If you’re wondering what to pack for Alaska, you’re not alone. Alaska’s weather is unlike anything else in the United States. It’s unpredictable, unforgiving, and packing the wrong gear can turn a dream trip into a cold, wet nightmare.
We’ve spent years filming in Alaska for shows like Deadliest Catch, Life Below Zero, and Bering Sea Gold, working through everything from coastal rainstorms, buggy summer interiors, and freezing arctic winters. This Alaska packing list is built from our field experience. We’ve suffered through the elements and figured out what actually works, so you don’t have to.
Whether you’re visiting in summer, winter, or somewhere in between, this guide breaks down exactly what to pack for Alaska so you stay warm, dry, and ready for anything.
Quick Packing Guide
| Most important item | Waterproof rain jacket |
| Alaska’s essential boot | XtraTufs |
| Layering rule | Base + mid + shell |
| Bug spray needed? | Yes, especially June–August interior |
| Bear spray needed? | Backcountry yes, guided tours no |
| Camera tip | Pack extra batteries — cold kills them fast |
| Buy when you land | XtraTufs, saves luggage space |
| What to skip | Umbrellas, cotton, cheap rain gear |
| JJ’s rain jacket picks | Arc’teryx, Fjällräven, Grundens |
| JJ’s camera | Sony A7R V |
What to Pack for Alaska by Season
One of the biggest mistakes people make when figuring out what to pack for Alaska is assuming the weather behaves like the rest of the U.S. It doesn’t. I’ve experienced sun, wind, rain, hail, and snow all in the same afternoon.
The key is packing for your specific season while still being ready for quick weather shifts.
What to Pack for Alaska in Winter
Winter in Alaska is no joke, especially if you’re heading inland. Temperatures can drop well below freezing, and staying warm isn’t just about comfort, it’s about staying alive.
What to pack:
- Heavy insulated winter jacket
- Thermal base layers (top + bottom)
- Insulated snow boots
- Thick wool socks
- Gloves, hat, and face covering
- Hand warmers
👉 Reality check: Interior Alaska can hit -60°F in winter. That’s not “cold vacation” weather, that’s dangerous. Your gear matters. Honestly, if you don’t absolutely have to visit Alaska in the dead of winter, don’t. It’s easily the Worst Time to Visit Alaska.
What to Pack for Alaska in Summer
Most people would consider Summer the Best Time to visit Alaska, but it’s not “hot” in the way most people expect. Temperatures are usually mild, but mornings and evenings get chilly, and rain is always a factor.
What to pack:
- Lightweight base layers (moisture-wicking)
- Fleece or light insulated jacket
- Waterproof rain jacket (non-negotiable)
- Hiking pants
- Waterproof shoes or boots
- Hat and light gloves (yes, even in summer)
👉 Pro tip: Coastal areas like Southeast Alaska are wet and windy, even in peak summer. Check out our full guide on: Summer in Alaska.
What to Pack for Alaska’s shoulder seasons
The joke goes, “Spring and fall are the best weeks of the year in Alaska.” And it’s true. They’re short and beautiful, but they’re also some of the most unpredictable times to visit. In a single day, you might get a mix of rain, snow, wind, and the warmth of the sun.
What to pack:
- Base layers
- Heavier rain gear
- Waterproof Boots
- Warm mid-layers
- Beanie and gloves
- Wool Socks
I constantly hear old-timers saying, “Cotton kills.” If you get wet, you don’t want to stay wet. So skip the cotton.
Essential Clothing for Alaska (The Layering System)
If there’s one thing to understand when figuring out what to pack for Alaska, it’s this: layers matter more than anything else.
Alaska weather changes fast. You might start your day in the sun, hit cold wind by the water, and end up in the rain, all within a few hours. The layering system is how you stay comfortable through all of it.
Instead of packing bulky clothes, you’ll want a few versatile pieces that work together.
This is what I do when I’m working in Alaska and it’s what the National Park Service also recommends.
Base Layer (Moisture Management)
Your base layer sits directly against your skin, and its job is to keep you dry. Once you get wet in Alaska, whether from sweat or rain, you’ll get cold fast, and you won’t warm up until you dry out.
What to look for: Thermal Underwear or Long Underwear
- Moisture-wicking material (merino wool or synthetic)
- Lightweight and breathable
- Long Sleeve Crew Shirt
- Thermal Underwear Bottoms
Avoid:
- Cotton: It traps moisture and stays wet. Remember, “Cotton Kills!”
