunity to check-in to my hotel yet and change my clothes. So, I will likely be reaching into the trunk of my rental car and pulling out layers once I reach the chilly Oregon coast. I’m a little nervous about packing the trekking poles. Do you think TSA will consider them a weapon? I’ll report back.

Packing Guide for a 4-Day Weekend in the Pacific Northwest

Windbreaker
Quilted vest
Rain shell
Sweatshirt
3 Long sleeve tops
2 Foundation layers
2 Tank tops
2 Leggings / joggers
2 Hiking skorts

Socks & intimates
Baseball hat
Reusable water bottle
Trekking poles
Daypack
Sunglasses
Travel binoculars
Hiking shoes
Tennis shoes

Shopping links to individual pieces

Since this is a rather short and somewhat last-minute get away, I’m mostly taking things I already have in my closet and drawers. Comfort and practical pieces trump fashion this time. I’ve included links below to the items that are still available to purchase. For pieces that are too many seasons in the past, I’ve added links to similar finds.

Outerwear