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What to Pack for Seattle

What to Pack for Seattle

Seattle Washington, USA Travel Guide

Seasonal Clothing Guidance

Always pack items you easily add or remove. A base layer (t-shirt), a mid-layer (sweater or fleece), and an outer layer are ideal. A waterproof and windproof outer layer is useful in all seasons.

General Recommendations

  • Summer (June-September): Light clothing, shorts, dresses. Include a Light jacket or sweater for cool evenings.
  • Spring/Fall (April-May, Oct-Nov): Medium-weight clothing. Long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, light jackets, plus a warm, waterproof outer shell.
  • Winter (Dec-March): Warm clothing. A thick, Waterproof coat, sweaters, long-sleeved shirts. Waterproof pants for extended outdoor activity.

Activity-Specific Attire

Consider your planned activities when selecting clothing. Seattle has a casual and liberal dress code; dress comfortably and for the weather.

Specialty Clothing

  • Hiking: Moisture-wicking layers, Sturdy hiking boots, rain gear (Waterproof jacket and pants).
  • Swimming: A Swimsuit for hotel pools, public parks (summer), or lake activities.
  • Formal Events: Business casual or semi-formal attire for fine dining or theater; check venue dress codes.

Footwear Recommendations

City Exploration

Comfortable walking shoes are essential. You will do a lot of strolling, and Seattle has many hills.

Prioritize comfort for extensive walking.

Wetter Seasons Oct-May

Waterproof shoes or boots are highly advisable, as rain is frequent.

Keep your feet dry with suitable protection.

Hiking

Bring hiking boots or sturdy athletic shoes for city parks or day trips. Ensure they are broken in.

Support and traction are critical for trails.

Critical Travel Documents

Always Carry These

Ensure you have all necessary physical and digital copies.

  • Passport & Visa: Valid passport required. If a visa was needed, ensure it is stamped. For VWP, copy of ESTA approval.
  • Travel Insurance Policy: Printout or digital copy of policy details, including emergency contact numbers.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): If operating a vehicle and national license is not in English.
  • Health Docs: Proof of routine vaccinations. Physician's prescription or letter for medications, especially controlled substances.
  • Reservations: Printed and digital copies of flight, accommodation, tour, and rental car reservations.
  • Emergency Contacts: List of local contacts, family, insurance provider, and your country's embassy/consulate in the U.S.
  • Discount IDs: Student (ISIC), senior (AARP), or official press IDs for potential discounts.
  • General ID: A secondary form of identification, for instance a driver's license from your home country.

Tech & Electronics for Your Trip

Power & Connectivity Essentials

North American standard uses Type A (two flat parallel pins) or Type B (two flat parallel pins with a round grounding pin) outlets. Voltage is 120V at 60Hz.

Essential Gear

  • Power Adapter & Voltage: If devices use different voltage (e.g., 220-240V), a Voltage converter and Plug adapter are necessary. Check chargers for "100-240V."
  • Mobile Phone & SIM: Most modern smartphones work with U.S. networks (GSM for AT&T/T-Mobile, CDMA for Verizon). Consider a prepaid SIM or ESIM (Airalo is an option).
  • Portable Chargers: Highly advisable for extended use of mobile devices during sightseeing or excursions.

Digital Tools & Security

Ensure your electronic devices are prepared for travel. VPN services like NordVPN or ExpressVPN can add privacy on public Wi-Fi.

Recommended Apps & Backup

  • Navigation: Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze. For transit: OneBusAway, Transit, Sound Transit.
  • Translation: Google Translate (download offline language packs).
  • Backup Solutions: Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or an External hard drive / memory cards for photos and data.

Camera Equipment & More

Camera Gear

Pack standard camera gear. For water activities, a Waterproof camera or case is good. B&H Photo has camera and electronics options.

Ride-sharing & Dining Apps

Uber, Lyft for transport. Yelp, OpenTable for dining ratings and reservations.

Offline Maps

Download offline maps for navigation to save data and ensure access in areas with limited service.

Health & Wellness Pack

Personal First Aid & Meds

A well-stocked personal health kit prepares you for minor issues. Adventure Medical Kits has supplies.

