Questioning what to wear in Seattle? You’re in the right location – I grew up in Seattle, and people in California still remark on how my wardrobe seems very Seattle-esque. I’m not certain if that’s a positive or negative thing, if we’re being honest. You’ll notice an unusual mix of styles when walking around Seattle. Some individuals are dressed as if they’re prepared to escape the city and go on a twelve mile hike at any moment (that’s commonly me), while others are dressed in an occasionally peculiar combination of pieces from their favorite local boutique. But there are a few universal truths about Seattle that will affect what you need to pack for Seattle. We’ll get to those, and the list of exactly what to bring for Seattle, in a moment.
Additional Seattle Travel Guides from Wheatless Wanderlust
- A curated three-day schedule for newcomers visiting the city of Seattle
- The three premier districts for accommodations when journeying to Seattle
- Eleven distinctive boutique lodgings highly regarded in Seattle
- Highly popular excursions from Seattle that can be undertaken in a single day
- A photographic trip undertaken outside Seattle to the island locale of Bainbridge
Click here to see all Seattle Travel Guides
What you need to pack for Seattle largely depends on what time of year you’re visiting. First, let`s discuss the weather in Seattle.
During the summer, the climate will be warm and generally dry, meaning a relatively simple packing list focused on shorts and t-shirts will suffice. This isn`t complicated and isn`t too different from visiting other areas.
For the remainder of the year, from fall to late spring, the weather can be unpredictable, and you’ll need to be prepared for multiple seasons in a single day (but mostly grey and drizzly). Layering clothing will be your best friend. This is the part that gets a little more complex, because you’ll want maximum waterproofing. The rain jacket and the waterproof shoes are the most vital parts of any Seattle packing list for October to May. More details on that below.
The rain need not deter visits to the Pacific Northwest region. Knowing the right gear options for Seattle can keep you dry, warm, and comfortable as you explore everything the city has to offer. It also proves cheaper than alternatives.
What to Pack for Seattle: 4 Essentials for Every Seattle Packing List
Upon arrival in Seattle and spending some time exploring, a couple things will likely catch your attention immediately.
First, Seattle has a casual atmosphere. Outside of Downtown Seattle, the heart of the business and financial sectors in Seattle, you’ll rarely see people dressed in suits and ties. Dress casually – jeans are perfectly acceptable for nearly every occasion.
Second, generally, Seattle residents don`t typically utilize umbrellas. If you observe an umbrella, it`s either an individual who recently relocated there, or a visitor. Alysha often pokes fun at me for persistently declining to employ one up until this point, but why would I utilize an umbrella? The rainfall isn`t even that heavy! Side note – Alysha grew up in California, so any conditions other than 70s and sunny fall profoundly below her standards for “good weather.”
Ready to explore what items are essential to pack for Seattle? Let`s discuss the four key pieces that everyone visiting Seattle should carry, particularly if outside July and August.
Seattle Essential #1: A Solid Rain Jacket
The reality is, regardless of the hype, it typically does not rain that severely in Seattle. It’s usually more like a mist rather than a torrential downpour, which means a rain jacket is more than adequate to keep one dry.
Everyone possesses a good rain jacket, and they carry it with them constantly. You should ensure you have one too. Ensure it is truly waterproof – some assert to be “weather resistant” or “water resistant” which is acceptable, but that implies if you do find yourself in a torrential downpour, you’ll end up wet.
That happened to me. I thought my jacket was waterproof, but it definitely wasn’t, and I ended up wondering why they don’t tell you that in big letters on the package. Kind of like Ross and the condoms, for all my Friends fans out there.
Recommended Rain Jackets:
- Budget (Under $100): North Face Resolve ( Click here to see men’s version / Click here to see women’s version)
- Upgraded (Under $150): Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell ( Click here to see men’s version / Click here to see women’s version)
Seattle Essential #2: Layers
In the fall, winter, and early spring, layering is key to being comfortable in Seattle. Here are a couple good layering items that I always pack for a trip to Seattle outside of summer.
The packable down jacket: I have a Patagonia Down Sweater ( women’s version here), and it is undoubtedly the superior option. You will routinely find me wearing it throughout the Pacific Northwest region – locations such as Seattle, Vancouver Island, and Mount Hood – as it remains a staple in my travel possessions. It`s compact and remarkably insulating, and can compress into a compact bundle that easily fits within my daypack or duffel bag.
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Here’s another good option from North Face ( men’s / women’s) and a budget-friendly option from REI ( men’s / women’s).
