Planning a trip to Alaska is exciting, but it often comes with the temptation to pack everything but the kitchen sink. Alaska’s vastness and unpredictable weather can easily make travelers feel the need to prepare for every possible scenario.

With limited luggage space, what should you prioritize? In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of what to pack and our favorite packing tips for Alaska. Whether you’re chasing the northern lights or exploring the untamed wilderness, these essentials will help make your adventure unforgettable.

What to pack for a trip to Alaska during any season

1. Warm Base Layers

Photo Credit: Neal Alfano

Quality base layers serve as the foundation, wicking moisture away from your skin in warmer weather while offering thermal insulation during cooler days or chilly evenings. Their versatility ensures you’re prepared for the full spectrum of weather conditions that Alaska might throw your way, making them an essential component of any packing list regardless of the season.

2. Waterproof Shell

Nothing takes an outdoor excursion from amazing to miserable more quickly than being wet and cold. A waterproof shell layer stands as the ultimate armor against Alaska’s unpredictable elements, shielding you from sudden rain showers or the mist of a dewy sea kayak paddle. In Alaska, a reliable waterproof shell is important for every season, offering peace of mind and comfort no matter the adventure.

3. Hiking Pants

Photo Credit: Michael DeYoung

Hiking pants in Alaska are a year-round necessity due to the rugged terrain and ever-changing weather. They offer durability and flexibility, shielding against thorny bushes, rocky paths and potential weather shifts encountered on trails.

4. Fleece

A fleece sweater is the equivalent of a fuzzy blanket surrounding you on the go. In the summer, a fleece is perfect for late nights in the midnight sun, sitting around the campfire. In the winter, a fleece will keep you extra cozy in the icy weather. For all clothing, we recommend brands such as Eddie Bauer, Patagonia and Arc’teryx.

5. Shoes with good traction

From rugged trails to icy sidewalks, shoes with excellent traction are important throughout the year. They provide stability on uneven surfaces, prevent slips on slick pathways and offer necessary grip on both wet and dry terrain. Footwear with reliable traction becomes your reliable partner in traversing Alaska. Our favorite brands include Salomon, Hoka and Merrell.

6. A good camera

You’ll be devastated if you forget to bring a camera. Alaska’s natural beauty is unlike anywhere else in the world, and you’ll be dying to show off some of the sights you saw to your friends when you get back home. If nothing else, your smartphone will do the trick!

7. Hat & Gloves

If you’re spending a long time outside, a heavy-duty pair of gloves or mittens is critical to protecting your hands from freezing. For warmer months or short times outside, a thinner pair of base layer gloves will do the trick. For a heavy-duty pair, we like Outdoor Research, Black Diamond and Carhartt. For something lighter, try REI Co-op, Smartwool or Lululemon.

8. Sunscreen

Who would’ve thought you would need sunscreen in Alaska? As shocking as it is, the sun can be especially bright while hiking in the mountains or even from reflection off the snow. Protect yourself from sunburn, no matter the season.

9. Portable smartphone charger

Nothing is worse than being out in nature and wanting to snap a picture, but your phone is dead. Make sure to always stay charged with a portable charger so you can capture your whole adventure, not to mention the importance of having a charged phone for safety reasons.

10. Reusable water bottle

Bringing a water bottle is indispensable for exploring Alaska. Regardless of the season, being hydrated is important in this dynamic environment where weather changes and outdoor activities can quickly deplete your energy. Having a reusable water bottle allows you to refill on the go. If you plan to hike or backpack, we recommend a lightweight or flexible bag-type water bottle.

What to pack for a Fall/Winter trip to Alaska

Photo Credit: Matt Hage

• A down jacket that’s lightweight and provides extra insulation to keep you extra toasty no matter the temperature.
• Crampons for traction to avoid slipping while exploring glaciers or other icy terrain.
• Wool socks that fit under your boots. Wool is ideal because it stays dry while hiking in snow and keeps your toes warm.
• A headlamp or flashlight to make sure you see clearly whether during the short days or dark nights.

What to pack for a Spring/Summer trip to Alaska

• Rubber boots for keeping your feet dry.
• A swimsuit for a dip in Chena Hot Springs, the Nordic Spa or if you’re brave enough to polar plunge into one of many glacier-fed lakes.
• Binoculars to see all of the emerging wildlife, from Dall sheep up in the mountains to viewing bears from a safe distance.
• Polarized sunglasses to reduce glare from the sun and water, making sure you don’t miss a thing.
• Bug spray because mosquitoes are no joke in Alaska. While you’re at it, pack some anti-itch cream as well.

Bonus Packing Tips

Between checked-bag fees and full overhead compartments, packing only one suitcase per family member makes sense these days. But you still want to bring all your stuff, right? Savvy travelers know how to fit the maximum amount of clothing, toiletries and everything else into that one suitcase. Here are a few tips we’ve picked up along the way.

Use packing cubes

These lightweight rectangles allow you to organize everything in your suitcase, and they perform some serious space management magic. Try packing eight shirts, two pairs of pants and other sundries into your suitcase without a packing cube. Then try it again with one. Voila! No magic words are necessary — just sit back and behold all the room you now have for more stuff. Plus, the cubes come in all colors, so the serious organizer can categorize them by article of clothing or family member.

Roll your clothes

There’s a debate about whether rolling versus folding takes up more space in a suitcase. We swear by rolling — especially when using a packing cube. By folding and then rolling your clothes to fit those cubes, you’ll be able to see everything in each compartment, which means you’ll spend less time rooting around in your suitcase and more time enjoying your vacation. A bonus to rolling is that you’ll have fewer creases that must be ironed out.

Find a soft-sided suitcase

A long, long time ago, all suitcases were hard-sided, and we could stuff them and stuff them until they burst. Literally — usually all over baggage claim. Then luggage companies started selling soft-sided suitcases, and we travelers realized we could often push those bags well beyond design limits. Plus, soft-sided suitcases are easier to shape and reshape until you can shove them into an overhead compartment. Hard-sided suitcases are making a comeback, but don’t be fooled. For maximum capacity, select a soft bag.

Utilize unexpected spaces

It’s an old trick, but we often forget that stuffing rolled socks into shoes helps your shoes retain their shape and makes the best use of the space you have. Or run your belt along the inside edge of the suitcase instead of rolling it up.

As you prepare for your Alaska adventure, don’t forget to pack these essential items to ensure you’re ready for whatever this wild state throws your way. From glacier hikes to cold nights, having the right gear will make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. After a day of exploring, there’s no better place to unwind than at Princess Lodges. With convenient locations near top destinations like Denali and the Kenai Peninsula, Princess Lodges offers cozy accommodations, warm hospitality and stunning views. Book your stay today to check off “find the perfect accommodations” from your list!