🥾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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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.

Synthetic or wool base layer, no cotton

Cotton stays wet and pulls heat off you fast once the temperature drops.

Waterproof pants with full side zips

Insulated puffy jacket

Warm hat and a buff

start early. mornings at the trailhead run colder than the forecast says.

Gloves

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.

Microspikes or similar traction

Snow lingers at elevation way longer than the trailhead conditions suggest.

Trekking poles

Paper map and compass

Phone battery drains fast in the cold, don't count on GPS alone.

Extra pair of dry socks

Emergency bivy or space blanket

Weighs nothing, and the one time I actually needed it I was very glad it was in there.

Backup high-calorie food

Add more per mi. RT than you think if weather forces a slower pace.

Water treatment, filter or tablets

Sunscreen and sunglasses

Shoulder season sun at elevation is stronger than it feels in the cool air.

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