Portland – What to Pack – Clothing and Supplies Tips

Portland What to Pack

The small city of Portland offers the perfect getaway for couples and families alike. The best way to enjoy your trip, though, is to come prepared. Learn what essential items you’ll want in your suitcase.

Luggage

No matter what you have planned for your Portland adventure, these luggage options are ideal for a short or long-term stay.

Prepare for Rain

Everyone thinks of Seattle as being one of the rainiest cities, but Portland can sure give it a run for its money. No matter what time of year you’re traveling, you’re likely to get a least a day or two of rain. Locals have gotten used to the constant drizzle, but those who live in drier climates may not want to walk around feeling wet.

If the weather is likely to be a bit chilly, consider packing a raincoat for the rainy days. Otherwise, you might be able to get by with a compact umbrella. Since the rain can strike at any time, it’s smart to have a small one that fits in your backpack rather than a large one you’ll have to carry. A word of a warning, though: Locals don’t use umbrellas, and they can complain about tourists using them. You’ll have to decide whether staying dry is worth a dirty look or two.

Don’t forget about your feet. If you want them to stay dry, pack rain boots or waterproof shoes. Put comfortable insoles into the shoes if you’ll be walking a lot.

General Clothing Recommendations

Portland enjoys mild temperatures throughout the year. The winters rarely get cold enough to snow, and summers are rarely sweltering. This means that the smart move is to bring a variety of clothes that you can layer and mix up.

For instance, you might want a tank top for a summer day, but will want to don a sweatshirt once the night settles in. Long- and short-sleeved T-shirts are usually good in all types of weather, and you’ll probably do best with jeans or pants. You might want shorts in the summer, but it’s rarely so hot that shorts are a necessity.

If you’re looking to blend in with the crowd, remember that the area tends to have a “crunchy” vibe. This means that casual clothing is usually appropriate, and women may want to wear long, flowing skirts or dresses.

Clothes to Pack

A Good Bag

Since the weather can change at a moment’s notice, it’s wise to bring a bag that you can comfortably carry throughout the day. Backpacks or large totes can allow you to carry your raincoat or umbrella and a sweatshirt or light jacket for the cooler parts of the day. Since Portland also offers opportunities to purchase unique souvenirs, the large bag will be perfect for carrying your great finds. Remember, though, that you may want a bag that’s waterproof as well. You don’t want all of your belongings getting soaked in a sudden downpour.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real user reviews of what to pack for a trip to Portland.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Portland – What to Pack – Clothing and Supplies Tips

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