Alaska is incredible in the summertime, with blooming wild flowers, active wildlife, and long days full of sunshine sometimes. The thing about Alaska is, the weather can change all the time. I find that forecasts are almost never correct.

　　One moment I can be hiking outside in the sunshine, shocked that Im somehow getting sunburned, and the next Ill want to be bundled up with several layers and waterproof gloves.

　　The thing about Alaska is, you cant necessarily expect it to be cold or warm. You can, however, expect that at some point it will be wet. So when it comes to climates that can change as much as Alaska in the summertime, I like to have layers and a few extra things to keep myself warm. Heres my essential Alaska packing list:

　　So gorgeous! Plan on sunshine sometimes. Table of Contents

　　Toggle Your Alaska ItineraryMy Alaska Packing List:Carry on only tipsIf youre backpackingPhotography equipment Your Alaska Itinerary What you should bring depends on what youll be doing. If backpacking in Alaska, youll want all of the usual backpacking equipment as well as gaitors, potentially crampons if crossing any glaciers, and a satellite phone is a good idea, too.

　　Many visitors to Alaska take a cruise, which is how I did it on my most recent visit. I still brought hiking boots and layers, but was mostly comfortable in my track suit and casual sneakers.

　　My Alaska Packing List:

　　1 waterproof jacket this one perfectly matches the color of the fireweed pictured below! 1-2 performance wool or fleece jackets 1 hoodie mine is from adidas 1 puffy vest 2-3 warm leggings. I love the high-waisted adidas ones. 1-2 jeans Enough thick socks and undies for a week (wash if staying longer) 2-3 long-sleeved base layers, some thermal and some lighter a beanie a hat for sun protection 1 pair hiking boots if hiking 1 pair closed-toed sandals like these, good for anything involving water or for when you dont want to wear boots 2 sports bras as needed 1 bathing suit for any hot tubs or cruise ship pools Carry on only tips

　　You can do it! Its totally possible to go carry-on only in Alaska, especially if you arent going to be using a tent or other specialized hiking equipment. I make it possible by using a packing cube to roll and compress my clothing. I also bringing one pair of shoes for hiking in and wearing them on the plane, and I wear my heaviest jacket on board too. Its always cold on flights anyway!

　　Most mid-range hotels in Alaska have washing machines, so if you bring enough clothing for a week, you can wash and wear your outfits again. If you bring layers, then you can mix and match so it doesnt always look like youre wearing the same thing bonus!

　　Watch how I go carry on only in this video for more tips:

　　Additionally, Ill often just hand wash undies in the shower and hang them on the back of a chair to dry in between washing machine washes. Theres often an AC unit I can park them in front of to make the drying process quicker.

　　If youre backpacking

　　Bundle up! If youre heading to the backcountry, youll have a lot of other important gear to bring along, including waterproof layers, waterproof gloves, lightweight layers that will keep you warm and dry, and of course all of the gear that goes along with a backpacking adventure like a tent and sleeping bag, etc.

　　In this case Id alter the list above and replace it with this backpacking Alaska packing listand prep guide, complete with all of the gear that I have used for the past 2 summers on 8-day backpacking trips in Alaska.

　　The key is to stay warm and dry, and to keep things as light as possible.

　　Photography equipment

　　Prepare to be wowed! Im super into photography, and theres no way Id head to Alaska without bringing along my camera, drone, and a solar charger to keep both powered up!

　　If youre in the market for a camera, I highly recommend the Sony a6000. If youre curious what I use, heres a full guide to my equipment including my lenses.

　　I hope this list helps you to feel more prepared for the last frontier- truly one of the most beautiful places in the US, if not the world.

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