Most visitor’s to Alaska arrive May – September. Alaska is very casual and you will rarely find a need to dress up. Leave your dress clothes at home. Be prepared for temperatures in the 50-70 degree range, with the possibility of rain, fog, snow and wind.
- Plan to dress in layers. Include lightweight long underwear, or active wear. Long sleeve shirts, jeans, a sweater or sweatshirt and a heavy jacket for cold, windy days. Pack extra socks. You will appreciate the warmth on the open decks near the glaciers during a Kenai Fjord tour or glacier hike. Include short sleeve shirts and shorts for the occasional hot days of mid-summer and a lightweight weatherproof windbreaker for warm, rainy days.
- Pack light. Wrinkle free, lightweight mix and match items will lower the weight in your suitcase. I recommend one medium size pull suitcase per person. Most plane, train and bus companies restrict the weight of each bag to 50 lbs.
- Bring comfortable shoes. Running shoes should fit most of your needs with waterproof Gore-Tex socks except for hiking the steep mountain trails. Lightweight waterproof boots are also an option for those wet hiking trails and puddles.
- Pack a lightweight daypack. A lightweight daypack or tote will come in handy for water bottles and snacks when hiking, and carrying those extra clothes etc.
- Do not forget a swimsuit. Most hotels have pools and spas. Who knows you might want to take a polar plunge.
- Include sunscreen, bug repellent and a hat. Sunscreen is a good idea even if the sun is not shinning as it protects from windburn, too. June and July are usually considered prime months for those annoying mosquitos, you will appreciate a 100% Deet product. In addition, a hat with a brim will be useful for both sunny and rainy days. Consider a neck scarf and gloves if you suffer from the cold.
- Zip top freezer bags come in handy. Use them to isolate toiletries, for soiled clothing and wet items such as bathing suits.
- You will want binoculars or a spotting scope. Some tours provided them but you will want a pair with excellent zoom capabilities. Wildlife can prove illusive without the ability to zoom in. That white spot in the tree will become a bald eagle, details of the sea otter will emerge and the bear on the ridge will be visible.
- A camera with a zoom lens or video camera although bulky will get those spectacular scenic shots, capture the illusive wildlife in living color and document the adventure.
- An eye mask if sleeping while still daylight is an issue, after all Alaska is the land of the midnight sun. Days are long during the summer months.
- A small first aid and sewing kit will be handy for minor scrapes, blisters and repairs.
- Do not forget your documents, ID, credit cards, a little cash for emergencies and a great attitude. Alaska is in the bush so do not expect five-star properties, after all you chose this destination because it is on the wild side.