Congratulations, you’re going to Alaska! I’m so excited for you to visit one of my favorite places in the world. Whether you’re taking a cruise along her stunning coastline, adventuring through the spectacular interior, or some combination of the two, you’re sure to be wowed by this incredible state. Now, you just need to pack! Luckily, this comprehensive packing list for summer in Alaska is a sure-fire way to alleviate stress as you get ready to head north.
Whether you’re wondering what to pack for an Alaskan cruise, how cold it gets in Alaska in the summer, or what to wear on an Alaskan vacation, I’ve got you covered! With three years’ experience guiding tours for a major cruise line through Alaska and the Yukon, I’ve learned what to pack and what to leave at home. Check out my tips below to see what you should toss in your suitcase alongside the usual suspects like toothpaste, shampoo, underwear, and your camera. And when you’re done, don’t miss my list of things you should know before visiting Alaska!
When thinking about packing for a trip to Alaska, there are a few overall themes to consider:
The weather in Alaska is variable and can change pretty quickly, so it’s always wise to be prepared for anything that might come your way. Summer can bring temperatures as warm as the mid-80’s (the high 20’s in Celsius) in some parts of the state, but you can just as easily wake up to a dusting of snow on the mountaintops. Your best bet is to pack layering clothing that you can easily add or remove as needed.
This strategy is especially helpful if you’re traveling through multiple regions of the state, as the interior tends to be drier and warmer in summer than the cool and cloudy coast.
Even on most cruise ships, Alaskan fashion tends to emphasize function over flashiness. Most people, both tourists and locals alike, dress to be active and comfortable, causing some places to feel like you’ve stepped into an Eddie Bauer commercial. Focus on sensible layers and good footwear and don’t worry about dressing to impress.
Depending on your plans, one or two dressy outfits should more than suffice for fancier shipboard events or a night in a nice restaurant. Leave the gown and tuxedo at home and save that suitcase space for souvenirs!
Despite the unpredictability of the weather, resist the urge to bring your entire closet with you. Cruise ship cabins are notoriously short on storage space, so minimizing your luggage will give you some extra breathing room in your stateroom.
On land, you’ll discover that many hotels, bed and breakfasts, and other accommodations may not be equipped with elevators. Make sure your suitcase isn’t too heavy to be hauled up a flight of stairs or pulled across uneven or unpaved terrain. Make your life easier (and be kind to your suitcases) by packing lightly.
As I mentioned above, the weather in Alaska can vary tremendously even during the course of a single day. A wind- and waterproof jacket will go a long way in helping you weather (no pun intended) those sudden rain showers and chilly mornings. It is also helpful if your outerwear compresses well for easy storage when you don’t need it.
Additionally, a packable down vest would not be amiss for easy layering. I like these jacket and vest options for men.
The 49th state is home to some mind-blowingly beautiful landscapes, so I hope that you take advantage of your time in Alaska by doing some exploring. Even if you’re not a big hiker, you’d be missing out if you didn’t spend some time appreciating her natural wonders.
Whether you’re hitting the trails, exploring a port of call, flying to a remote bush community, or taking a bus tour, it’s helpful to have sturdy, waterproof shoes. Consider something with some ankle support if you’re want to scale any mountains or venture into the backcountry. Even if you don’t plan to go far afield, you will most likely encounter uneven and unpaved surfaces. Sneakers, at least, are essential.
My dad has long said that you don’t understand the meaning of the word “vast” until you visit Alaska. The state is absolutely massive – over twice the size of Texas – and many vistas will have you gazing out across miles of open country. It’s a place that makes you feel small in all the best ways.
If wildlife spotting is a priority on your trip, it’s a good idea to bring a pair of binoculars with you. An inexpensive compact pair would work just fine and save space in your luggage. Alternatively, you can invest in something of a bit higher quality if you think you’ll use them again post-vacation.
If you’re considering doing any hiking in Alaska, you’re probably already planning to bring some sort of small backpack. Even if you don’t anticipate spending much time in the wilderness, though, a good daypack is a must. You’ll want to have a place to keep your wallet, phone, jacket, snacks, and other goodies as you’re out and about.
While I love my Osprey daypack, you can also use a multi-pocket drawstring bag.
If you’re visiting Alaska in the summer, you’re going to get to experience the famed midnight sun. Because the tilt of the earth on its axis is so pronounced, Alaska enjoys long days and very short nights between May and August. In most of the state, it doesn’t really get dark at all. The most “night” you’ll experience is a dusky dimming in the wee hours of the morning. Above the Arctic Circle – which is located about 200 miles north of Fairbanks – you’ll find that the sun doesn’t set for days on end.
All that sunlight is great for exploring the Great Land, as you’ll have plenty of light for your adventures. The midnight sun can, however, mess with your circadian rhythm, which is the internal process that helps you go to sleep. Most hotels have blackout curtains that help make your room as dark as possible, but it’s also a good idea to come prepared. A sleeping mask can be helpful, as can a natural supplement like melatonin. (Make sure to consult your doctor, first.)
You don’t necessarily have to bring these from home, but it’s a good idea to have some snacks on hand while exploring Alaska. You never know when a road closure will cause a long traffic delay or when you’ll get hungry on the trail. Food is also more expensive in the Great Land, so bringing your own snacks can help you save money on meals.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, I was adamant that packing your own hand sanitizer was an absolute necessity for visiting Alaska. Unless you’re headed directly out into the bush, you will most likely be passing through areas that see some heavy tourist traffic. Lots of people = lots of germs. Protect your health – and your vacation! – by using hand sanitizer and washing your hands frequently.
Alaska is a place that exceeds expectations. It’s bigger, grander, and more beautiful than I ever imagined. If you are even half as awed as I was when I first arrived in the Great Land, you’ll want to take a ton of photos. That makes a good camera one of the most important things to add to your Alaska packing list. You’ll also want a high capacity memory card to make sure you have space for all those amazing pictures.
This is a bucket list vacation that you will want to remember for the rest of your life. Beware, however, that photos often fail to do justice to the vastness and beauty of Alaska’s landscapes. Make sure to put the camera down and enjoy each special moment as well.
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Have you been to Alaska? What else would you add to an Alaska packing list?
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Alaska Cruise FAQ’s: All the Alaska Cruise Tips You Need to Know!
10 Things to Know Before Visiting Alaska
The Best Time to Visit Alaska
The Ultimate 10-Day Alaska Itinerary
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This packing list for Alaska in summer was originally published on June 18, 2019, and last updated on June 19, 2021.
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Need some help planning your vacation to Alaska? Full Life, Full Passport offers customized itinerary planning for all kinds of trips and budgets!
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this is fantastic - thank you so much. I clicked on the cruise section but this is all about multi day big cruise liners. Coudl you give any advice on short cruises < 5 days and smaller ships and/or day cruises - the latter is probably what we will end up doing.
Hi Karen – I’m glad this post was helpful for you! Your packing strategy for Alaska should be roughly the same regardless of whether or not you’re cruising (and regardless of how long). If you’re talking about the information in my Alaska Cruise Tips post, many of those still apply as well. For smaller ships and day trips, I do recommend taking some precautions against motion sickness, as the waters can be rough (especially in the Gulf of Alaska) and smaller ships get tossed about more. For day trips, I recommend using a small, waterproof/resistant day pack. If you have any more questions or want to talk specifically about the cruises you’re considering, please feel free to reach out via the Contact page!