When you have limited room in your car, packing all your vacation gear into one bag can sometimes be challenging. Fortunately for you, the Northwest part of the United States projects a fairly casual, laid-back atmosphere, so you won't have to worry about wearing the perfect ensemble every place you go.
Things You'll Need
- Layered, lightweight clothing
- Casual shoes
- Raincoat
Simple Tips For You
- Check the weather forecast before you go so you'll be prepared for the conditions at the time of travel. During the summer, the Northwest can get downright hot, with triple-digit temperatures at times. But the area also has cool nights year round, making it necessary to have at least one warm layer even during July and August. In the winter, overnight temperatures can get close to freezing near the coast and in the extreme west; east of the Cascades, plan on cold weather day and night during the winter months.
- Choose lightweight clothing that you can layer. During the spring, summer and fall, temperatures can be fairly warm some days, and cool and damp other days. Lay out several days' worth of under layers that include a short-sleeved shirt and pants, and pack outer layers that you can use repeatedly in the fall, winter and spring when it gets cool. Think cardigans, sweaters, scarves, gloves, hat and a warm, wooly pair of socks. Those warmer items are the bulkiest things in your bag, so choose only one of each.
- Think casual and comfortable. T-shirts are more common than button-down shirts; jeans or leggings are more typical than a pair of dress pants. Make choices based on activities you're going to be involved in, and don't bring fancy attire you don't need. As for toiletries and bathroom items, find out what is available at your hotel or accommodation. You probably won't need that hair dryer, and many boutique hotels stock bathrobes and other toiletries.
- Choose at least one pair of athletic shoes that can double as sightseeing or casual shoes. From hiking to biking to wandering through endless vintage shops, most people engage in a lot of physical activity while visiting the area. If you have to bring a pair of dressy shoes, pick a pair that can double as comfortable day shoes for any weather, such as a fancy, comfy pair of cowboy boots or a pair of high-end flats.
- Pack a lightweight raincoat, no matter the season. While it's less common during July and August, rain showers can happen at any time, especially if you're visiting the coast. Skip the umbrella, though. They're not at all common in the Northwest.
- Lay everything you want to pack on your bed, arranging things by what you'll wear each day of the trip. Remove items not truly necessary and continue this paring down as you pack until you can easily close the bag, leaving room for the Northwest wine or fresh-roasted coffee you're bound to want to carry home.
