Oregon, USA
Year-round, layers are useful due to Oregon's changeable weather. A waterproof outer shell works well, even in summer. Spring (March-May) needs light to mid-weight layers and a Waterproof and windproof jacket. Quick-dry pants are useful. Summer (June-August) suggests lightweight, breathable clothing. Bring a Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. A Sun hat protects from the sun.
For hiking/cycling, wear moisture-wicking fabrics and athletic wear. Smart casual attire works well for most wineries; no overly formal clothing. Casual to smart casual works for most restaurants, with fine dining possibly preferring slightly dressier attire.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must for town exploration and winery grounds. Options like Skechers Go Walk are popular.
Waterproof hiking boots work well for trails and wet weather, especially in spring, fall, and winter. Consider versatile options like Columbia Newton Ridge boots.
Sandals or open-toe shoes suit summer, but are less practical for extensive tours or uneven ground.
Maintain both physical and digital copies of important papers.
The U.S. uses 120 V and 60 Hz, with Type A/B plugs. International visitors need a Power adapter or Universal travel adapter. A Voltage converter may be needed if devices are not dual voltage. Most modern smartphones work on U.S. GSM/LTE networks. Purchase a Prepaid SIM card from major carriers or consider eSIM options. Mobile coverage is good in towns, but spotty in rural vineyard areas. Consider Airalo for eSIMs.
A good camera (even a Smartphone) captures scenic views. A Waterproof phone case protects against rain. B&H Photo offers camera equipment. Portable chargers like an Anker PowerCore are highly useful for long days. Navigation apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps work well, with a Car phone mount. Consider the Oregon Wine Board app and CellarTracker. Uber/Lyft are available in larger towns. Use cloud storage for data backup.
Back up photos and documents to Google Drive or Dropbox.
Consider a waterproof case for your phone during outdoor activities.
Download offline maps for areas with spotty cell service.
A Compact travel first aid kit works well. Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers like Ibuprofen, Anti-diarrhea medication, and allergy medication. For Oregon, a Tick removal tool is important. Hydrocortisone cream aids bug bites or poison oak. Carry all prescription medications in original containers with labels. A doctor's letter helps for controlled substances or large quantities.
Insect repellent is needed for outdoor activities. Sun protection is important, including High SPF sunscreen, Sunglasses, and a Wide-brimmed hat. Tap water in the Willamette Valley is safe to drink. Water purification is not necessary for most visitors. For backcountry hiking, a Personal water filter or Purification tablets could be considered. Otherwise, Bottled water is always an option. Most personal hygiene products are available locally.
For stability on trails, Hiking poles work well. A Daypack holds water, snacks, and extra layers. Personal hiking boots provide comfort and fit.
For extensive cycling, Cycling gloves, padded shorts, and a helmet are helpful. Helmets often accompany bike rentals. Bicycles and kayaks are available for rent from local shops.
A Wine travel bag or bottle protector sleeves transport purchased bottles safely. A Wine tasting journal helps record notes. A Corkscrew is useful.
A Travel neck pillow and Eye mask aid rest during flights or drives. A Money belt offers a discreet way to carry cash and cards. A small luggage lock provides added security for bags.
An insulated Hydro Flask water bottle keeps drinks cold or hot. A compact, Reusable shopping bag works for winery purchases or farmers market finds. Oregon has bag fees, so having your own is convenient. Bring a Travel mug for coffee or tea on the go.
Book a dedicated driver for wine tasting.
Useful backup in areas with spotty cell service.
Record notes and discoveries from wineries.
Small, spill-proof wine carrier for bottles.
Pack a versatile pair of waterproof hiking boots for vineyard walks, state park trails, and unexpected rain.
Invest in a quality daypack that is comfortable for long walks and carries your water bottle, snacks, and extra layers.
