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Traveling light doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or style.
For my upcoming trip to Portland, Oregon, I’ve curated a minimalist packing list that fits in a 5L bag. With rain in the forecast and temperatures ranging from the high 50s during the day to mid-30s at night, layering and versatile gear are key. Here’s what I’m packing for Portland’s overcast weather and occasional rain showers.
Bags & Organizers
- Watson Gear Co. Pencil Storage Case, Ultra 200: A lightweight, minimalist toiletry kit.
- Murphy’s Outfitters Sling: My main bag for this trip. It holds all essentials and has room for extras like food or drinks. The shockcord is perfect for a water bottle or extra layer. I’ll also use this as a packing cube for longer trips.
- Flower Zip Pouch: Keeps my charging cables and adapters organized.

Clothes: Layering for Comfort & Protection
- Proof Men’s 72-Hour Merino Wool Long Sleeve T-Shirt: Temperature-regulating and odor-resistant.
- 686 Men’s Everywhere Featherlight Chino Pant – Slim Fit: Durable, breathable pants for exploring.
- SAXX Underwear Co. Men’s Daytripper Boxer Brief (x2): Moisture-wicking and breathable boxer briefs for comfort on the go. I bring one extra pair to rotate daily.
- Wide Open Merino Socks: Merino wool socks that dry quickly and stay comfortable all day.
- VRST Flannel: A stylish yet functional shirt for layering.
- Smartwool Men’s Thermal Base Layer Bottom: Warm and lightweight for chilly weather.
- LEMS Boulder Boots: Barefoot shoes that keep my feet warm and dry.
- Eddie Bauer CirrusLite Down Jacket: Lightweight but warm for chilly Portland evenings.
- MARMOT Precip Eco Jacket: Eco-friendly rain jacket for staying dry on rainy days.
- MERIWOOL Beanie: Warm merino wool beanie for cold weather.
- BUFF Merino Wool Neck Gaiter: Versatile for warmth or as a face mask.
- Manzella Gore-Tex Infinium Gloves: Waterproof gloves for chilly mornings.

Tech: Stay Connected and Powered
- Nitecore NB10000 Ultra-Slim Power Bank: Compact and lightweight to keep devices charged.
- Apple USB-C Woven Cable (3ft) & Anker USB C Cable (6ft): A couple of cables for charging on the go.
- USB-C Charger Block 40W, Dual Port Type C: Fast charger for multiple devices.
- iPhone 15 & Bellroy 3 Card Phone Case: For navigation, photos, and holding ID, debit, and credit card.
- Marshall Minor IV True Wireless Headphones: For music and podcasts during downtime.

Miscellaneous Essentials
- SYZY Compact Travel Tote Bag: Lightweight tote for extras or shopping.
- Koala Lens Cleaning Cloth: Keeps my glasses and tech clean.
- Medkit (Advil, Pepto, Allergy Meds, Multi-Vitamins, Electrolytes): A small but necessary kit to stay prepared. I keep this in a small plastic bag.
- Mini Bic Lighter: Handy for fixing loose threads or other small tasks.

With this minimalist packing list, I’m ready for anything Portland has to offer while keeping my load light and manageable. I’ll post a follow-up soon with my itinerary and reflections. Until then, happy travels!
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