What to Pack for Hiking in Alaska
I still remember my first summer working in Alaska. I thought I knew exactly what to pack. I had my layers, my boots, my sunscreen, and this unwavering belief that I was prepared for anything the mountains could throw my way. Then I stepped off the plane in Anchorage, felt the midnight sun slap me across the face at 11:45 p.m., immediately got swarmed by mosquitoes the size of small aircraft, and realized I had made a huge mistake: I did not know what to pack for Alaska.
Luckily for you, you don’t have to learn the hard way.
Working in Alaskan tourism, helping folks through glaciers, tundra, rainforests, and mountains, plus exploring the state during my downtime as a personal recreator, has taught me one thing very clearly: What to pack for Alaska is different than what to pack for almost anywhere else on earth.
This state is wild. Alaska is bold. Alaska is bigger than all of us, and she rewards the prepared. So let’s get you prepared.
Below is my complete, experience backed guide on what to pack for Alaska, whether you’re joining us on an inn-based adventure or spending days deep in the backcountry on a backpacking or basecamp itinerary. This resource is built on my personal experiences and the packing lists we recommend for every Wildland itinerary.
Why What You Pack for Alaska Matters
Before we get into the nitty gritty, let me paint you a picture. Alaska isn’t just mountains. It isn’t just glaciers, or grizzlies, or endless tundra stretching to the horizon. Alaska is a place where it can be sunny and 75 degrees at noon and raining sideways an hour later. Where you may hike through a rainforest in the morning, a windy alpine saddle in the afternoon, and fall asleep under the glow of the midnight sun.
In winter, snow can be soft as powdered sugar one day and hard as concrete the next. Your eyelashes might freeze. Your breath might turn into tiny crystals. Northern lights might ripple across the sky like a curtain being shaken by some celestial breeze.
This is why what to pack for Alaska is so important. It is the difference between being uncomfortable and being absolutely in awe.
What to Pack for Alaska in the Summer
Summer in Alaska typically runs from late May to late August. Temperatures vary depending on region, but you’ll commonly see highs in the 55 F to 75 F degree range.
The sun is out nearly all night long, the trails are vibrant, and the mosquitoes… well, they are thriving and hungry.
Here’s what to pack for Alaska in summer, based on dozens of trips, and watching more than one friend realize their mistake in real time.
- A Good Sleep Mask. Yes, I’m putting this first. People underestimate the midnight sun until it shoots a laser beam of daylight directly at their eyeballs at 2 a.m. A sleep mask should be at the top of what to pack for Alaska in the summer.
- Mosquito Defense (Your New Best Friends). When I say the mosquitoes are big, I’m not being dramatic. They thrive in Alaska, especially in tundra regions and wetlands. You absolutely need:
- 25 to 30 percent DEET repellent
- A head net
- Lightweight long sleeves and pants. If you forget these, I promise you will buy them at the first gift shop you see. Repeat after me: mosquito gear is essential for what to pack for Alaska.
- Layers (All the layers). Think about using a layering system and stay away from cotton materials. While cotton is great for warm weather climates, it stays damp easily. You will want to stick to other natural fibers or synthetics. You will want:
- A moisture wicking base layer
- A fleece or softshell
- A puffy jacket
- A waterproof rain shell. Alaska rain is unpredictable. It can be a short misty drizzle, or sideways and persistent. But hey, no mosquitos to combat during rain! For most Wildland trips, we provide a full suggested packing list.
Quality Footwear
Your shoes need to support you on uneven terrain. Alaska trails are not groomed. They have roots, rocks, mud, and occasionally surprise bog moments. You want:
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Medium weight wool socks
- Camp shoes if backpacking
If you’re wondering what to pack for Alaska in order to prevent blisters, it is wool socks. Always wool socks.
- Sun Protection. Sunscreen. SPF lip balm. Sunglasses. A hat. It does not matter if it is cold. UV exposure increases at higher latitude. Add it to your list of what to pack for Alaska in summer. Your skin will thank you.
- Quick Dry Everything. As I mentioned above, Cotton is a poor teammate in Alaska. Quick dry, moisture wicking fabrics help regulate body temperature and reduce chafing. If you’re preparing for an inn-based Wildland tour, think about daily comfort. If you’re packing for a backpacking or basecamp itinerary, go lighter and more technical. Either way, quick dry clothes fall under what to pack for Alaska.
What to Pack for Alaska in the Winter
Winter in Alaska is quiet and magical. Temperatures vary widely, from the teens above zero in coastal regions to forty below in interior areas. If you’re joining a winter adventure, this is what to pack for Alaska when everything is frozen and beautiful.
Heavy Insulation
You need:
- A down parka
- Thermal base layers
- A midweight fleece
- Insulated boots. Be honest with yourself about your cold tolerance. Alaska is not the place to say “I’ll be fine” when you won’t be fine.
Glove System
Consider using:
- A liner glove
- A warm insulated glove or mitten
- Awaterproof outer shell if you will be near snow.
This 3-part system lets you adapt. Add it to your checklist for what to pack for Alaska in winter.
- Traction Devices. Snowshoeing and winter hiking often require traction. Microspikes or snowshoes are sometimes provided depending on the guiding company, but always verify in advance. If we at Wildland tell you that you need traction, you definitely need traction.
- Hand Warmers and Foot Warmers. Throw a few into your bag. They weigh almost nothing and can rescue morale faster than hot cocoa.
- A Quality Headlamp. Winter daylight is precious and limited. Depending where you are, in some areas you’ll only get five to six hours per day. Bring a reliable headlamp with extra batteries. When considering what to pack for Alaska in December or January, this one is non-negotiable.
Best of Kachemak Bay Alaskan Basecamp
Hotel Stays Vs. Camping and Backpacking Trips
Now that we’ve covered the seasons, let’s talk about the difference between an inn-based Alaska trip and a backpacking or basecamp trip. Your decisions will change depending on which Wildland adventure you’re joining.
Inn Based Trips = Comfort Wins
You’ll want:
- Comfortable hiking clothes
- Evening casual wear
- A small daypack
- Optional personal toiletries
- Waterproof layers
- A camera
Since you’re not carrying your entire life on your back, you have more flexibility. But the essentials remain the same. Layers, mosquito gear, sun protection, and sturdy footwear are the heart of what to pack for Alaska in summer.
Backpacking or CaMping = Weight Matters
Here’s where you tightly curate your gear:
- Lightweight layers
- A compact puffy
- Small toiletry kit
- One spare outfit
- Essential camp gear
Wildland provides group gear on these trips, which helps immensely. Always check the specific packing list for your itinerary, but the basic rule still stands: Alaska rewards the prepared.
My Final Thoughts for You
Every time someone asks me what to pack for Alaska, I smile. Not because it is a simple question, but because it opens the door to so many stories. Like the time I forgot a sleep mask and tied shirt across my face at midnight. Or when I wore cotton leggings on a rainy day and discovered the true meaning of regret after going to sit down on a log.
Packing for Alaska is not just about comfort. It’s about respecting a place that is bigger, wilder, and more beautiful than most people ever imagine.
Whether you are joining us for an inn-based comfort adventure or trekking deep into the wilderness on a basecamp or backpacking itinerary, your experience begins before you ever step foot in the state. It starts with knowing what to pack for Alaska.
And now you know.
