Alaska Packing List for Summer: What to Bring for Your Land-Based Adventure

Heading to Alaska this summer (no cruise required)? This Alaska packing list covers exactly what to bring for land-based travel—layers, gear, and real-life tips from a repeat visitor. Includes a free printable checklist and trip planner!
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Packing for Alaska in the Summer: What I Brought, What I Regretted, and What I’ll Never Forget Again
Let me tell you how my first Alaska packing experience went: I brought a denim jacket, two cardigans, one pair of sneakers, and—this is not a joke—flip flops. It was July. I thought I had it handled.
I did not have it handled.
By the second day of our trip, I was wet, cold, and digging through my husband’s suitcase for better socks. So, if you’re planning a vacation to Alaska this summer and have no clue what to pack, I’ve got you covered. I’ve now done this enough times to know what actually works.
I even made a printable checklist (which you can grab below). And if you’re deep in the weeds of trip planning, I’ve got something even better: my Ultimate Alaska Family Travel Planner that keeps the whole process from turning into chaos.
But let’s start with what to put in your suitcase.
First: Alaska Summer Weather Is Wild
This is pretty typical for Alaska in the summer months. When you wake up it’s actually pretty cold outside. So, you put on your fleece, gloves, and a beanie. However, by 1pm the sun is out, it’s in the 80’s and you’re sweating in all the wrong places. By dinner, the wind picks up, and suddenly you’re freezing again. This is normal. This is Alaska.
I’ve learned to pack not for the temperature on the forecast, but for the entire spectrum of possible weather. It’s not unusual to experience three seasons in one day.
Related: How to Spend 3 days in Valdez!
The Clothing That Actually Works
My rule is simple for this Alaska packing list: wear one, pack one, stash a third in your daypack. Everything should layer, and everything should dry quickly.
- Base layers – Lightweight, breathable, and not cotton. Think quick-dry tees or long sleeves.
- Midlayers – A fleece or thin pullover is gold. I have one I now consider part of my Alaska uniform.
- Rain jacket – This one’s non-negotiable. Hooded. Waterproof. Mine lives in the car, just in case.
- Puffy jacket or vest – Yep, even in July. Especially in July.
- On the bottom half, I bring quick-dry hiking pants and leggings. Jeans only make the cut if we’re doing something chill, like exploring town or grabbing pizza in Talkeetna.
Footwear (and Why Dry Feet Matter More Than You Think)
You do not need five pairs of shoes. But you do need the right ones.
- Waterproof hiking boots – Not water-resistant. Waterproof. There’s a difference. Learned that the hard way.
- Sneakers or comfy walking shoes – Great for travel days and lighter adventures.
- Flip flops – Okay, I mocked these earlier, but I do bring them… for hotel rooms, showers, or when your feet just need to breathe.
- Also: wool socks. Several pairs. I pack extras because at least one will go missing. It’s science.
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The Tiny Things That Saved Me
Here’s the stuff I didn’t pack the first time but now bring without fail. Definitely consider these in your Alaska packing list:
- Beanie and gloves – I’ve worn them on glacier cruises, late-night walks, and once while eating ice cream. No regrets.
- Sunglasses – Midnight sun + glacier glare = bring the good ones.
- Bug spray – Especially if you’re spending time near water or in Denali.
- Portable charger – Because nothing kills the mood faster than a dead phone during a whale sighting.
- And yes—sunscreen. You’ll get more sun than you think, even when it’s cloudy.
Packing for Kids? Bless You.
My daughter is a puddle magnet. If there’s mud, she’ll find it. If there’s rain, she’s dancing in it. So here’s what I always make sure she has:
- Rain boots and a full-body rain suit (best purchase ever)
- Warm hat, gloves, backup hoodie
- Snacks. Constant snacks.
- Books, travel games, and her sketchpad
- A travel blanket (she calls it her “cozy cape”)
Also, I double the socks and pants I think she’ll need. And I keep a plastic bag in the car for wet stuff because—spoiler—we use it every single time.
Related: The best 3 day itinerary for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Want My Printable Packing List?
I pulled together everything we pack into a printable checklist because I got tired of forgetting the same five things. It’s simple, realistic, and meant for actual families, not Instagram-perfect fantasy trips.
Planning Your Whole Trip?
Packing is just the tip of the iceberg (ha, Alaska pun). If the whole planning thing is stressing you out—like figuring out where to stay, how far apart things really are, what tours are actually worth it—I can help with that too.
I created the Ultimate Alaska Family Travel Planner after our second trip, and now I use it every time. It has:
- My favorite 7- and 10-day itineraries
- A budgeting tool
- Grocery and restaurant lists
- Emergency contact organizer
- A wildlife tracker (yes, it’s a little dorky and yes, we all love it)
- And of course, the packing list

One Last Tip
Bring the rain jacket. Always. Even if it’s sunny. Even if it hasn’t rained in a week. Alaska doesn’t care about the forecast.
And remember—if you forget something, there’s a good chance you’ll find a cozy little outfitter in town who has what you need. (We bought emergency wool socks in Homer once. I still wear them.)
Here’s to dry feet, layered outfits, and incredible memories. Alaska is worth every soggy backpack and unexpected chill—you just have to pack smart and roll with it.