The Ultimate Alaska Packing List 2023
Our Alaska packing list covers all the essentials you will need to pack – including men’s and women’s clothing, adventure gear and more!
Alaska Packing List
I put this packing list together for our eight-day trip to Southeast Alaska on an Un-Cruise Adventure.
While traveling in Alaska, it’s important to layer, layer and layer some more; the weather can be unpredictable. On our trip, we experienced days where it rained constantly, freezing cold conditions near Dawes Glacier, and sunny windless days, followed by chilly nights.
It’s better to bring a few extra items in case some of your clothes get wet. There was no laundry service on our boat and Southeast Alaska (where we were traveling) is a rainforest, so it takes forever for clothing to air dry.
Women’s Packing List for Alaska
- Rain Boots (These were invaluable on our trip as we often had a wet landing from the skiff to the shore.)
- Hiking Boots
- Waterproof Pants – Full-Zip Rain Pant
- Beenie
- Long-Sleeved Fleece
- Gloves
- Bikini (Don’t forget this if you want to take part in the polar plunge, snorkeling or hot tubbing!)
- Waterproof Jacket
- Quick Dry Hoodie for Kayaking
- Long Underwear — Long Sleeve Top and Moisture Wicking Bottoms
- 1 Skirt (In case it gets warm enough during the day!)
- 5 Long-Sleeved Shirts
- 6 Short-Sleeved Shirts
- 3 Pairs of Pants
- 9 Pairs of Underwear and Warm Socks
- Sunglasses
- Sun Hat
- Scarf
- Warm Pajamas
Men’s Packing List for Alaska
- Hiking Boots
- Waterproof Jacket
- Waterproof Pants
- Sun Hat
- Warm Pajamas
- Beenie
- Long Underwear
- Swim Trunks
- Sweatshirt
- Gloves
- XTRATUF Neoprene Waterproof Boots
- 6 Short-Sleeved Shirts
- 5 Long-Sleeved Shirts
- 3 Pairs of Pants
- Scarf
- 9 Pairs of Underwear & Warm Socks
- Sunglasses
Additional Items to Pack for Alaska
- Headlamp
- Small Backpack for Hiking – We use this one and it’s the perfect size.
- Dry Bag
- Travel Photography Gear
- Camera Rainsleeve
- Camera Bag Rain Cover
- Insect Repellent
- Compact Binoculars
- Toiletries
This list can be adjusted based on the length of your stay. Just keep in mind, cold weather gear will fill up your bag quickly. We split one check through suitcase between the two of us, and it weighed exactly fifty pounds.
If you are going on a cruise and you tend to get seasick, don’t forget your meds! Our tour company provided complimentary seasickness meds, but we had our own just in case.
Read more: The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary to Alaska’s Mat-Su Valley
8 Bucket List Experiences You Don’t Want to Miss in Alaska
See a Glacier – Limited Time Only!!
What To Expect On An Alaskan Cruise
Surrounded by Whales in Stephens Passage, Alaska
See What You’re Missing in Southeast Alaska
FAQs: What to Pack for Alaska
June, July, and August are the warmest months in Alaska. Throughout June and July, temperatures to hover in the lower 60s °F, a trend that persists well into August.
July is the hottest month of the year, with a daily average temperature around 67 °F (19.4 °C).
For the most part, hiking pants (polyester/wool blends) are best for a trip to Alaska. Jeans are not recommended because when cotton gets wet, it is no longer warm.
When planning a visit to Alaska during the summer, it is advisable to pack lighter footwear options in addition to boots. Since the weather can get warm, a pair of sandals, running shoes, or casual shoes alongside your boots is recommended.
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Travel Insurance: We never travel without a travel insurance policy because it’s not worth the risk! We use and trust Visitors Coverage, which we’ve used for the past 10 years.
Let us book your trip! Looking for a Travel Advisor to help you plan your trip? Contact us here for more information!
I suggest if you are traveling through Alaska in the Summer that you remember to bring a Mosquito net! They are like big mouths in Alaska! The camera cover was a good thought. i always bring dry bags. The small bag for hiking is a must as you mentioned. Be sure there are side pockets for water bottles (should pack those as well). Need to bring some sort of hat, and your rain jacket needs a hood as was noted in your picture. I always bring some sort of scarf for my neck as well as gloves. I have waterproof hiking boots so I do not normally pack rain boots. I Always stick in a bathing suit, but since I am a Grandma no bikini”s for me!
Great tips for packing! These lists could also apply to a trip to Iceland, Norway, Finland, ect. So did you do the Polar Plunge? Can’t wait to read more about your Un-cruise adventure!
A headlamp is always high on my list. Great to have a list to make sure all the essentials are packed.
Nice list but … POLAR PLUNGE? No thank you! (Hot tub would work though)
Ha ha, I assume you can wear a wetsuit over your bikini for the polar plunge? Otherwise that’s pretty hardcore! 🙂
No way! 🙂 It’s just a quick jump and then straight to the hot tub!
So you were brave enough to do the polar plunge! I’m heading off on another backpacking trip – this time along the shores of freezing cold Lake Superior and will try quick wash-ups so I’m not too stinky as I really can’t carry many clothes. I’ll be doing the 1 t-shirt & 1 long-sleeved shirt for 5 days.
Just out of curiousity – WHERE did you have occasion to sport a bikini in SE Alaska? And don’t forget the two most important items: binoculars and a camera!