Packing List Alaska Summer

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We are headed to Alaska! I could not be more excited. Honestly though, I was a little bit of a brat about our Alaska trip at first. You know how sometimes you just want to look back on yourself and cringe?

For Christmas last year, I was stumped on what to get Tom for his gift. We have just about everything, really the last thing we need is another object. We had been talking and talking about taking a trip though, just us, just for fun. We talked about Mexico, Hawaii, Key West. And bam, a lightbulb went off. My gift for him, was really a gift for us, tickets wherever he wanted to go. I had my bikini packed already.

And, then he chose Alaska.

That was not what I had planned.

At all.

And, I honestly, was a little pouty about it at first. Sometimes I really just want to smack my ungrateful self, but ya know, keeping it real!

As our trip has approached though I’ve been doing more and more research, and now, I’m downright excited. I can’t wait to explore the land of the midnight sun.

Even though our trip is in August, the forecast calls for 60’s and some rain, so I’m coming prepared. Packing for Alaska seems like you need to be prepared for anything and everything. So what do I pack for Alaska?

Lightweight Rain Jacket

There is some rain in our forecast so I want to bring a raincoat. But, since it may be a little warmer a few days, I don’t want this to be my main source of warmth. I want to stay dry without overheating myself.

Fleece

On days when it’s a little cooler, I want to have a fleece for layering. I can wear it under the raincoat if I need more warmth. Or, I can wear it on its own if I just want something on my arms.

Packable Down Coat

With lows in the low 50’s, I want to have something a little warmer for cool Alaska nights. Having a packable down coat will give warmth, while not bulking up the suitcase.

Duck Boots

Duck boots are my favorite muck about boots. We are taking nature and wildlife tours, so I want boots that will keep my feet dry and cozy while mucking about in the mud.

Camp Socks

Duck boots only live up to half their potential without a good pair of cozy camp socks. These are perfect for keeping your feet dry and warm. They are a staple in my Pacific Northwest closet as well.

Rain Boots

For days palling around town in the weather, I’m bringing a pair of Hunter rain boots. They are not only adorable, but perfect for our less rugged adventure days.

Backpack

I may be nerding out on this one, but I’m bringing a backpack. While I don’t suspect I’ll use it every day, I want something that I can bring hiking with us that will easily carry my camera, food, water, and layers.

Vest

I’m a big fan of layering. One minute you might be chilly, the next too warm. A vest is a perfect piece to bring in weather like Alaska in the summer.

Knit Hat

At nights I worry my ears will get cold so I’ll be bringing a hat along, just in case.

Leggings

I’m a big believer that leggings are pants. Since we are going to be out and about adventuring most of our trip, I want to be comfy, so I’m bringing lots of leggings.

Henley

I love a good henley, they are cozy without being too hot. I think this is something I could wear on its own, or under a vest.

Shirts for Layering

When packing the rest of my shirts for the trip, I’ll be thinking about layering. I’ll bring shirts that easily fit under or over other layers to help keep me warm, or cool, depending on the day.

When deciding what to pack for Alaska, I want pieces that can all be worth together or separately. A capsule wardrobe in a suitcase.

What would you pack for Alaska?

If you like this, check out Packing for Vancouver and Summer Transition Outfit!