Is it a Day Hike, Overnighter or Summit Attempt? Here’s What to Bring!
One of the most important details to make sure you have a handle on for a Pacific Northwest winter hiking adventure elopement is your gear list! Whether its a summer backpacking trip to your favorite alpine lake, a trip to the top of a mountain, or a day hike to that special spot, being prepared is a key element to a perfect day. One of our favorite seasons for elopements in Washington is winter because of how unique and changing the landscape is day to day depending on snow conditions, wind direction and sunlight! One day could feel like you’re in a moody mountain drama on Mt St Helens and the next could be the most bluebird day with views for miles on Mt. Rainier, regardless, we love it all!
Items you should bring no matter what
- Your elopement attire! (YAY!)
- 2 liters of water
- Your favorite trail snacks ( or let us know what they are!)
- A warm layer – whether thats a small puffy in the summer, a midweight in the fall or a belay parka in the winter ( lol we love them) an extra warm layer is always nice to have!
- A source of light ( when we are doing a sunrise or sunset elopement we generally are either walking out or back in the dark!)
- Sunscreen
- You’re Photographer and Videographer! (Reach out to us!)
Winter Elopement – Day Hike
- Light/midweight baselayer top ( a synthetic shirt works well)
- Softshell pants
- Softshell jacket
- Liner Gloves
- Waterproof gloves / midweight gloves
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Gaiters (We have an extra pair or two)
- Daypack (we can help carry stuff as well)
- Drybag / Contractor trash bag to insulate pack
- Waterproof boots
- Trekking poles
- Snowshoes or micro spikes
- Midweight jacket (puffy or fleece)
- Beanie
Are a real fan of Washington weather and willing to elope in any conditions? Then add these on!
- Hardshell Pants
- Hardshell Jacket (if the forecast is rainy this is basically required to be comfortable)
- Balaclava
- Buff/ neck tube
- Extra warm layer (puffy or fleece, whatever you didn’t bring from above)
Is it technical?
- Ice axe
- Crampons
- Pickets
- Helmet
- Rope
Is it technical technical?
- Ice tools
- Ice screws
- Nuts
- Slings
- Rope
Winter Elopement Overnight
- Light/midweight baselayer top ( a synthetic shirt works well)
- light / midweight baselayer bottom
- Softshell pants
- Softshell jacket
- Liner Gloves
- Waterproof gloves / midweight gloves
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Gaiters (We have an extra pair or two)
- 40-55 liter backpack
- Drybag / Contractor trash bag to insulate pack
- Waterproof boots
- Trekking poles
- Snowshoes or micro spikes
- Midweight jacket (puffy or fleece)
- Beanie
- Hardshell Pants
- Hardshell Jacket (if the forecast is rainy this is basically required to be comfortable)
- Balaclava
- Buff/ neck tube
- extra warm layer (puffy or fleece, whatever you didn’t bring from above)
- 0° – 20° sleeping bag
- sleeping pad (and / or) sleeping mat
- dinner / breakfast + snacks for the day
- Warm Drinks (tea, coffee, even miso soup etc.)
- 4 season tent
- stove with fuel (MSR Windburner or white gas stove style)
If you’re eloping / overnight camping in a national park (North Cascades National Park, Mt Rainier National Park, or Olympic National Park) you will need a special use permit for the ceremony and / or a wilderness camping permit for the camping. The links are provided below!
North Cascades National Park
Mt Rainier National Park
Olympic National Park
