Alaska and Denali Packing Essentials

When traveling to Alaska you may have trouble knowing what to pack. Totally understandable, the weather here is very unpredictable! You could have 70s and sunny one day and 45 and rainy the next, or anywhere in between. The blog post below will discuss the best things to help you prepare for the Alaskan weather, and a few optional items! 

THE MUST-HAVES: 

• Rain Coat 

  • The odds you encounter rain during your trip to Alaska are very likely

  • Especially in South Alaska or along the coast where you will be in the Tongass and Chugach National Forests. They are part of the world’s largest temperate rainforest! Those areas receive anywhere from 100-200 inches of rain a year. 

• Layers

  • As I mentioned before, Alaska’s day-to-day temperature can change drastically. Day time temperatures can range anywhere from 45-75 degrees and night time average low 40s during mid-summer time. 

    • Light coat 

    • Long Underwear 

    • T-shirts 

    • Beanie 

    • Sun hat 

    • Flannel

    • Shorts

    • Pants 

    • Any other favorite layering items 

• Good pair of shoes 

  • Like many vacations, you may be walking a lot or taking hiking/walking excursions in which you will need a good pair of shoes. One thing to note is it might be a good idea to bring two pairs, chances are, with rain and excursions, one pair might get wet. And, honestly, one of the worst things is having to walk around in wet shoes. 

• Water Bottle 

  • You will be walking around and exploring a lot. Staying hydrated is essential, pack a water bottle that can be carried around on all of your adventures! 

• Small Backpack/Bag

  • A backpack or bag that you can easily carry around with you will help store all of these extra layers and gear. Not having to worry about carrying them around with you or having a place to set them down will be helpful! 

• Sleep Mask

  • If you are traveling to Alaska during the summer you will get to experience the midnight sun! While a super cool phenomena, not ideal for sleeping. Some places have blackout curtains to help darken your room during night hours, but some do not. Having a sleep mask will ensure you will be able to avoid the midnight sun when needed for sleep! 

OPTIONAL ITEMS

• Binoculars 

  • When you are out exploring you may want a pair of binoculars to see things far away! You may get a better look at waterfalls, wildlife, glaciers and more! 

• Hiking poles 

  • If you are worried about any treks you will be taking, or if you like having hiking poles it is never a bad idea to bring a pair with you! Collapsable ones will fit well into checked bags. 

• Camera 

  • I would highly suggest bringing a camera with you to Alaska, especially if you are into photography! You will have many opportunities to capture wildlife and amazing views, even if it’s just from the road.

• Sunscreen 

  • Believe it or not, the sun in Alaska can be very intense! I myself have gotten sunburnt several times. It’s never a bad idea to be prepared with sunscreen. 

• Bug Spray 

  • You may have heard the joke that mosquitos are Alaska’s state bird. While silly, it is not really a joke, there are lots of mosquitoes here. Bug spray is great and will definitely help lessen the mosquitos! 

• Bear Spray

  • If you plan on exploring on your own without a guide you need to carry bear spray. The chances of a bear encounter are low, but never zero. And it’s better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it. Bear spray can also be used against other animals such as moose, wolves, mountain lions, elk and more. 

  • YOU CANNOT FLY WITH THIS

Staying prepared with layers and for all types of weather will help make your time in Alaska more enjoyable! Make sure you have the must-haves and consider what you need from the optional list.