Alaska Travel Packing List

Weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so adequate outdoor clothing is essential. Generally, temperatures in Alaska will be in the 50’s and 60’s. It is not uncommon to have temperatures in the 70’s during the middle of summer. The first week of June, the last two weeks of August, and September can be even more unpredictable, with a chance of snow and freezing temperatures. The layering technique works well in Alaska, so you can shed or add more clothing as the weather changes (and it will!), we can deal with any weather situation and have a great experience.

Most of the items listed below can be found through local sporting good or outdoor recreational stores. If you are interested in purchasing outdoor gear, we recommend these stores (call for a catalog or browse on-line): R.E.I. (800) 426-4840, www.rei.com; L.L. Bean (800) 221-4221, www.llbean.com; Travel Smith (800) 950-1600, www.travelsmith.com; or Patagonia (800) 638-6464, www.patagonia.com.

• RAIN GEAR: A good quality two-piece rain suit (pants and a jacket with a hood) is a must. It should be made of coated nylon, with factory-sealed seams. Please do not bring a plastic poncho or vinyl rain suit.
• HIKING BOOTS: Comfortable, lightweight, and water repellent. Nike, Hi-Tec and Merrell all make lightweight, moderately priced hiking boots.
• PANTS: Comfortable and durable. Include a pair of shorts, just in case.
• SHIRTS: T-shirts, flannel shirts, lightweight long sleeve shirts, and turtlenecks are all good options.
• WARM JACKET/SWEATER: A pile jacket, vest, and/or a wool sweater are great layers for extra warmth.
• LONG UNDERWEAR: DO NOT bring cotton. Synthetic fiber tops and bottoms are best and keep you drier.
• SOCKS: Wool socks and synthetic liners are a good combination for hiking.
• WARM HAT/GLOVES: You won’t be sorry you brought these! Lightweight wool or fleece is best.
• BRIMMED HAT: For sun protection.
• DAY PACK or HIP PACK: This will come in handy for day hiking and bus travel.
• QUART WATER BOTTLE: Great for day hikes.
• INSECT REPELLENT OR MESH CLOTHING: The higher the percentage of DEET, the more effective it is against mosquitoes, however, high concentrations of DEET may damage synthetics and plastics such as camera parts and watches. Natural repellents containing Citronella are less effective, but are gentler on your skin. Mesh Clothing (head nets, jackets with hoods and face nets, etc) are also great for people who dislike insect repellent.
• OPTIONAL: BINOCULARS (highly recommended), CAMERA (extra film and batteries), TRAVEL ALARM CLOCK, SUNSCREEN, SUNGLASSES, FIELD GUIDES TO LOCAL FLORA AND FAUNA, FLASHLIGHT (August and September), HIKING POLES (telescoping kind).