👉 This is one of the easiest upgrades you can make to improve comfort in Alaska. I basically live in my long underwear up there. Outside of winter, I run hot, so half the time I’m just wearing a solid merino wool base layer and shorts, or bush leggings.
My favorite brand is Minus33. Their merino wool gear is super comfy and holds up well.
Mid Layer (Insulation)
Your mid layer is what keeps you warm. This is the piece you’ll constantly be adding or removing throughout the day depending on conditions.
I usually wear a T-shirt under mine. It adds another layer of warmth, and I’m not just standing around in my skivvies whenever I peel my fleece off.
What works best:
Why it matters:
- Traps body heat
- Easy to adjust as temperatures change
Outer Layer (Weather Protection)
A shell and rain gear aren’t the same thing. Your outer shell is what you wear over your mid-layer to block wind and light moisture on a normal day out. Dedicated rain gear is a step above that: fully seam-sealed, waterproof under sustained heavy rain, and built to take a real beating. In Southeast Alaska or on the water, you need the latter. On a dry Interior day, the shell is enough.
What to look for:
- Fully waterproof (not “water-resistant”)
- Windproof
- Breathable if possible
Best option:
- A quality rain shell you can wear over your other layers
👉 I personally like Arc’teryx, and Fjällräven. But production usually pays for my gear, so I know those brands aren’t realistic for everyone. If you’re on a tighter budget, Grundéns still makes a waterproof shell.
Not sure what kind of weather you’ll be dealing with? Check out our guide to Alaska weather to plan ahead.
Rain Gear for Alaska (Don’t Skip This)
Remember, this is separate from your outer shell. A shell handles everyday wind and light moisture. Rain gear is for when the weather stops being polite. Sustained rain, boat spray, or Southeast Alaska any time of the year.
I don’t think most people realize Alaska has rainforests because they don’t put cold and rainforests together. But yeah, Alaska has literal rainforests. It gets wet. And not “light drizzle” wet. Think steady rain, wind, and mist that soaks through to the soul.
We’ve spent long days filming shows like Port Protection and The Deadliest Catch, where shutting down because of bad weather isn’t an option, it’s the story. So trust me when I say we know what works, what keeps you dry, and what doesn’t.
Don’t mess around with cheap rain gear up here.
What actually survives: Grundéns. Commercial fishing gear. The stuff the working fleets wear, bought at hardware stores in small Alaska towns rather than outdoor catalogs. It’s not stylish. It’s efficient. And most of it is reasonably priced.
Waterproof Jackets
Alaska conditions change inside a single day. The jacket you want in a skiff getting hammered by spray is not the jacket you want hiking up a beach. The full breakdown is in our Rain Gear Alaska guide, but here’s the short version:
For boats, docks, and horizontal rain: Grundéns Neptune Jacket — fully waterproof, taped seams, no membrane to fail. What the commercial fleets wear. The one in heaviest rotation in Paul’s closet. Around $150 and lasts close to a decade.
For hiking, hunting, and active days: Fjällräven Trail Shell Jacket or the Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket are waterproof and breathable, so you don’t cook on the way up the trail. This is the crossover jacket that works for most travelers who aren’t doing serious boat work. Grundéns Full Share Jacket or their Cutter Jacket are also great options, and not as spendy.
Rain Pants and Bibs — Don’t Skip This
It took me way too long to commit to rain pants. They’re clunky, uncomfortable, and they make getting boots on a pain in the ass.
But a wet ass in cold wind is worse. If you’re on a boat, hiking in Southeast Alaska, or spending long days near the water, wear them. If you think you might need them, you probably do.
For serious boat work or heavy rain: Grundéns Herkules Bibs go to the chest, no waist gap, the only thing that actually keeps you dry in driven rain or spray. Paul has worn the same pair for ten years.
For casual trips and hiking: Lightweight rain pants over your hiking pants. Any fully waterproof option works — you don’t need bibs unless you’re on the water.
👉 For a full breakdown of every rain gear scenario — boat work, Southeast Alaska, backcountry hiking or exploring the Aleutians, — see our dedicated Rain Gear Alaska guide.
Best Shoes to Pack for Alaska
Footwear is where most Alaska visitors get it wrong. They pack for summer weather and end up miserable on wet docks, muddy trails, and rainy town streets. The full breakdown is in our Best Shoes for Alaska guide, but here’s what you actually need.
XtraTufs — The Alaska Staple
If it isn’t raining in Alaska, it just finished raining, it’s snowing, or the snow is melting. All of that turns into mud. Add wet docks, coastline, and rivers to fish, and you need a boot that handles pretty much everything.
XtraTufs are to Alaska what cowboy boots are to Texas — fully baked into the culture. Commercial fishermen, bush pilots, bartenders, photographers, and tourists all wear them. You’ll see them at restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and on every dock in the state. Fully waterproof, easy to clean, built for nasty conditions, and they’ve somehow become fashionable too.
Are they the best hiking boot? No. For everything else in Alaska, they’re the right call.
Waterproof Hiking Boots
For serious trails, you need dedicated hiking boots. XtraTufs are great on docks and muddy flats, but they’re not great on long uphill trails.
- Best overall hiking boot: Salomon Quest 4 GTX — waterproof Gore-Tex, excellent ankle support, built for rugged Alaska terrain.
- Best for cruises and day hikes: ASICS Gel-Trabuco GTX — Gore-Tex trail runners, lighter and more breathable than boots, what Paul actually wears on hiking days in the field.
Winter Boots
For winter trips, northern lights photography, or extended time in snow, regular hiking boots aren’t enough. Once your feet get cold in Alaska, your whole day goes sideways.
Best winter boot: Baffin Impact Boots — rated to extreme cold, overkill for Anchorage in September but essential for Interior Alaska in the Winter.
Casual Shoes
You’ll want something comfortable to change into after a long day outside. Sneakers, light walking shoes, or JJ’s personal preference, socks and sandals. Good for restaurants, travel days, and hanging around town.
Remember to check out our Full Guide: Best Shoes for Alaska Travel
Accessories You’ll Wish You Packed
Once you’ve got your main gear sorted, it’s the small things that make a big difference. These are the items people forget when deciding what to pack for Alaska—and the same ones they end up buying (or wishing they had) once they’re there.
Most of these don’t take up much space, but they can seriously improve your trip.
Bug Spray + Head Net (Don’t Underestimate This)
Alaska mosquitoes are basically the state bird. I’m joking… but the mosquitoes aren’t, especially in the summer and anywhere near water.
The first summer I spent in the Interior, the mosquitoes flying on the horizon would form black clouds at dusk, almost like the bats in Austin, Texas.
Yeah, you’re gonna want bug spray.
What to bring:
- Strong bug spray (DEET or similar)
- Head net for heavy bug areas
👉 If you’re hiking or spending time outdoors, this goes from “nice to have” to essential fast.
Dry Bags (Keep Your Gear Safe)
Between rain, boats, and general moisture, keeping your stuff dry is a constant battle in Alaska. I always have one for camera batteries and cards, and maybe a sandwich.
Why they’re useful:
- Protect phones, cameras, and extra layers
- Great for boat trips or kayaking
- Lightweight and easy to pack
👉 You don’t need anything big, just get one for the group. Earth Pak’s are great.
Backpacks
Your suitcase or duffel handles the big stuff, but you’ll want a solid daypack for the actual moving-around part of your trip — hikes, boat days, glacier walks, whatever’s on the itinerary. We go deep on the specifics in our Best Backpacks for Alaska guide, worth a look before you buy.
Sunglasses (Glare is Real)
This one surprises people, but Alaska can be incredibly bright, especially around water, snow, or glaciers. On sunny days, the glare can be downright blinding.
Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn’t like wearing sunglasses?
Why they matter:
- Reduce glare off water and ice
- Improve visibility while driving or boating
- Better chance of looking cool.
👉 Polarized lenses are a solid upgrade here.
Planning to spend time on the water? Check out our guide to what to wear on an Alaskan boat for more specifics. What to Wear on an Alaskan Boat: Full Breakdown (coming soon)
Gloves + Beanie (Even in Summer)
It doesn’t have to be winter for Alaska to feel cold, especially early mornings, evenings, or on the water. It can and does snow in the summer.
👉 Small, easy to pack, and you’ll be glad you have them.
Binoculars (Totally Worth It)
This is one of those items people don’t think about until they wish they had it. Alaska is all about wildlife: whales, bears, eagles, and a lot of these critters won’t be close.
I have a pair of these and love them. Nocs Provisions makes a super small and powerful binocular, but there not perfect for every situation.
We have a full guide on the Best Binoculars for Alaska Wildlife
Portable Battery Pack
Cold kills phone batteries fast. A small Anker or similar pack is genuinely essential for long days away from outlets.
Satellite Communicator
Garmin inReach or SPOT. Not for everyone but worth it for anyone doing remote hiking or fishing. I have the inReach and think its great, it pairs with your phone and makes txting super easy.
Looking for a trail to hit? Homer has some great options. Check out our full guide: Hiking in Homer, Alaska: FULL GUIDE & Trail Suggestions
What Camera Gear to Pack for Alaska
There’s a reason why National Geographic kept me working in Alaska for so long. It’s beautiful, Alaska is one of the most photogenic places on earth—glaciers, wildlife, mountains, and endless coastline. But it’s also one of the hardest environments on gear. Cold, moisture, and long days will test your setup fast.
After years filming in Alaska, we’ve learned that bringing the right camera gear—and protecting it properly—makes all the difference.
Camera (or Smartphone—Just Be Ready)
They say the best camera is the one you have on you. Most people aren’t trying to shoot magazine-worthy photos—they just want to capture special memories and once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Honestly, what you already have in your pocket is probably enough camera gear for your Alaska trip. Most modern smartphones are incredible. Don’t overthink it.
With that said, if you do want a more serious setup, I’ve got you covered. DSLR Cameras today are insanely powerful, and choosing one usually comes down to personal preference and what you’re trying to achieve. Do you need super high resolution, video, slow-mo? There’s a lot to consider.
Personally, I shot Canon for years, and I still think Canon produces a superior image straight out of camera. The colors just look better to me. But the documentary television industry has largely shifted toward Sony, and these days I shoot on a Sony A7R V.
It’s an incredible camera, and if you’re serious about photography, it’s a fantastic option for Alaska. We break it down and everything else in our Best Camera Gear for Alaska article.
Extra Batteries (Cold Kills Them Fast)
Cold weather drains batteries way faster than normal. The colder it is, the faster they die. This catches a lot of people off guard.
So bring extras!
Pro Tip: Rubber band some hand warmers around your batteries, it’ll keep them from dropping so fast.
Lenses (If You’re Bringing a Camera)
Alaska has a mix of wide landscapes and distant wildlife, so versatility helps. If you only have room for one lens, make it a versatile one, like a 24-105mm. It’s not the sexiest option, but you’ll be able to do the most with it.
If you have more room, prioritize these:
👉 A doubler is a great way to extend your lens without taking up a lot of space.
Tripod (Optional but Worth It)
A tripod isn’t essential for everyone, but it’s a massive upgrade if you’re serious about photography. It’s basically mandatory for northern lights photography. If you’re shooting long exposures, you’re gonna want a tripod.
Why bring one:
- Stability for low-light and long-exposure shots
- Better landscape photography
- Time-lapses
- Selfies and group shots
Dry Protection
Most good DSLR cameras are water resistant, but you still want to keep your gear dry. Rain and spray are constant in Alaska, especially on boats or near the coast.
What to bring:
Alaska weather destroys camera gear faster than most people expect. Here’s what years of filming television in Alaska taught us about staying dry and keeping equipment alive: Filming in Alaska: Everything You Need to Know.
What NOT to Pack for Alaska
I hate checking a bag, but when you’re packing for an Alaska trip—especially in the winter—it’s almost impossible to avoid.
That said, there’s still plenty of stuff you can leave behind.
Skip These
- Heavy cotton clothing – Holds moisture, stays wet, and gets cold fast
- Umbrellas – Wind and sideways rain make them basically useless
- Too many outfits – You’ll rely on layers, not variety
- Cheap rain gear – If it’s not truly waterproof, it won’t hold up
- Bulky single-purpose items – They eat up space without adding flexibility
👉 Pro Tip: Buy your Xtratufs after you land and wear them home. You’ll save a ton of luggage space not packing bulky boots.
Alaska Packing Checklist (Quick Reference)
Here’s a simple Alaska packing checklist you can use before your trip:
Clothing
- Base layers (wool or synthetic)
- Mid-layer (fleece or insulated jacket)
- Waterproof outer layer/shell
- Hiking pants
- Extra socks
Rain Gear
- Waterproof jacket
- Rain pants/bibs
Footwear
- XtraTufs
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Casual shoes
Accessories
- Bug spray
- Head net
- Sunglasses
- Dry bag
- Gloves + beanie
- Binoculars
- Portable Battery Pack
Camera Gear
- Camera or smartphone
- Extra batteries
- Optional tripod
- Dry protection
Want a simple, printable version of this list? Download our Alaska packing checklist PDF so you don’t forget anything before your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions: What to Pack for Alaska
What is the most important thing to pack for Alaska?
A genuinely waterproof rain jacket. Not water-resistant, waterproof. Alaska gets wet in ways that will defeat cheap gear fast, especially in Southeast Alaska and coastal areas. If you only upgrade one thing before your trip, make it your rain jacket.
Do I need to pack warm clothes for an Alaska summer trip?
Yes. More than you’d think. Alaska summers are mild, not warm. Coastal areas regularly sit in the 45-55°F range even in July, and mornings and evenings get cold everywhere. Pack at least one warm mid-layer, a beanie, and light gloves even if you’re visiting in peak summer.
Should I bring bug spray to Alaska?
Absolutely, especially if you’re visiting between June and August or going anywhere near water, forests, or the interior. Alaska mosquitoes are genuinely aggressive. Interior Alaska in July is a different level entirely, think black clouds at dusk. We have a full guide on how to mitigate mosquitoes.
Can I buy Xtratufs in Alaska?
Yes. They’re widely available in Anchorage at outdoor retailers and sporting goods stores. Buying them after you land saves significant luggage space since they’re bulky to pack.
Do I need rain pants for Alaska?
Depends on your trip. If you’re mostly in towns, doing short hikes, or on a cruise, probably not. If you’re fishing, spending time on boats, hiking in Southeast Alaska, or doing anything outdoors for long stretches, yes. Wet legs in cold wind are miserable and rain pants fix that completely.
What should I NOT pack for Alaska?
Cotton clothing. It holds moisture and stays wet, which gets cold fast. Umbrellas, just pack a solid rain jacket. And don’t pack bulky boots if you’re planning to buy Xtratufs when you land.
How many days worth of clothes should I pack for Alaska?
Fewer than you think. Because you’re living in layers rather than outfits, you can get a lot of mileage out of a few pieces. For a week-long trip: two base layers, one mid-layer, one rain shell, two pairs of pants, and four or five pairs of socks. Merino wool base layers help because they don’t smell after repeated wear.
Do I need a special camera for Alaska?
Your smartphone is probably enough for most people. If you want a dedicated camera, a mirrorless DSLR with a versatile zoom lens like a 24-105mm covers most situations. We have an entire hub dedicated to Alaska photography.
Is bear spray necessary in Alaska?
For backcountry hiking and anywhere you might encounter bears, yes. Bear spray is more effective than a firearm in a surprise encounter and worth carrying in brown bear country. For most standard tourist activities in towns and on guided tours it’s overkill, but if you’re hiking independently in bear habitat bring it. See our Black Bear vs Grizzly Bear guide for more on bear safety.
What footwear do locals actually wear in Alaska?
Xtratufs. Rubber fishing boots, are the default Alaska footwear across the board. You’ll see them in restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and on docks. They handle everything from muddy trails to fish docks to rainy town streets. Beyond that, a solid pair of waterproof hiking boots for trails and something comfortable for travel days. See our Best Shoes for Alaska guide for the full breakdown.
Plan the Rest of Your Alaska Trip
- Best Shoes for Alaska — the full footwear guide
- Best Binoculars for Alaska Wildlife – a NatGeo TV Crew’s Guide
- Rain Gear Alaska — deep dive on waterproof gear
- Alaska Weather — what to actually expect by region and season
- Best Time to Visit Alaska — plan around the weather
- Black Bear vs Grizzly Bear — bear safety before you go
- 7 Day Alaska Itinerary — plan the full trip
- How to Plan an Alaska Trip — the complete planning hub
- Best Backpacks for Alaska – a NatGeo TV Crew’s Field-Tested Picks
- Best Camera Gear for Alaska – a NatGeo Cameraperson’s Guide