When packing for a trip or vacation, often to a foreign place, we are left reeling about what we ought to pack, and this is most certainly the case if you plan to head to Alaska in the summer! Is it cold? Is it hot? Is it BOTH???
You have an entire wardrobe that you are looking at, and perhaps there are even items you do not have that you will require. So, what does one wear to Alaska in the summer?
Thankfully we have some notion of what we should expect when it comes to packing for Alaska, but that does not mean that the task is any less daunting. For this trip, you want to be sure that you have all the suitable clothing for the trip, without taking any unnecessaries. So if you want a thorough guide on what to pack for your adventure, then you are at the right place, so be sure to read on.
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Table of Contents
Essential Things To Know About Alaska Weather
One thing that those who live there agree upon is that in Alaska, the weather is tough to predict, and within a single day, you will not know whether to dress for the cold or warm weather.
One sure thing is that on most days, you will likely experience SOME kind of wet weather. So even though you’re visiting during summer, the best thing to do is think of dressing in layers.
The weather is ever-changing, and it changes throughout the day too! On a single day, you may start out bundled up in a puffer and rain jacket, then shed these layers once the day warms up and end up with a short sleeve shirt only.
Layers are most definitely the way to go here!
Clothing You’ll Need For The Alaskan Summer
Aside from packing layers, you’ll want to take along clothes that you will not be concerned about getting dirty. Alaska is all about adventure. You will likely partake in various activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, dog sledding, and all the other great outdoor adventures that Alaska offers!
So, the likelihood of your clothes staying clean or stain-free is highly unlikely. You can pack along some travel laundry soap for these instances!
In the same vein, you also need to ensure that the clothing you pack is easy and hassle-free for washing and drying. Factor in your laundry situation when you book your accommodation, and preferably try to stay in one place with decent laundry facilities. If you intend on backpacking, you will likely need to rough it a bit more, but consider how and when you will do laundry.
Do not worry about taking along formal attire unless you’re traveling by cruise, you’ve got business to do in Alaska, or plan on attending a wedding.
In Alaska, you want to go for comfort over flashy, and you will find that even at some of the nicest restaurants, even the humble pair of jeans and fleeces will be acceptable.
Shirts and Tops
If you are headed out for a lovely day of hiking, then you likely want to wear a short-sleeve moisture-wicking shirt. Apart from comfort, they will also help you not overheat in the sun (but be sure to pack something like a light raincoat in your backpack in case the weather takes a turn).
There is also a place for long-sleeve base layer shirts that you can wear when the weather is slightly colder than usual, such as during cooler morning excursions or nighttime ones. I also like long-sleeved baselayers (men and women) for the added protection from the bugs as well as all sun exposure.
Some long sleeves come with zips, which is great if the temperature increases, and you can unzip them and allow fresh air to cool you down.
You want to make sure that whatever you choose to wear is moisture-wicking and will dry quickly if you get wet by a sudden, unexpected downpour.
Jackets And Additional Layers
One thing you cannot go without in Alaska (even in the summer) is a rain jacket, which must be fully waterproof, and not merely “water resistant”.
Given the finicky weather in Alaska, you may find yourself getting caught in the rain while out on an adventure, and you do not want to be left cold and miserable without a rain jacket!
👉 Explore rain jackets on REI – Men | Women | Kids
Another great option is a down vest, as it makes for a great summer layering piece. This is because it works well at keeping your core body temperature warm, and this, in turn, will aid in keeping the rest of your body warm.
Additionally, when looking at layering pieces for your Alaska trip in summer, a fleece jacket is something worth looking at packing. What is terrific about this type of jacket is that it does not absorb water very easily AND it’s great for layering. This makes it ideal for the climate in Alaska.
A cozy sweater or flannel shirt is another excellent option for your summer trip to Alaska; what is nice about most types of these is that they do not make you itch, are lightweight, and some are even made from organically grown cotton. You are unlikely to wear these when outside and the weather is wet or too miserable, but they are perfect for indoor use and lounging around!
Pants and Bottoms
One through-line you may have noticed is that we have mentioned rain-resistant clothing, which also goes for the type of pants you ought to try and take along for the adventure. Be sure to take a pair of rain-resistant pants, but look for a pair with a lower-leg zipper that will allow you to remove the bottom half and turn them into shorts if the weather warms up.
For women, we like the Outdoor Voices RecTrek Zip-Off Pants because it allows you to unzip them to capris OR shorts. For men, the REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants are bestselling wonders.
Some days call for shorts, so you mustn’t limit yourself to long pants only. Having said that, don’t go to the other extreme where you only pack shorts and disregard the need for long pants!
