Overall, The Pacific Northwest Trail is one of the most rugged trails in the U.S. You don’t have to spend a fortune on jackets or pants and most hikers find it’s worth investing in fitted rain gear rather than a poncho.
Some hikers will choose poncho plus rain pants, which offer an incredible layer of protection and don’t hog room in your pack-rain pants are also insulating if you are sensitive to the cold. Wet gear is truly a hassle when you are hiking.Ī poncho has several upsides: it can double as ground cover, can protect your pack, and hardly costs anything. You can choose a $5 poncho, get a lightweight rain jackets or even a rain kilt, but it’s vital to pack something to keep yourself and your backpack dry. Whatever you decide, don’t skimp on a good quality hat and-as shallow as it sounds, find one that makes you look good! Rain Gear īaseball caps look great and are easiest to don and doff, although some hikers prefer less fashionable styles for extreme sun and rain protection. Banner & Oak offers some excellent choices in natural colors, including Trailhead Navy and S witchback Khaki. You’ll only bring one hat on the trip, so make sure it is durable and will hold onto its looks after months of sweat, grime and handling the elements. HatsĮvery hiker needs a hat to protect his or her face from the sun while walking the trail. Use your judgment, keeping in mind what footwear has worked best for you when camping. A pair of sandals or cheap flip flops are also helpful to give your feet a rest in camp. We recommend trail tested boots and two pairs of wool socks. Be sure you have a pair of shoes or boots you can rely on and that are broken in before you set off.
Most, however, go with light weight trail runners. Some hikers choose minimalist shoes, or even sandals. Cover up as much as possible even on hot days with breathable synthetic clothing, a neck gaiter, a sun hat, and of course sunscreen. The sun in alpine environments can be brutal so sun protection is essential. You can get sunburned and snowed on in the same day and your limited clothing supply must be ready for this. The Pacific Northwest trail runs through alpine environments where the weather is often unpredictable. Trail Clothes When thru hiking, your clothing will be minimal. The best way to do this is to find versatile hard and soft goods that can be used for a variety of situations you might encounter. As always you are balancing your needs with the necessity to keep your pack light. The discussion of gear is well-trod territory online. Reading trip reports and blogs is a great way to learn from the experience of other thru-hikers. It’s one of the newer cross-country possibilities, and due to fewer encounters with civilization and a few bumpy trail connections, you’ll need to carefully consider gear before setting out on the trail.īefore prepping for a thru hike like The Pacific Northwest Trail, it is best to talk to a few experienced thru hikers as first hand knowledge will be your best source of advice. This trail earned Federal Designation in 2009 making it the youngest scenic trail in the U.S. Unlike its famous cousins, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) or the Appalachian Trail (AT), the Pacific Northwest Trail does not have multiple, convenient food stops or aid stations. The Pacific Northwest Trail is best begun in midsummer, beginning from Montana and moving west. Most hikers take on this challenge with a goal of completion in 3-4 months. Running from Montana’s Glacier National Park to Olympic National Park in Washington state, The Pacific Northwest Trail skirts the Western Canadian border running through the Northwest mountain ranges. While most people know of the infamous Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, The Pacific Northwest Trail is a lesser known 1,200 mile scenic trail that begins and ends in arguably some of the most scenic National Parks in the U.S. A Guide To America's Newest National Scenic Trail: The Pacific Northwest Trail