The Best Packing List for a Trip to Alaska In 2025

I relocated to Fairbanks, Alaska, in 2014. Before my move, I researched travel essentials for a trip to Alaska. Everything I read said to layer up, but other than that, I felt rather lost.

Now that I’ve made Alaska home for a few years, this post covers everything you need for a trip to Alaska.

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Whether you are visiting the Last Frontier on a cruise, excited about Seward, Denali, and Kenai Fjords National Park tours, or on a glacier cruise to see the beautiful Alaskan glaciers, I’ve got you covered.

I’ve also created this handy packing list for your Alaska vacation, which you can print as you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!

Unlike many other parts of the U.S., planning a trip to Alaska can be difficult to prepare and pack.

The weather can be hard to predict, particularly in transition months like April, May, and sometimes June. It could be chilly one day, warm on another, or even raining or a mix.

After experiencing what felt like a monsoon one summer, intense wildfire on another, and the perfect weather on my third summer in Alaska, I am confident that this list is all you need for your vacation to Alaska.

Dress for comfort. While Alaska is not particularly known for upbeat, trendy fashion, bringing a mix of clothing that fits your style is never bad. If traveling on a cruise, you may have a few formal events.

So one or two formal wear will come in handy. Comfortably warm casual and athleisure pieces should occupy most of your luggage space.

What to Pack for Your Trip to Alaska

1. Fleece layers (2-3) – Dress in layers for a more comfortable travel experience since you can easily remove clothes if you get too warm. I love these comfortable pants and a long-sleeve top from Cuddl Duds. January and February are inarguably the coldest months of the year, with temperatures dipping as low as -40F. 
   • Waterproof jacket (1) – I recommend packing a lightweight, waterproof jacket that will keep you both warm and stylish. Even in May, early mornings and evenings can be chilly. My tour guide friend says the Arctic Circle excursion can be very windy, so layer up.
     
     I also like this light rain jacket from North Face, which can easily be thrown into a hiking backpack. Alaskans rarely use umbrellas because they fall in every direction when it rains.
2. Fleece jacket(1)—When it rains hard, you’ll be glad to have a fleece jacket to keep you insulated. A fleece jacket is also great for layering, and this one is a great option.
3. Sunglasses (1)—We receive extended daylight hours as we approach the summer solstice. A pair of sunglasses will be your best friend. I suggest leaving your fancier pair home and getting an inexpensive pair like this one. If you lose it, your vacation will not be soured.
4. Gloves (1) – Any pair of light gloves will do unless you plan on visiting in the heart of winter. Here’s an affordable one from Amazon. I am wearing Outdoor Research Flurry mitts in this post.
5. Insulated/Fleece-Lined leggings(2)—These are great for layering, and if you find that you are warmer than you like, you can effortlessly rock them with a pair of walking shoes. I recommend traveling with at least two pairs of insulated leggings to double up as layering pieces. Leggings make a stylish outfit with a pair of boots.
6. Jeans (2-3) – Two or three pairs of jeans would be enough for a 7 or 10-day trip to Alaska. I recommend a thick pair with stretch or extra room so you can wear your insulated leggings underneath if you need to layer up.
7. Cardigans (2)—You can never go wrong with cardigans in Alaska. Not only do they keep you warm, but they will transform your looks since you will be leaving out of a suitcase. I usually wear cardigans in May (sometimes June) and September.
8. Casual tops (3-4) – Pack a few casual and fancy tops to wear with your jeans and leggings.
9. Workout clothes (optional) – If you plan on working out during your vacation. Creamer’s Field in Fairbanks has some nice running trails.
10. Underwear – Self-explanatory. Pack enough for your trip.
11. Cocktail dress (1-2)—If you are visiting Alaska on a cruise or exploring Alaska with others, packing one or two formal clothes is a great idea. While I recommend wearing whatever makes you feel most comfortable, sometimes dressing up transforms your evening.
    
    Additionally, if you’re going on a cruise, chances are that you will have at least one formal dinner night. One or two cocktail dresses should suffice (this dress is my favorite!).
12. Sneakers (1) –A pair of comfortable sneakers should be all you need for excursions. There is so much to see and do in Alaska. Sneakers will help with your posture and keep your feet comfortable, especially if you walk a lot. If you have extra room in your luggage, you can pack an extra pair.
13. Riding boots/rain boots (1)—Depending on the season you visit Alaska, you can switch a pair of riding boots for rain boots. These Sperry Saltwater Duck Booties are chic and practical for a rainy vacation.
14. Walking shoes (1)—I prefer a pair of classic Toms slip-ons because they provide the maximum cushion, are lightweight for traveling, and go with many outfits. They are made of fabric, so they will not get scuffed like leather shoes.
15. Stilettos (1)—Every girl needs a pair of stilettos. Even a casual look can be instantly transformed with a pair of classic black pumps. For comfort, I recommend wearing kitten heels (2-3 inches) or medium-height heels (3-4 inches) since it may be hard to predict the terrain you will walk on. Leave your fanciest pair at home.
16. Nice slippers (1) – A nice pair of flip-flops can double down for indoor movement (hotel/cruise), which you can use to run quick errands or to the swimming pool.
17. Swimsuit (1) – If you have access to a pool or plan on visiting one of the many hot springs in Alaska, you will be glad you packed one. I lived in Fairbanks and visited Chena Hot Springs. It was amazing!
18. Nightwear – Don’t forget to pack a pair or two.

