The Best Hiking Gear for the Pacific Northwest (Tried & Tested on PNW Trails)
Wild Weekends: The Over-40 Woman’s Guide to Pacific Northwest Adventure
May 21, 2026If you've spent any time hiking in the Pacific Northwest, you already know the golden rule: the weather will do whatever it wants, and your gear better be ready for it.
After years of hiking, backpacking, and adventuring all over Oregon and Washington, I've landed on a core list of gear I reach for every single time. These aren't just items I've bought and tried once, these are the things that have earned a permanent spot in my pack.
Whether you're a seasoned trail regular or you're just starting to explore the Pacific Northwest outdoors, this is the gear that'll make your hike safer, more comfortable, and a whole lot more fun.
Footwear: Your Most Important Investment
Nothing will cut a hike short faster than bad footwear. Pacific Northwest trails can be rocky, rooted,
wet, and steep - sometimes all at once - so this is absolutely the place to invest.
Hiking Boots: I prefer a mid-cut boot with good ankle support for most PNW terrain, especially in the late fall, winter and earlyspring when things get slippery. Look for waterproof construction (GORE-TEX is worth it out here) and a grippy Vibram-style outsole. I own this pair of Oboz for that purpose → Oboz Women's Sawtooth Ascent Mid.
Hiking Shoes: For drier, mellower trails, a trail running shoe like this one gives you more agility and less weight. Bonus: they come in over a dozen colors! → KEEN KS86 Lea
Hiking Socks: Don't underestimate these! Merino wool socks are a game-changer for blister prevention and temperature regulation. I never hike without them. → Smartwool Everyday Margarita Crew Socks
Pro tip: Always break in new boots at home before hitting a long trail. Your feet will thank you.
The Daypack
How you carry your gear matters just as much as what you carry. For most day hikes, a 20–25 liter daypack is the sweet spot —enough room for the essentials without feeling like you're hauling your house. For longer or colder-season hikes, I go up to a 30–35 liter.
Look for: padded shoulder straps, a hip belt, side water bottle pockets you can actually reach, and a rain cover (or a pack with a waterproof base).
→ MOUNTAINTOP Small Hiking Backpack 20L Travel Daypack → Osprey Tempest Velocity 30L Women's Hiking Backpack
Layering: The Pacific Northwest Hiker's Superpower
The Pacific Northwest is famous for moody, fast-changing weather. Learning to layer well is the skill that separates a comfortable hiker from a miserable one. Here's my system:
Base Layer: Moisture-wicking and quick-drying. Merino wool is my favorite because it regulates temperature AND doesn't get stinky on longer days out. → Merino Wool Base Layer for Women
Mid Layer: A lightweight fleece or insulated jacket for warmth when you stop for a break or hit elevation. Packable options are ideal - they stuff into their own pocket and take up almost no space. → The North Face THERMOBALL™ Jacket
Rain Jacket: This is non-negotiable in the PNW. A good waterproof, breathable rain jacket is the single most important layer you own out here, and worth the investment. Look for taped seams and a real waterproof rating, not just "water resistant." → Arc'teryx Beta AR Women's Jacket
Sun Hoodie: For summer hikes, a UPF 50+ sun hoodie is incredible - it protects you from the sun without sunscreen bulk, and it's surprisingly cool in warm weather thanks to breathable fabric. → MARMOT Women's AirExchange UPF 50 Hoodie
Hydration
Staying hydrated on the trail is serious business, especially as elevation increases. My current favorite setup:
Water Bottles: I've moved away from hydration bladders and back to simple water bottles, because it's easier to track how much you've had, simpler to clean, and no leaks soaking your pack. I carry two on longer hikes. → Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth Water Bottle
Water Filter: Always carry one in the PNW. There's water everywhere out here, and a lightweight filter means you're never stuck. I love my Katadyn BeFree collapsible filter for saving space. → Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Ultralight Collapsible Water Filter Bottle
Rain & Sun Protection
Rain Pants: For serious rain or bushwhacking through wet brush, rain pants are a lifesaver. Lightweight and packable, they take up almost no space. These North Face pants are a great price for the quality. → The North Face Antora Rain Pants
Sun Hat with Chin Strap: Even in the famously cloudy PNW, sun protection matters, especially at higher elevations. A chin strap is a must for windy summits (learned that the hard way!). → Outdoor Research Women's Oasis Sun Hat
Sunglasses: Sport-style sunglasses that grip your nose are worth it on the trail. → Tifosi Swank Sport Sunglasses
Sunscreen: SPF 50 in a stick form is easiest to apply on trail without making a mess. → CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Safety Essentials (Don't Skip These)
These items live in my pack year-round, full stop.
Headlamp: Even on day hikes, a headlamp is a must. You never plan on being out after dark... until you are. → PETZL Tikka Headlamp
First Aid Kit: A compact trail first aid kit covers most situations. → Mini First Aid Kit
Emergency Whistle + Fire Starter: Small, lightweight, potentially life-saving. → Gerber Gear Fire Starter Ferro Rod Survival Tool with an Emergency Whistle and Metal Striker
Trekking Poles: I resisted these for years, and now I never hike without them. They save your knees on descents, give you stability on slippery terrain, and reduce fatigue on long days. → BLACK DIAMOND Trail Trekking Poles
Navigation: A downloaded offline map (I use the AllTrails and Gaia GPS apps) is my go-to, but for bigger adventures I also carry a paper map of the area.
Fuel & Snacks
This one is personal, but the principle is the same: bring more than you think you need. Trail mix, energy bars, and a real lunch make a long hike a whole lot more enjoyable. A few of my go-tos:
→ Clif Bars → Honey Stingers Energy Waffle → Trail Mix
Bonus: Winter & Cold Weather Additions
If you're hiking in the PNW in fall, winter, or early spring, add these to your list:
- Microspikes for icy trails → Kahtoola MICROspikes
- Insulated gloves → Outdoor Research Women's Flurry Sensor Gloves
- Warm beanie → Merino Wool Beanie
- Extra insulating layer (down or synthetic puffy) → The North Face THERMOBALL™ Jacket
My Honest Approach to Gear
I'll be real with you: you don't need to buy everything at once, and you don't need the most expensive version of everything on this list. Start with the non-negotiables such as good boots, a rain jacket, a daypack, and hydration, and build from there.
The PNW is one of the most incredible places in the world to hike. Get outside, start with what you have, and upgrade as you go. The trail will teach you what you actually need.
Have questions about any of this gear, or want a recommendation for a specific trail or season? Drop a comment below — I love talking trail gear!
Some links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I genuinely use and love. Thanks for supporting KB Adventures!