Kit Contents

  • First Aid Kit: Standard items: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (e.g., Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen), allergy medication, stomach remedies. Blister treatment for walking.
  • Prescription Medications: Sufficient supply in original containers with labels. Physician's prescription/letter advisable for controlled substances.
  • Over-the-Counter: Remedies for cold/flu, pain relief, antacids.

Sun & Bug Protection

Protect yourself from the elements, even on cloudy days.

Protective Gear

  • Insect Repellent: Recommended for outdoor activities, especially near water or in wooded areas, during spring and summer.
  • Sun Protection: Sunscreen (SPF 30+), Sunglasses, and a hat are important, especially in summer.
  • Personal Hygiene: Pack travel sizes or purchase standard items upon arrival in Seattle stores.

Motion Sickness & Water Safety

Motion Sickness

  • Motion sickness remedies are advisable for ferry trips or boat tours on Puget Sound.
  • Altitude sickness is not a concern in Seattle itself.
  • If high-altitude hikes are planned (e.g., Mount Rainier), consult your doctor prior.

Drinking Water Safety

  • Tap water in Seattle is safe and potable.
  • Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it frequently.
  • Ways to make water safe to drink are not necessary for city use. For wilderness, consider a LifeStraw.

Specialized Gear

Hiking Essentials

Pack layers, sturdy Hiking shoes, a Daypack, and a reusable water bottle. Trekking poles for steeper trails.

  • Rent skis/snowboards, bicycles, kayaks/paddleboards.
  • Bring your own hiking boots if you have preferences.
  • No unique specialty items beyond outdoor gear.
  • A high-quality Waterproof rain jacket is critical.

Water Activities

For kayaking or paddleboarding, a swimsuit or quick-dry clothing, and Water shoes are advisable.

  • Rent kayaks and paddleboards locally.
  • Consider a waterproof bag for electronics.
  • Quick-dry a beach towel for convenience.
  • A wide-brimmed hat for sun protection on the water.

Winter Sports

If you plan to ski or snowboard in nearby mountains, gear rental is widely available at resorts or in Seattle itself.

  • Rent skis, snowboards, boots, and helmets.
  • Bring your own warm layers and waterproof outer shell.
  • Goggles and gloves are highly advisable.
  • Consider insulated base layers for comfort.

Gear Decision Matrix

Advantages of Renting

  • Saves luggage space and weight, avoiding airline fees.
  • Access to well-maintained, current-model equipment.
  • No hassle of cleaning or storing after your trip.
  • Great for trying new activities without a full commitment.

Advantages of Bringing Your Own

  • Guaranteed fit and comfort, especially for items like hiking boots.
  • Familiarity with your own gear.
  • Cost-effective for frequent travelers who own the gear already.
  • Avoids potential availability issues during peak season.

Miscellaneous Essentials

Comfort & Security

These items increase comfort, security, and convenience while you are traveling.

Travel Comfort & Security

Eco-Friendly & Region-Specific

Reduce waste and tailor your packing for Seattle's climate.

Sustainable & Local Items

  • Reusable Items: Water bottle (refill your bottle from safe tap water). A Reusable shopping bag (Seattle has a plastic bag ban). Reusable utensils for street food.
  • Region-Specific: A high-quality Waterproof rain jacket is Seattle's most important regional item, useful year-round, more so than an Umbrella.
  • Local Purchases: Seattle is a major city with comprehensive retail options. No specific items are difficult or unusually expensive to purchase locally.
  • Contemplate items that reduce your environmental footprint during travel.

Green Travel

Reusable Coffee Cup

For Seattle's thriving coffee scene.

Digital Maps

Reduce paper consumption.

Rechargeable Batteries

For cameras and other gadgets.

Solid Toiletries

Reduce plastic bottle waste.

Considerations for Your Luggage

What to Leave Behind

  • Excessive formal wear, unless particularly for an event.
  • Bulky items that can be rented easily (e.g., bikes, skis).
  • Expensive jewelry or irreplaceable valuables not needed for the trip.

Smart Packing Hacks

  • Use packing cubes to organize clothing and maximize space.
  • Roll clothes instead of folding to minimize wrinkles and save space.
  • Weigh your luggage before heading to the airport to avoid excess baggage fees.

Packing Pro Tips

Layers are your best strategy for Seattle's variable weather. A good quality waterproof jacket is your most valuable item, suitable for year-round use.

What to Pack for Seattle. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials