Readers ask me all the time, 'I want to get out in the Olympic Mountains, but what overnight Olympic National Park hiking gear is needed?' There is no right answer to that question. Variables are hiking style, goals, style of trip, season and conditions. It's important that you learn what works best for you and tailor that kit to fit those needs. The weather turns very quickly during all seasons in the PNW, so it's important not to go too minimal that you are going to have a miserable trip, but only bring things you actually use. Most ultralight gear lists will not fly in Olympic, unless you're lucky enough to catch the weather just right.
Here is a lightweight list I put together, that combines all my suggestions on average.
Backpack
Tent
Sleeping
Cook Kit
Misc.
Sun and Rain
Footwear
Consider checking out my day adventure gear list for hiking the Olympic Mountains.
Updated in August 2016 by Barefoot Jake
Here is a lightweight list I put together, that combines all my suggestions on average.
Winter in the Olympic Mountains
Overnight Hiking in Cold Weather
{Contains affiliate links}Backpack
- Osprey Backpack (varible)
Tent
- Pyramid Tent (19.2 oz. for fly only)
Sleeping
- Exped UL 7 (15 - 19 oz.)
- Thinlight Pad (2.5 - 12 oz.)
- Polycryo Ground Cloth (1.6 oz.)
- Marmot Helium Sleeping Bag (2 lbs. 5 oz. average)
- Outdoor Research Balaclava
- Patagonia Capilene
Cook Kit
- Trail Designs Sidewinder Ti-Tri (Use primarily Esbit fuel & Evernew .9 L pot)
- or Soto Stove (fuel canister & windscreen listed)
- Esbit fuel (also carry as emergency fire starter)
- Sea to Summit Spoon
- Lighter
& Matches (carry both)
Misc.
- First Aid (field stripped)
- Duct Tape (small piece)
- Super Glue
- Headlamp
- Bear Hang Cord
- Soap & Foot Scrub (longer trips)
Sun and Rain
Footwear
- Luna Sandals (trail or in camp)
Consider checking out my day adventure gear list for hiking the Olympic Mountains.
Updated in August 2016 by Barefoot Jake