If you are going between June and July, shorts (or those handy zip-off pants) are a great idea — the only downside is that mosquitos relish bare skin during this time, so be sure to take mosquito repellent along. Sawyer Jungle Juice is my go-to!
Swimwear
A swimsuit goes hand-in-hand with summer and is no different for when you travel to Alaska during this time!
You may have the opportunity to take a dip in an alpine lake, soak in a hot tub at the hotel or cabin, or venture into natural springs. Whatever you intend on doing, you will regret it if you do not pack this.
Sleepwear
This often-forgotten outfit sometimes does not make it onto our radar while considering all the other elements of our trip and the clothing we need to include in our luggage. Do not forget to take your pajamas (or your favorite set of loungewear) as you will want something comfortable to sleep in at night.
Just consider that some “nights” may be warmer or colder than others, so perhaps give yourself two options.
Headwear To Pack For Alaska In Summer
If you are engaging in activities near or on the water, it is a good idea to pack a waterproof brimmed hat with a chin cord to help it stay secured to your head. Also, some hats have fabric that offers a UPF to protect you from harmful UV rays. Go for these. Here are a few great options:
Although the days in Alaska tend to lean far more toward the warmer temperature, it can become relatively cold at night. This is especially relevant if you are camping in Alaska. Therefore, something like a warm beanie is a great idea to add to your luggage as it will help to keep your head warm during the chilly evenings.
You can find all the best beanies on REI here — anything you find on REI will be good quality and built for the outdoors.
Shoes To Pack For Alaska In Summer
When in Alaska, hikes are a must. Make sure you pack a good pair of waterproof hiking boots for your trip.
Many trails in Alaska are often wet and muddy, even in the summertime. You want something breathable yet waterproof and immensely comfortable.
👉 Pro Tip: Be sure to break your shoes in before going to Alaska if you want to avoid blisters on your feet!
Okay, but what if you’re not hiking? It is also true that Alaska can get incredibly hot during the summer months, and depending on where you are, it may call for a pair of sandals.
Sandals will also come in handy as they will air your feet and help to keep them cool when you’re lounging around. These you can wear around your accommodation or the camping ground where you are staying.
- For adventure sandals, we like anything by KEEN
- For lounging around, we love our OOFOS Recovery Slides
Other Essentials To Pack For Alaska During Summer
Getting yourself a pair of plush polyester and spandex fabric gloves is a wonderful idea, as they will come in handy when the temperature dips in Alaska. What is also marvelous about such gloves is that they are touch-screen compatible, so you will not need to take them off to type on your phone, and they will offer your hands excellent warmth. Any of North Face’s Etip Gloves work amazing!
Summer in Alaska is very different from numerous other places in that some areas of Alaska can see daylight for up to 24 hours of the day (other areas have roughly 16 hours).
In these instances, trying to fall asleep in Alaska can be tricky, even with the curtains drawn. This will mean potentially needing certain items to aid in your sleep such as a blackout eye mask.
Ostrichpillow’s New 3D-Ergonomic Eye-Mask is the first truly 3D ergonomic eye mask. Its design adapts to the three-dimensional features of the face. It fits perfectly on all head sizes and face types, providing a 100% blackout experience in total comfort.But also, if you spend more hours outdoors than usual, you may very well be at risk of sunburn — be sure to pack sunblock and protect your face from the sun like with a sun hat.
Be sure to also pack sunglasses. You will need these as you will likely spend much time in the bright glaring sun, on the water, and near snow. Therefore, proper polarized sunglasses are a must to protect your eyes.
If you plan on doing a lot of hiking, here are a few other things you’ll want to pack:
- If you’re going to be doing day hikes only, a 28 to 35L backpack is enough to carry all the essentials you need. One of the best of the best-selling backpacks is the Osprey Skimmer 28 Hydration Pack (for women). For the guys, the Osprey Manta 34 Hydration Pack is a great daypack loved by many hikers.
- You’ll be burning so many calories and sweating out so much. Take some electrolyte tablets with your water to replenish your body throughout the day. If you’re bringing a hydration reservoir system, you might want to bring a separate water bottle for this.
- Bring a reservoir with a bite valve and stick it in your backpack for easy access to water while hiking. A 3-liter reservoir will do just fine as it’ll allow you to have an ample amount of water throughout the day.
- Trekking poles. A must-have item if you want to save your legs and knees from the ascent and descent of any hikes with elevation change! You may also encounter stream crossings throughout your hikes, and these stream crossings can be difficult for some without the added stability provided by walking sticks.
And with that, you should be ready for your summer Alaskan adventure! Read more:
