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I confidently told you about everything I was packing for Alaska, and I was pretty spot on. I used every single thing I brought. As a recovering serial over packer this was quite the accomplishment. But, there were numerous things that I wish I had brought to Alaska, that I didn’t. Alaska is a grand adventure, and you’re going to want to be prepared for it. Here is what I wish I had packed for Alaska. The additions for the perfect Alaska summer packing list.
More Leggings
I had heard from my friend Kait, that Alaska was pretty laid back and you’d want to spend the majority of your time in leggings. I definitely found this to be true, and I spent almost the entire trip in leggings. Talk about my kind of vacation. And, since we were going on a few adventure days, and lots of hikes, while on the trip, I brought more than I thought I was enough. I was wrong.
Alaska is an adventure! And with adventure comes dirt and sweat. I underestimated the amount of dirt. For one week, I brought with me, 4 pairs of leggings, and a pair of jeans. I am not above re-wearing pants, so I thought 5 pairs of pants for 7 days was more than enough. I’ll give you a hint, it was not. Bring way more than you think you’ll need. I easily could have used another two pairs. If not more. These are my absolute leggings. I have multiple pairs, and are always my go to.
More Underwear
On that note, let’s talk about undies. I have a fear of running out of underwear on vacation. So, I brought what I thought was loads of extra underwear. Again, I was wrong. While I didn’t run out, I was on my very last pair by the time I came home. That is way too close for comfort. In fact, I even stashed a secret pair, just in case and I even went through that pair. Like I said, Alaska is an adventure. There were days I was hiking up a mountain in the rain, or on an ATV ride through the mountain, or fishing in the middle of the ocean. I wore more than one pair of underwear every single day. Bring more undies than you think you’ll need, and then bring more. For being active, these underwear are amazing.
More Socks
I’m beginning to sound like a broken record. But, these are the things I wish I had known! I brought enough socks to wear socks every day, thinking that I wouldn’t wear socks every day, so that was way more than I needed. Wrong. I wore socks every day, AND I needed to change socks on more than one day. By the end of the trip I was going sockless, which lead to some nasty blisters that are still healing. Just being honest here! It’s gross, but desperate times call for desperate measures! Washable wool socks are my jam, they are so warm and cozy but can be thrown in the wash with everything else when you get home.
Fancy Outfit
As I said, Alaska is casual. Uber casual. If you’re from the west coast, it is very similar, perhaps even more so. It’s a lot more laid back than the east coast. I spent almost every day in leggings and rain gear. And, this is completely acceptable attire pretty much everywhere. But, there was one night we went out on the town to a fancy dinner and drinks at a couple of Anchorage’s best spots. I stepped it up to wear jeans and a cute top, but I was still the most underdressed person. I don’t like being the most underdressed person. I was actually worried we would be asked to leave one spot we went. And, while we didn’t, I wish I had brought one outfit that was appropriate for an evening out.
Loafers
This goes with the above. I went against my usual MO and brought entirely useful, purpose driven footwear. I brought rain boots, duck boots, sneakers, and a pair of Birkenstock sandals. I wish I had brought a pair of loafers, or flats, that was still comfortable for walking around town, but looked a little more elevated for dinner out. And, I wished that I had slip on shoes multiple times during the trip. Something like these waterproof loafers would have been perfect for all weather conditions.
Snuggly Slippers
I brought cozy socks, although I should have brought more, but I didn’t bring slippers. That seemed silly and completely unnecessary while I was packing. But, once I was there I almost went out and bought slippers. If it wasn’t for the fact that I have three pairs at home, I may have. Alaska’s temps during August were pleasant during the day, but temps can drop at night, and there were plenty of evenings we were curled in front of a bonfire or outside, and I wished that I had brought something snuggly for my feet. If I didn’t have my absolute favorite slippers waiting at home on me, I probably would have ended up buying a pair while on this trip.
Have you been to Alaska? What did you with you had packed?
If you like this be sure to check out my packing list for Alaska!
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If you liked this check out my Alaskan Summer Packing List & our Alaskan proposal engagement story!
Running out of underwear is always my biggest concern too. I’ve packed double and 2 laundry packs for Iceland this week, so fingers crossed!! I am so glad you guys had such a good time!
Ah, I went to Alaska 11 years ago during college and am dying to go back. I think I’d enjoy it so much more now. I loved the idea of this post and what you wish you had more of! So interesting to hear about how casual Alaska is. I can’t for the life of me remember!
Definitely good to know. I hope to go there one day… but probably in the distant future and lord knows it will have to be during hunting season for the husband. Which means SUPER cold and highly unappealing weather. Haha.
When I go traveling, I tend to overpack on underwear but I have experienced bringing fewer jeans/pants than I would have liked on a few occasions. Underwear is easy to pack because they are small items but jeans tend to be bulky which is why I try to minimise those on my trips. Worse comes to worst, I just re-wear them!