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

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. Shop the links below to create a similar look.

Shop Outerwear

Shop Long Sleeve Tops

Shop Foundation Layers & Tanks

Shop Joggers & Leggings

Shop Shorts & Skorts

Headed somewhere this summer? Here are a couple additional summer travel prep guides that you may be interested in: