Everything you need to know about what clothing and accessories to pack when you head to Alaska
If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, you’ll be faced with one crucial decision: what to pack in your backpack to handle the elements.
Alaska, with its breathtaking landscapes and temperatures that range from “a bit chilly” to “absolutely freezing,” is not exactly the kind of place where you want to be caught unprepared by the weather.
To avoid turning into a walking block of ice—or, on the other hand, sweating like you’re in a Finnish sauna—it’s essential to understand how to balance your clothing properly.
In this article, we’ll give you the tips you need to understand what to pack before setting off for Alaska.
Catch them all!
Read also: What to see in Scotland: castles, monsters hiding in the water, and incredible natural landscapes
Four seasons in a single day?
Exactly—and no, we’re not talking about pizza!
In Alaska, the weather varies dramatically not only throughout the year but also from one region to another. For example, you might find yourself in Anchorage under bright sunshine, then head toward Fairbanks and end up in the middle of a snowstorm.
And then there’s the midnight sun—that astronomical phenomenon during the summer months when the sun simply decides it doesn’t feel like setting. Not only does this give you more hours to hunt for rare Pokémon around Alaska, but it also affects what you should bring with you when traveling to the northernmost state in the USA.
In winter, on the other hand, you can expect total darkness and, of course, a whole lot more cold than the already fairly biting temperatures of summer.
These are the basics you should start with when choosing the clothing and accessories to bring with you to Alaska.
Dressing in layers is the only antidote to Alaska’s cold
Alright, let’s get into the heart of the article.
If you’re thinking about exploring Alaska, the first golden rule is layering. Choose several garments you can wear one over another so you’re never caught off guard by the local climate.
Wear a waterproof outer layer, ideally a two-piece one with a hood. Choose one made of nylon, preferably with sealed seams.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you could also consider buying a Gore-Tex jacket, but since you’re not heading off to climb Everest, you can honestly do without something like that.
Underneath, continue your human-onion strategy with a fleece or another nice warm sweatshirt and, last but not least, a seriously reliable thermal top.
For your lower body, underneath your waterproof outer pants (remember when we mentioned a two-piece waterproof outfit), wear a trekking model made of materials that offer a good combination of durability and flexibility. Pants with zip pockets are fantastic for keeping small essentials like a compass and pocket knife safe.
If space in your backpack is limited, convertible pants are the perfect solution. With a simple zip, they go from trousers to shorts—ideal for those rare (but glorious) sunny days or when crossing areas with different microclimates.
And as your final layer, don’t forget thermal underwear!
That just leaves footwear.
In Alaska, a good pair of hiking shoes isn’t optional—it’s a necessary statement of intent! Go for lightweight, water-resistant models with a good non-slip sole. This is not the moment for those old boots you last wore on a school trip. Alaska’s terrain shows no mercy—but your feet will, if you treat them well.
Essential accessories: don’t leave without them!
When getting ready for a trip to Alaska, keep in mind that accessories aren’t just there to add a stylish touch—they can make the difference between an epic adventure and a full-on survival experience!
Here’s a list of what absolutely must not be missing from your backpack.
A cap with a visor
A good hat can save you from rain, snow, and, more generally, from Alaska’s damp air, which in some areas feels so intense it seems to seep right into your brain.
Choose a cap with a visor for sunnier days and, if possible, find one made of wool, so you can keep your head warm even when the thermometer decides to plunge.
Sunglasses (even at midnight)
You might think Alaska is all ice and darkness—and for six months of the year, that’s not far from the truth. But as we’ve seen, in summer the sun literally never sets.
That’s why, if you decide to visit Alaska during this time, we strongly recommend bringing a pair of sunglasses to avoid being blinded by the endless beauty of the scenery—or by the sun reflecting off the snow.
Gloves, because we like to keep our fingers attached to our hands
Gloves are the ultimate essential for anyone wanting to visit Alaska.
There isn’t much else to say: up there in the north of the American continent, it gets bitterly cold, and to keep your hands warm you’ll need a good warm pair of gloves, ideally one specifically designed for use in very harsh climates. Otherwise, be prepared to pick your fingers up out of the snow every few steps.
Sunscreen: the sun strikes when you least expect it
Yes, in Alaska there is a real risk of getting sunburned.
The culprit is the usual summer sun, the one that never dips below the horizon above the Arctic Circle. So don’t let the cold fool you: bring sunscreen to protect yourself from the Arctic sun.
Your backpack, your faithful adventure companion
A good backpack is your best friend during excursions in Alaska.
Make sure it’s comfortable, durable, and large enough to carry snacks, water, and of course a good camera to capture the breathtaking views—and maybe even a grizzly, from a safe distance.
Read also: When to go to Alaska? Here’s the best season for an amazing experience!
In conclusion
Alright, now you know what to bring with you if you decide to head to Alaska. Be sure to pack everything we suggested and do your best to stay warm—because over there, it doesn’t take much to get into trouble with the cold!
Now there’s just one last thing left to decide: who will you explore Alaska with?
The answer is easy: with us!
During our 13-day self-drive tour, we’ll show you an incredible number of amazing things: we’ll head to Denali National Park, enjoy an unforgettable fjord cruise, go see the original bus from the movie Into the Wild up close, and much more!
Take a look at the trip itinerary we linked above and get ready for a journey that breaks the mold!
