The beach might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of backpacking, but there are plenty of coastal routes that include hiking—and camping—on the coast. From the Oregon Coast Trail, to the Pacific Northwest Trail, to the Lost Coast Trail, backpacking next to the ocean is an amazing experience that involves plenty of sand, sun, and views.
When packing for a trip that involves beach hiking, my main consideration is keeping sand out of my gear (especially my tent), as well as the variability of coastal weather conditions. Weather sweeps in fast on the coast, so you’ll want to be protected from everything from extreme sun exposure to wind and rain.