🥾PNW shoulder season day hike checklist
Every item here earned its spot the hard way. Weather turns fast up here and I stopped trusting "probably fine."
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1
Waterproof rain shell, taped seams
Learned this after a "water resistant" jacket soaked through on Mailbox Peak in April. Taped seams or don't bother.
2
Synthetic or wool base layer, no cotton
Cotton stays wet and pulls heat off you fast once the temperature drops.
3
Waterproof pants with full side zips
4
Insulated puffy jacket
5
Warm hat and a buff
start early. mornings at the trailhead run colder than the forecast says.
6
Gloves
7
Headlamp with spare batteries
Packed one "just in case" once and it's what got me down a scree field after a slower descent than planned.
8
Microspikes or similar traction
Snow lingers at elevation way longer than the trailhead conditions suggest.
9
Trekking poles
10
Paper map and compass
Phone battery drains fast in the cold, don't count on GPS alone.
11
Extra pair of dry socks
12
Emergency bivy or space blanket
Weighs nothing, and the one time I actually needed it I was very glad it was in there.
13
Backup high-calorie food
Add more per mi. RT than you think if weather forces a slower pace.
14
Water treatment, filter or tablets
15
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Shoulder season sun at elevation is stronger than it feels in the cool air.
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