The puffy layering piece: A truly beneficial accessory that can contribute a small amount of heat to any outfit. Opt for either a lightweight model ( men’s / women’s), or a down filled puffy jacket ( men’s / women’s), which will maintain you exceptionally cozy.
The half-zip fleece: A nice warm quarter zip fleece is one of the staples of my clothing collection, whether in the Pacific Northwest region or elsewhere. There are plenty of options available – I can personally recommend the North Face TKA Glacier Pullover ( men’s / women’s) and the Patagonia Better Sweater ( men’s / women’s), which are commonly worn by Alysha and myself, but any warm fleece quarter zip will suffice.
Seattle Essential #3: Waterproof Rain Boots
Have you ever stepped outside your home on a rainy morning and immediately had your feet become soaked? It’s not a pleasant feeling, and it will ruin your day in Seattle really quickly. Avoid that by packing waterproof boots, which every Seattleite owns and appreciates.
Opt for comfortable shoes that can transition between hiking the trails and wandering the local dining and nightlife scenes, as dressier boots may not be suited as well for busy streets and venues.
Top Style-conscious Rain Boots: Hunter Rain Boots ( Men’s / Women’s). Every person in Seattle has a pair of Hunters. These compressible rain boots may just satisfy your needs. For a more fashionable choice, take a look at the Hunter Refined Chelsea Boots.
Best Outdoor Footwear: Blundstone 550 – Alysha’s newest favored shoe, they’re essentially waterproof Chelsea boots with a textured sole, which is perfect for the Pacific Northwest area. An excellent choice is Danner, which is a boot company located in Portland who creates great outdoor boots.
Cost-Effective Options: For women, take a look at Chooka,Kamik, and Joules Rain Boots, which offer a relatively affordable price point. Men, consider Kamik and Rockport.XtraTuf Deck Boots also present a decently priced option – they were originally made for sailing but are fully waterproof and available for under $100.
5 Rain Boot Options for Men:
- Hunter Refined Chelsea Boots
- Blundstone 550
- Danner Vertigo 917
- Timberland Earthkeepers 6”
- Rockport Waterproof Rugged Bucks II
5 Rain Boot Options for Women:
- Hunter Original Tour Short Packable Rain Boots
- Hunter Original Refined Chelsea Boot
- Blundstone 550
- Forsake Patch
- Merrell Andover Bluff
Seattle Essential #4: Hiking Gear
The Pacific Northwest is an amazing place to get out into nature. And you’re probably going to want to get out and do some classic exploring. Whether you’re taking a road trip around the Pacific Northwest, or a day trip from Seattle, here’s what to pack for a Seattle trip.
Planning on doing a day hike while you’re in Seattle? You will want to examine my guide to what to pack for a day hike.
The Day Pack
You`ll require a suitable, snug daypack to carry provisions, such as nourishment and water, and layers like your precipitation coat. For shorter walks, target around 20L. If it`s a longer trek (over ~6-7 miles), I`d suggest aiming closer to 30L. Confirm it possesses padded midriff straps, which will take the load off your shoulders and provide a more painless carry.
Top Men’s 20L Backpack: Osprey Stratos 24.Click to view on Amazon / Click to view at REI.
Top Overall Women’s 20L Backpack:Osprey Tempest 20.Click to check price on Amazon / Click to check price at REI.
Click here for rates, guest reviews and availability
On the morning of the Acatenango volcano overnight hike, you`ll meet at 6 am at the office of OX, where you`ll have the option to rent any necessary gear and pack your backpacks for backpacking if choosing to borrow one.
Low Cost Option: REI Co-op Flash 22 Pack. No padded waist strap, yet for the price it incorporates everything required in a lightweight day bag. Click to examine cost at REI.
The Footwear
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If you`re planning a short day hike, then your regular tennis shoes may suffice, though they could become wet and muddy. For longer hikes, or if your trip will involve multiple walks, upgrading to hiking boots or shoes is advisable. Boots offer more support on hikes with steeper terrain, while shoes are lighter, though provide less ankle stability. Ultimately it comes down to personal choice.
Next, if camping is not something you wish to do, you will need to seriously consider your budget. If budget is a major constraint AND camping is not an option, then exploring accommodations at the park lodges located away from the rim such as Yavapai Lodge and Maswik Lodge, or lodging in the town of Tusayan directly outside the southern park entrance would likely be your most affordable choices.
More Reading: Essentials for Day Hiking
Final Thoughts on What to Pack for Seattle
Those are my packing recommendations for Seattle – the four things you must be certain to have to make the most of any trip to Seattle, but particularly from fall to spring.
Next, browse additional Seattle Travel Guides from a local Seattle resident
