Alaskan travel in the summer can be a bit of a gamble as far as what to pack. Winter is fairly simple: lots of warm clothes. But summertime in Alaska is a varied experience depending on when and where you go. June in Fairbanks is hot. August in Valdez is pouring rain. If you are visiting Alaska in the summer, here’s what to pack to have the best time possible, without worrying about your clothes.
Keep it Casual
First of all, Alaska is extremely casual. Almost no place exists where you will be looked down upon if you don’t have a suit and tie or evening dress. It’s extremely common to walk into a sit-down restaurant and see patrons in waders and Carhartt coats. So don’t worry about needing to pack fancy clothes into your carry-on as you try to avoid airline fees. The most important thing to appear respectable is to be clean (and sometimes that’s negotiable).
Wear Layers
Probably the second most important tip is to dress in layers. Alaskan weather can change very quickly, and the shorts that were adequate at ten AM are suddenly not enough at noon. Therefore, keep in mind having several items of clothing that work together and over top of each other for comfort and warmth.
So What to Pack?
For your Alaskan adventure this summer, here is a non-exhaustive list of clothing items that I think will be very helpful to you. Of course, you may find that if you are from Florida that you will be freezing while all of the Alaskans are walking around in tank tops. If so, Alaska has a fine selection of stores for you to find extra gear if the need arises.
Good Shoes – These are absolutely necessary. I am certain that no matter where you travel in Alaska you will be doing a lot of walking and probably even hiking on some of the fantastic trails. Bring a sturdy pair of comfortable shoes or hiking boots, along with comfortable socks.
Well-Fitting Pants – It’s important to have pants that are neither too tight nor too loose. A good pair of khakis or jeans that could be layered with leggings if necessary are a good idea. They should also be able to go under rain or fishing gear.
T-Shirts – Pack an assortment of basic shirts for layering.
Sweaters/Sweatshirts – A medium-weight sweater or sweatshirt is absolutely necessary. If the weather turns windy or the area you’re visiting has a cold snap, you’ll definitely want this. I like to have wool sweaters for camping because they are breathable and easily worn at night for late-night chills.
Jacket or Coat – Depending on how used to cool weather you are, bring along a light jacket or heavier coat. Temperatures in some areas of Alaska only reach 50 to 60 degrees in the summer.
Rain Gear – Especially if you are visiting Southeast or other coastal areas of Alaska, rain is a constant threat. Pack a set of rain gear to protect yourself. This is definitely important if you are heading out on a fishing charter.
Hats/Gloves/Scarves – Once again, if you are from a warmer climate, you may find it beneficial to have some cold weather gear. However, these can easily be found in Alaska if you find that what you packed is insufficient.
