Packing for Alaska in May
Are you going to Alaska when it is semi-warm and you really don’t know how to pack? Packing for Alaska when the climate doesn’t know how to act is confusing. Do I dress for warm, cold, or rain? How do I pack for all climates? It is Alaska, be prepared to wear clothes for all climates in one day.
Let me help you pack light but comfortable without looking like a bum. I must say, I was not prepared myself and after reading many other blogs on this topic alone I was still left in the dark and just brought everything. When the temperature range from 40 degrees to 65 degrees and you add in some rain plus glacier hikes, the weather can change quickly.
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Packing Basic Outerwear
This was the most common thing I found when searching high and low. But what are the “basics” for Alaska?
A lightweight raincoat that can go over layers. This was the most important article of clothing I brought.
I also brought a light puffer coat that could fit under my raincoat if I needed more warmth.
Rain/Snow/Warm boots. These boots were worn everywhere since they kept my feet warm and dry but also fit into the Alaskan style
I packed a basic $2 pair of gloves and a warm hat but never ended up wearing them. I opted for my baseball hat most days.
Everyday Clothing and Essentials
Don’t forget PJs. One pair of shorts and one pair of pants plus two shirts is all you need. We booked an Airbnb for a night mid-trip that had a washer and dryer. This saved so much space in our luggage.
For my pants options, I packed two pairs of jeans and two pairs of pants that I could multi-use for hiking, lounging, or traveling in.
For shirts, I made sure I had layers. Flannels and T-shirts were the majority of what I wore, mainly because I always had my coat on.
All Underthings needed including hiking socks.
Toiletries. You can buy most things there in the travel isle but if not, don’t forget these important items: Teeth care, Hair Care, Face Care, Eye Care, Feminine Care (even if you’re not), DO for the BO, Multiuse soap, q-tips, and lotion.
Do you plan on HIKING?
If you say no I would think you’re crazy, you’re going to be IN ALASKA!
I opted for my hiking shoes that also act as sneakers. These were my most worn shoe the whole trip. They are easy to clean, comfortable, and lightweight to travel with.
Along with hiking shoes, I packed crampons (The rubber bands with the spikes you put over your shoes to keep you from sliding). I never used them. Everywhere we went they were always provided for us. Plus, I don’t think I could have passed through security with the real deal spikes.
I opted not to bring my hiking poles since we didn’t plan any long hikes but if you KNOW you’re going on a long hike I highly recommend packing them.
I always pack my hammock for trips in nature. You never know when you will want to just stop and take in the beauty of the place. A hammock is easy to pack even if you don’t end up using it.
If you plan on going into the wild ;) get yourself some binoculars. I wish I would have brought some for viewing bears in Denali.
Somethings you can pick up when you land: Bug Spray, sunscreen (It was rarely sunny), and a refillable water bottle.
A backpack! A hiking backpack can be used for so many things!
Taking a Camera?
Don’t forget these essentials!
The Camera!
A case for the essentials
Different lens’s
Extra batteries and the battery charger
Back up Sandisks
A tripod
and a clicker for your camera
RANDOM NEEDS
Maybe a sewing kit. I use this 1 times out of 10 but it is one of those things that when you don’t have it you will need it.
If you are going when the sun never sets, plan on bringing an eye mask to sleep with.
Portable Chargers, Phone Chargers, Watch Chargers, any chargers you may need.
One day’s worth of laundry supplies. You can find a single-use packet of detergent in the travel aisle at Target. This also includes a bag for dirty laundry (so you don’t stink up clean laundry). Grocery bags are good because they are light, take up no space, and can be thrown away after use.
Another great use for grocery bags is muddy shoes. You don’t want to get mud or sand in your car or Airbnb. It’s that easy to pack a bag to toss them in until they can get cleaned.
A small bag to bring items to and from the car. I use this to put clothes in so I don’t have to drag my suitcase into a place for only one night. Or just use your hiking backpack that you can also use to travel with.
Necessary Needs
Keep these items with you when you are traveling:
A good book. Never know when your flight will get delayed.
Sunglasses. Even if there is no sun you will need them, so don’t forget them.
Medications you need as well as ibuprofen, aspirin, Benadryl, and Dramamine (if you plan on doing a boat tour).
Hard Copies. Never know when you won’t have service.
Wallet with ID and Cards and Cash.
And lastly, don’t forget snacks for the plane.
It all comes down to packing layers for clothing and basic essentials.
I mostly wore my coat so no one saw what shirt I had on. I think I may have worn my flannel three days in a row. What I am saying is, don’t pack too much, it’s not a fashion show in Alaska. It’s all about connecting with nature.