Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to the Must-Have PNW Hiking Essentials
If you’re ready to make PNW hiking your new hobby, then let’s get ready together! Here’s what gear to bring for a safe, fun, and enjoyable time in the outdoors!
What to Pack for Hikes in the Pacific Northwest
While you do not need all of the following items to get out and enjoy nature, they will enhance your PNW hiking experience by keeping you comfortable and prepared.
Shoes
When I first started hiking, I wore what I had – which was a pair of basic Nike running shoes. While these may work for some short easy hikes, they are designed for movement on flat, paved ground. So, when worn on trails with rocks and roots, you can expect to feel every bump under your feet.. So, a supportive hiking-specific boot is your best bet.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase through my links (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for your support, and happy adventures!!
Best Hiking Boots for Women
Best Hiking Boots for Men
Another reason boots are so important for hiking in the PNW is to keep your feet dry. Trails often involve seasonal stream crossings, mud, or other wet conditions like rain. Because of this, I prefer the taller style of boot that goes above my ankle. This way, I can tackle water without worry and support my ankles.
During mid-to-late summer when trails are the driest, another popular option are trail running shoes like those from Altra or New Balance. In comparison to boots, these are lightweight, flexible, and easy to get on/off. And, they provide support, a grippy sole, and usually feature a toe protect zone (super nice with all those roots and rocks around).
Clothing Built for PNW Hiking
A hike in the PNW can mean a lot of different things. Maybe it’s a cold wet November day hike out in Olympic National Park’s Hoh Rainforest. Or, a hot August blue sky day hiking out to Colchuck Lake in the Enchantments. Clearly, these would require different outfits. So, it is important to dress for the day, and pack for the worst case scenario.
For summer hikes, the key is breathability. You want shorts and shorts that wick sweat. This way, your clothes stay drier and more comfortable.
Summer Hiking Clothes for Women
Summer Hiking Clothes for Men
Don’t forget your feet! Opt for lightweight socks that don’t slip and or cause blisters. Take care of your feet so you can hike to your heart’s content when the weather is nice.
Women’s Tried + Tested Socks for Hiking
Men’s Tried + Tested Socks for Hiking
Even in the famously cloudy Pacific Northwest, sun protection is key. For example, protect your head while adding some style to your fit with a hat. Note that all of the recs below have a chin strap — I’ve learned that this is a MUST for windy summits and for clipping hats to your pack when not in use.
Hats for PNW Hikes
Additionally, sunglasses are a must-have accessory for sun protection. You can totally bring along any pair you already own. However, if yours are expensive you may be wise to bring a more affordable pair that you don’t mind getting a little wear and tear.
Also, another upside to sport sunglasses is that they tend to not slip off your nose as easily.
Sunglasses
Regardless of the season, you will want a light jacket and layers to protect against rain and wind. (Yes, even in the height of summer!)
Hiking Layers for the Pacific Northwest – Women’s
Hiking Layers for the Pacific Northwest – Men’s
Backpacks for PNW Hiking
As you’ll learn, how you carry your gear is just as significant as what you carry. Truly, hiking in the wilderness is not the same as walking in a park. So, anything you may need or want will have to be packed in and out by you.
Hands down, the most popular way to do so is throw it in a pack and sling it on your back.
For a day hike, a good size pack to be looking for is around 15-25L. Hiking specific packs offer extra features like breathable back venting, extra straps to secure the pack to your hips and chest, and sometimes have built-in water bladders.
Here are the ones we’ve found to be the most comfortable and durable:
Similar to hiking shoes, you could probably get away with using a non-hiking-specific backpack for a few short outings. But, when you decide to hike regularly it is well-worth investing in a pack that is durable and supportive for those longer distances.
PNW Hiking Accessories
Undoubtedly, carrying a backpack with water is not all you need for an enjoyable outing. Feeling artsy? Throw in your camera or art supplies!
In any case, packing snacks to refuel your body or lunch to enjoy at the top will be something you’ll thank yourself for later.
Always, always store a first aid kit in your pack for emergency situations. Although you may feel confident in your own ability to hike and not fall and scrape your knee on a rock, nature is humbling. Plus, by packing some bandages and sanitizing wipes, you could come to someone’s rescue after they take an unexpected tumble.
Whether you are heading out on a longer hike with lots of elevation change, have bad knees, or just want some extra balance and stability, trekking poles are a great accessory to have. If you’ve never used them before, they basically provide more points of contact with the ground. Thus, improving your balance.
10 Essentials
Since you’re curious about PNW hiking, it’s likely that you’ve heard of the 10 Essentials. Now, be sure to know what they are and bring them along on all outings!
While you may not use them often, they are items that are wise to bring in case things do not go according plan. Fun fact: Did you know that the first list of 10 Essentials was created in the Pacific Northwest by The Mountaineeers?
10 Categories / Systems of Essentials:
- Navigation: GPS device, map, compass
- First Aid Supplies
- Nutrition (more food than you’ll expect to need)
- Hydration (more water than you’ll expect to need)
- Sun Protection
- Illumination: Headlamp or flashight (with extra batteries)
- Insulation: Clothing layers and accessories for hands, head, and feet
- Fire Starting Equipment
- Repair Kit + Tools: Multitool, knife, duct tape, scissors
- Shelter
Recommended Gear – 10 Essentials
Gear for Winter Hikes
Preparing for PNW hiking during winter requires additional education, planning, and gear. Overall, conditions are more intense and dangerous. So, you need to do your due diligence before setting out on the trails.
Besides warmer clothes, gloves, and beanies, we find microspikes to be our favorite piece of gear for winter hiking. Similar to chains for tires, these grippy chains wrap around the bottom of hiking boots to increase traction on slippery ice and snow.
PNW Hiking Resources
While you’ll want to make sure your physically equipped for your next adventure, be sure to do ample research into the area you have in mind. This includes wildlife, current trail conditions, necessary permits and passes, and much more.
Here’s a few resources we use regularly:
- Washington Trails Association: A nonprofit that helps you discover hikes in Washington State and read recent trail reports for free ** I prefer this to AllTrails**
- AllTrails: Find hikes across the world and read recent trail reports
- Leave No Trace: Take the free online courses to educate yourself and your friends on how to care for the lands you love!
- Strava: Record your hiking stats and reference maps / gps routes for trails
Looking for inspo for connecting with the great outdoors in the Pacific Northwest? Come say hi on Instagram — and enjoy fresh seasonal ideas every week!
This post was all about PNW hiking.