ULTIMATE Alaska Packing List - Everything You Need [2023 Guide]

**Updated : September 2022**
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Packing Tips

​Let's face it, packing can be hard, but packing for Alaska can be really hard. To help you out we've put together a list of essentials and things you'll probably want with you when you're visiting the last frontier.

Tip 1 : It might be hard, but try to pack what you need in a carry on. This is always our go to tip, especially with all the lost bags and delayed flights we've been hearing about lately. (If you do end up needing to check in a bag - make sure to throw in an air tag so you know exactly where your bag is! Tyler and I lost a bag once and turned out that it was sitting at the Anchorage airport for 3 weeks - they just never called us.)

Tip 2 : Bring LAYERS. We can't stress this enough. Weather in Alaska changes so quickly and rapidly that you might be comfortable in a t-shirt and shorts for one minute and then need a jacket and wool socks the next. 

Tip 3 : Think casual. Unless you have a formal night planned on a cruise or other adventure, most people in Alaska don't dress up. Try to focus on packing outdoor activewear - clothes that are comfortable and you won't mind getting dirty.

The Ultimate Alaska Packing List

1. Base Layers / Waterproof Layers - Even in the summer, I use my Eddie Bauer thermal ALL THE TIME, especially if it's cloudy out. We highly recommend bringing thermal base layers to wear underneath your clothes for chillier weather and waterproof shells like a raincoat or poncho. (It's been raining nonstop here for about 3 weeks, so if you run into weather like this it will be essential.)

2. Fleece Jacket - A nice warm fleece will keep you warm on outdoor activities, especially if you're planning to do some hikes or see some glaciers! If you're coming in any season other than summer, make sure to bring a coat too - last weekend in Denali it snowed - in JULY!! Make sure to pack in other tops, pants, socks and underwear too.

3. Outdoors Shoes - The only 3 shoes we ever use are our Tevas, Hiking Boots, and Adidas Terrex.

4. Sun Protection - The sun in Alaska sits really low on the horizon, and it's scientifically proven that when you're out and about (and the sun is out) that its rays hit more of your body directly! This is why it is so important to bring sunscreen - you'll get way more burnt than you think!

5. Light Winter Hat, Scarf, and Gloves - It's our assumption that while you're in Alaska you'll be visiting some glaciers and participating in some boat tours. If that's the case then we highly recommend bringing a light set of winter hats, scarves, and gloves - the wind coming off the glacier will be pretty chilly if you get close! If you're coming in the Winter than these are a necessity, along with a coat!

6. Eye Mask - This is the land of the midnight sun, which means if you're coming in the summer then the sun will most likely never set - which is why we would recommend bringing an eye mask. This way even if your hotel or airbnb doesn't have blackout curtains you'll still be able to catch up on sleep. Don't forget sunglasses for during the day!

7, Mosquito Repellant - Mosquitos are EVERYWHERE in Alaska. If you don't use mosquito repellant or bug spray you can easily look like one of the people in Naked and Afraid after a few hours, especially the further north you go. You can always purchase this once you make it here, but we've seen a few instances where they are all sold out at the store, so we recommend bringing at least one travel size spray with you. ​

8. Fishing License - If you're looking to do some fishing while you're in Alaska, then you'll need a fishing license. If you purchase this ahead of time then make sure to print out a copy and bring it with you - it's state law that your fishing license needs to be on your person anytime you're fishing. We keep ours in a ziplock baggie so it doesn't get wet. If you didn't purchase one beforehand you can still get one once you get here - either online at this link or in person at most outdoors stores like Cabela's.

9. Small First Aid Kit - This is probably the least "necessary" item on our list. Chances are you won't get hurt or you'll be able to find what you need at Walmart, but it never hurts to be a little prepared for the "just in case."

10. Binoculars / Scope - If you're hoping to see any wildlife while you're here then we highly recommend bringing binoculars or a scope, especially if you're headed to Denali. Chances are the wildlife will be close enough to see with your naked eyes, but you don't want to miss out on something if it's too far away.

11. Camera - This for us is a no brainer. The views and wildlife you see in Alaska will be unlike anything else - and you'll want to document it. Which is why a camera (and gear) is numbers 11, 12, and 13.

12. Camera Batteries & Charger

13. Extra SD Cards / Memory

14. Backpack / DryBag - The one thing we use more than our outdoor shoes is our hiking backpack. Now any bag will work as long as it's comfortable and you're ok carrying it on hikes and other adventures. Something big enough to fit snacks, water, your camera, and bug spray, sunscreen, extra layers like a raincoat, and your bear deterrent. We also recommend putting a small waterproof dry bag inside for valuables in case you get caught in a down pour or are going rafting!

15. Reusable Water Bottle - Tap water in Alaska is safe to drink! This will help cut down on your plastic use and stay hydrated on all your adventures.

16. Personal ID / Passport - Whatever you used to get here you'll need on your way out too. Make sure to keep these in a safe place - you'll also need it to try some of the awesome breweries around Alaska!

​17. Swimsuit - Some hotels will have a hot tub or pool! Make sure to throw in a swimsuit - even if it's just to do a "polar plunge" in one of the lakes!

18. Bear Deterrent - If you're planning to do some hikes then we 100% recommend getting some kind of bear deterrent. You won't be able to fly with bear spray (which is our top recommendation) but you can bring some noise makers like bells that you can attach to your backpack. Once you get to town you'll also be able to find some places that rent out bear spray!

19. Toiletries / Medicine - Always a good idea. If you forget, there's plenty of stores in Anchorage where you'll be able to find what you need.

20. Phone / Charger - Just good sense, haha. Not sure if we needed to add this one but definitely good to have, plus we had to round out our list to an even 20. Make sure to keep your wallet and keys nearby too!

You can also shop our Ultimate Alaska Packing List directly right here!

Have any questions? Feel free to leave a comment or DM us on Instagram!

Check out our other Alaska blogs!

• ​Ultimate Alaska Packing List
• 25 Bucketlist Stays in Alaska
• The Alaska Highway
• The Alaska Railroad
• Top 7 Tours in Alaska
• Anchorage
• Barrow
• Bucketlist Stays in Alaska
• Denali National Park
• Denali Backcountry Adventures
• Flow AK Rafting
• Girdwood
• Homer
• Hope
• Juneau

• Kodiak
• Major Marine Wildlife Tour
• Matanuska Glacier Tour
• Palmer
• Seldovia
• Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife 
• Seward
• Talkeetna
• Utqiagvik
• Valdez
• Wasilla
• Where to Rent Bear Spray
• Where to See Wildlife in Alaska
• Whittier​

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