Essential Alaska Packing List
Your Ultimate Packing List for Adventure in the Last Frontier
Alaska can be very hard to pack for given the huge range of weather. Here are some of my favorite products that will help keep you comfortable and dry, along with some other essentials specific to Alaska.
The Golden Rule of packing for Alaska is to think like an onion and layer up! Wear thin, light things on the bottom layer, so if it gets hot you can breathe. Additional layers should aim to keep you dry and warm. In Alaska, the temperature and weather can change by extremes in the course of one single day. Also, be sure to pack binoculars, and don’t forget your passport, even if you’re an American citizen.
Download my Free Alaska Printable Packing List Here
Clothing
Men's North Face Triclimate Jacket
This jacket is definitely an investment, but it’s well worth it. It’s essentially three jackets in one. You can just use the inner warm layer on a cool evening, just use the outer waterproof layer on a warm rainy day, or use both together on truly cold winter days (or, say, when climbing a glacier). It’s perfect for Alaska, where the weather is always changing. They sell men’s & women’s versions. Mine is a few years old and they don’t sell the exact one anymore, so this is the newer version.
Columbia Men's Rebel Roamer Rain Pant
These waterproof pants were great to have in Alaska. I wore them on our glacier hike when it was raining outside, and I wore them when we went kayaking in Ketchikan. My legs stayed warm and dry both times. Fair warning, they “swish” when you walk, but they kept me dry, which was the goal.
Postropaky Women’s Hiking Pants
Waterproof Windproof Fleece Lined Cargo Snow Pants for Women. These pants do it all! Jessica used these pants a lot in Alaska. They are warm and waterproof - perfect for adventure.
Timberland Men's Mt. Maddsen Waterproof Hiking Boot
These are by far the most comfortable hiking boots I’ve ever worn. I’ve worn them all over the world and they’ve never let me down.
Darn Tough Men's Merino Wool Boot Sock Cushion
I wore these hiking socks in Alaska. I wore these hiking socks in Egypt. They held up in both places. They’re seamless and comfortable for long distances, and they’re guaranteed for life. If these socks wear, tear, or develop holes, Darn Tough will replace them. No strings. No conditions.
Randy Sun Waterproof Socks
When they say, “waterproof”, they mean it. I tested these by standing in the tub before we left and my feet came out perfectly dry. They’re a little odd feeling when you first put them on, but you get used to it quickly. Great for kayaking and other water activities.
Essentials
Unigear Dry Bag
This was great to have in Alaska, especially when we went kayaking. We brought cameras, towels, and a change of clothes, and everything was perfectly dry.
Bushnell Falcon 10x50 Wide Angle Binoculars
You’re definitely going to want binoculars in Alaska, and these were fantastic. Super clear and well constructed. These were a little heavier, so we mostly used these on the ship, and we brought the smaller Nikon Trailblazers with us on excursions. But it was nice to have two pairs we weren’t fighting over them when we saw wildlife.
Pelican Waterproof Phone Pouch
These kept our phones nice and dry while we were on the water!
Nikon Trailblazer 8x25 ATB Black Binoculars
These compact binoculars are waterproof and fog proof. We brought them with us when we would leave this ship since they were lighter weight than our others. They’re very clear, well made, and lightweight. It was also nice having two binoculars on the ship so we weren’t fighting over who got to see the wildlife from the deck.
Books
For books about Alaska (nonfiction, fiction, & guide books) check out my Alaska Reading List here!
Travel Store
Visit my travel store for more of my travel essentials!
People Mover Travel Travel Agency
Work with the incredible travel advisors at my travel agency, People Mover Travel. For 10 years, we’ve been making traveler’s dreams come true. We are experts in destinations worldwide including Alaska, Disney Parks, Europe, Cruises, All-Inclusive Resorts, Hawaii, Asia and more! Find out how we can personally help you plan & book your next trip for FREE!
Heading to Alaska?
Check out my Alaska Destination Page for travel tips, must-see sights, and hidden gems in the Last Frontier. You can also check out my Curated Tour & Activity List for Alaska on Viator. Start your Alaskan adventure today!
Related Blog Posts
Recent Blog Posts
Check out my travel essentials for heading to Alaska!