Alaska Packing List: Summer in the Last Frontier

So you’re heading to Alaska this summer for the trip you’ve been dreaming of, but you don’t quite know what to pack?

Don’t stress. Having lived in various parts of Alaska, I have come to know the weather very well. And when it comes to an Alaska packing list, I have the answers for you!

Before we get into the specifics, the bottom line when packing for Alaska is to anticipate all types of weather. Chances are you will be traveling throughout the state, and the weather can vary significantly between regions. Be prepared! From hot weather, rainy weather, cold weather, windy weather, and any other type of weather you can think of!

Essentials

Rain Gear

Rain is basically a guarantee during Alaska summers. Many don’t realize that many of the tourist areas are actually temperate rain forests, so travel with the expectation of rain.

Waterproof shoes are a must, as well as a sturdy rain jacket. When packing be sure to pack waterproof items and not water-resistant. Despite what some may say, water-resistant will not hold up in Alaska. You will be soaking wet in a matter of minutes.

If you are looking for a cheap but durable option, I highly recommend Frogg Toggs. It is a versatile lightweight waterproof layer that you can toss over anything at anytime.

In terms of waterproof shoes, continue reading below for my top recommendations.

Warm Layers

While it may be summer, it can still be quite cold throughout Alaska. Experiences like camping, boat tours, and glacier tours are much colder of an experience than some would anticipate. Bring long underwear, wool socks, and lots and lots of layers to pile on!

Rotation of Clothes

While I typically recommend packing light, Alaska is a different story. Unless you are okay with finding a laundromat every couple days, chances are your clothes will be either wet or dirty from your adventures.

So bring plenty of clothes to rotate through to ensure you always have something (sort of) clean and dry to wear.

Hiking Shoes

Whether you plan on going hiking or not, hiking shoes are a must for visiting Alaska. With the range of weather you will encounter, alongside the rough terrain, you will certainly want a sturdy pair of shoes with good traction.

I highly recommend getting a pair of hiking boots with ankle support and a waterproof exterior. This will make for the perfect all-weather, all-activity shoe, helping you save on luggage space.

There are lots of options available for waterproof hiking boots. I highly recommend Columbia, as its a durable and reliable brand with many affordable options.

If you are open to more expensive investment pieces, my favorite outdoor shoe company is Vivo Barefoot. With many styles available, including waterproof fabrics, Vivo Barefoot shoes are the most comfortable shoe for those that struggle to find shoes that don’t hurt their feet. As someone with wide feet, investing in these shoes has been life changing for my comfort. The one downside to these shoes is the lack of ankle support. However, unless you have an ankle injury, this is not essential for most.

TIP: If you are purchasing new boots for your trip, make sure to break them in ahead of time! Blisters and sore feet are no fun on vacation.

Backpack

Alaska holds so much opportunity for exploration, so you are bound to be having a new adventure every day.

The best way to stay prepared is to bring a daypack with you for the trip. Whether you are using it for a hike, an excursion, a boat trip, or even walking around town, a daypack will be your best friend in Alaska.

And with the ever changing weather in Alaska, I highly suggest you always have a rain jacket on you!

My personal favorite daypack is the the Osprey Daylite Plus. At 20L it is the perfect size to use for any occasion, from hikes to walking the town. Additionally, it is perfectly compatible with the osprey 3L water bladder which is great for all day adventures.

Portable Charger

Chances are you will be out in the wilderness and away from civilization more often than not during this vacation. So a portable charger is a great way to ensure you are never stuck without a form of communication should anyones battery die.

Camera

I promise you will want a good camera to capture the beauty of Alaska and all of your fun adventures!

Recent models of iPhones will definitely do the trick, but if you have a professional camera, definitely bring that along.

Recommended

Binoculars/Scope

A good pair of binoculars will go a long way in Alaska, especially if you are a wildlife fiend. While you may have some incredible wildlife encounters with animals very close to you, chances are you will need to work to find wildlife. From sheep in the rocky cliffs, to seabirds at sea, you will definitely want to get a closer look at these animals with a scape of some sort.

If you are interested in investing in an affordable pair that is good for travel, I have had a great experience with NOCS. While bringing color and fun to the outdoors, these binoculars are compact and easy to bring along on all your adventures.

Garmin InReach

If you have a Garmin InReach, I highly suggest you bring it along with you. Alaska is pure wilderness. While going hiking, or even just driving off the grid, it can be a nice safety net to have. Knowing that you will have satellite communication available if needed will allow you to adventure with ease and lack of stress.

Hiking Poles

Alaska has a bounty of beautiful hikes, but some can be quite intense. Hiking poles are a great accessory to bring along if you plan on exploring the hiking trails throughout the state. They will definitely make the experience more pleasant.

As long as you have these essentials, you are ready to take on Alaska! If you would like some ideas for your itinerary, check out this post.