Packing for an Alaskan Vacation

Clothing you can layer: Long underwear, a fleece, and a waterproof/breathable shell

If you've done a little homework, you've probably seen or heard this advice a thousand times: dress in layers. From spring to early fall in Alaska, be prepared for temperatures in the 50 – 70 degree range, always with the possibility of a little rain and wind thrown in there. Your best bet is to dress in layers and bring a backpack—you'll stay warm and dry when it's chilly or wet, and you can peel off layers and stow them as the weather changes. The only drawback is that some of these materials also absorb odor, so you might consider buying new stuff before coming up.
The middle insulating layer could be expedition-weight long underwear, a fleece jacket, or even a sweater. Synthetic materials usually have the edge over wool or cotton because of their lightness and warmth.
The outer layer is the one you really need to get right. You want a shell that's waterproof and breathable to stay warm when it's windy and dry when it's rainy. Gore-Tex is probably the most popular material that fills this bill. A jacket with a hood offers a convenient way to preserve heat.
Rain or shine, don't worry too much about the weather. Many day tours—flightseeing, cruises, bus tours—offer access to shelter. And while you may spend 2 – 3 hours outdoors hiking, fishing, or rafting, you can generally expect that your tour operator will provide any specialized gear you need
Footwear: We advise against old-fashioned heavy hiking boots. They're heavy, stiff, and can cause blisters. Instead, get yourself a comfortable pair of lightweight hikers with good traction—two pairs, actually, in case one gets wet. Some are made with Gore-Tex, so they're both waterproof and breathable.
Sun Protection: Bring a lightweight, brimmed hat for sun and rain, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Interestingly, the intensity of the sun in Alaska on a peak summer day is probably equivalent to a spring day in the Lower 48, because of the lower angle of the sun in the subarctic regions. But due to the long summer days, there are twice as many hours of daylight, so you definitely want to protect your skin.
  Light winter cap/gloves/scarf: These really keep you warm    if it gets unseasonably cold—or if you're feeling the effects of glacier-chilled wind—without adding a lot of weight.

Summer clothing: Unless you prefer last-minute local shopping, pack shorts and short sleeve shirts. Recent Alaskan summers have been hot and sunny.

Formal vs. casual: Casual dress is the way to go in Alaska. Some cruise-goers bring formal attire for onboard the ship, then break out the jeans on land.
Mosquito repellent: The bugs generally aren't as bad as people fear, and they're really only a big consideration in June and July. If you really want to protect yourself, there's nothing as effective as 100% DEET products. Mosquito head nets tend to be overkill unless you plan on doing a lot of hiking or tent camping, as they obscure visibility and can get warm.
Small first aid kit: Most hotels and tour operators will have you covered, but it's convenient to have Band-Aids and ointment for minor emergencies
Camera/ video camera: Capture your Alaska experiences on film and don't forget the extras: film, batteries, lenses, chargers, and memory cards. NOTE: Pack film in your carry-on, rather than your checked luggage, as new airport screening equipment could ruin it.
Backpack or tote bag (medium to large)
Binoculars/spotting scope
Zipper-top bags: Freezer-size zipper-top bags are great to keep clothing folded and toiletries isolated (in case of leaks). Separate baggies make it easier to repack in case your luggage is searched, and extra bags are handy for storing dirty or damp clothing.
Identification and/or passport   

Watch/ alarm clock: With so much daylight, it's easy to lose track of time.
Swimsuit: you may want to invigorate yourself with Alaska lake swimming (no kidding!).

Contact information: Bring cards with your contact information to give to new friends and mailing labels for sending postcards

© International Sports Travel Club of America. All rights reserved.