Additional Travel Essentials for Your Trip to Alaska

• Phone charger
• Laptop + charger
• Headphones – Drowns out the noise on your flight or noisy neighbors on a cruise
• GPS if exploring Alaska on your own – Alaska is 5 times the size of Texas with a population that is a fraction of Texas. As you travel around the state and even within the town, network coverage can get patchy. Not all GPS comes preloaded with Alaska maps. This TomTom GPS includes maps of Alaska.
• Camera, extra memory card + charger – I love and use a Canon T5i. I use an 18-55mm kit lens and an affordable 50mm portable lens. My all-time favorite memory card is Sandisk Extreme 32GB SD memory card.
• Socks – A few pairs to keep your toes warm.
• Swim cover-up – A lightweight kimono is a terrific option.
• Hat or sun visor – July and August are toasty.
• Hiking boots – For mountain escapades. You may want to try a bunch of hiking trails yourself.
• Extra money – If you have a lot on your bucket list to scratch in your Alaska travel, always bring extra cash so you may enjoy your Alaska itinerary to the fullest. We never know when unexpected additional expenses suddenly appear.

Miscellaneous Travel Items

1. Sunscreen
2. Insect repellent – The mosquitoes in Alaska are ferocious!
3. Shampoo & conditioner
4. Sponge/washcloth
5. Moisturizer – I like to pre-pack my lotion in an empty reusable tube. I love this one.
6. Deodorant
7. A comb or two
8. Shower cap
9. Sanitary napkins/pantyliners/tampons
10. Shaving stick – This OLOV shaver is a great option.
11. Makeup and makeup remover – I pack my makeup in a similar bag. I always put my makeup remover in a zip-lock bag to prevent it from drying out.
12. Perfume—I never travel with full-size perfumes. I always travel with my Scentbird perfume (read this review first). It fits nicely into a pouch I put in my handbag. Your fragrance comes in a fancy, travel-friendly refillable case. This tiny goodness gives you 120 sprays, enough for 30 days if you apply 4 sprays a day!
13. Medication—I recommend putting your medications in your purse or carry-on. As a pharmacist, I’ve encountered a few travelers who either forgot their medications or had them get lost or delayed in their checked luggage. It’s not fun! You may also want to get an over-the-counter motion sickness medication if you go on a cruise.
14. Toothbrush + toothbrush case + toothpaste
15. Manicure set – Nothing worse than a cracked nail with no way to fix it.
16. A basic first aid kit – You might have access to one on a cruise ship or at a hotel, but you never know. Throw in band-aids, Tums, Motrin, hand sanitizer, Aloe lotion, Tylenol, and Benadryl.
17. Downy Wrinkle Release – In case you cannot access an iron.
18. A travel flat iron
19. Water bottle – To stay hydrated during your entire trip.
20. Toiletry bag—This is for organizing all your toiletries. I use something similar to this one.
21. Hand sanitizer
22. Tissue

Alaska’s Top Destination Spots and Popular Activities

Alaska trip planning can sometimes be confusing since plenty of ideas come simultaneously and may leave you baffled. There are complete vacation packages, but keep reading if you want to handpick your tourist spots.

Enjoy North America’s Alaska realness with these must-visit sites with spectacular views and natural wonders:

• Denali National Park in Southcentral Alaska (formerly McKinley Park)
• Exit Glacier
• Resurrection Bay (best for whale watching)
• Coastal Towns
• Mendenhall Glacier
• Mount Roberts Tramway
• Katmai National Park
• Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska
• Tongass National Forest (coastal rainforest)
• Royal Caribbean Cruises
• Alaska Wildland Adventures
• Homer, Alaska (majestic mountains)
• Haystack Mountain (for Northern lights viewing)

You can also use this interactive Alaska Trip Finder tool to choose your Alaska road trip destinations conveniently.

Alaska Vacation Tips

In Alaska, it is fine to repurpose clothes for different occasions. Pack clothes that can serve multiple occasions. If you are visiting Alaska on a cruise, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

There are many things to see and do in Fairbanks, Alaska. To be adequately prepared, you want to pack clothes for various occasions.

Be it a family outing or for an independent traveler; this exhaustive list should guide you about what to bring to Alaska to keep you warm and comfortable for maximum fun. You will be all set whether you’re out on excursions, taking a stroll in Alaska, enjoying cultural experiences, watching wildlife, or indulging in the best fine dining in the Last Frontier.

I created this guide based on my personal experience living in Alaska and infused some fashionable options for those who love stylish looks. Don’t forget your free printable packing list to help you as you pack your bags.

As someone who travels out of Fairbanks, Alaska, several times a year, most of my toiletries fit nicely into my toiletry bag. If you are visiting Alaska on a cruise, you may want to add a travel-size Poo-Pourri. Don’t dampen your trip to Alaska with the unpleasant smell of the bathroom.

I heard Ozium air sanitizer is equally amazing. Plug-ins are not allowed on most cruises (they are a fire hazard, and limited plug-ins are available), so this freshens up the air for those sharing a small cabin with several others.

Depending on my trip, I use packing cubes to organize my luggage and clothes. You can use the smaller ones for your underwear, dirty laundry, and miscellaneous items. The bigger ones for your clothes.

I suggest using a reliable/heavy-duty backpack rather than a purse. The backpack will spread the weight between your shoulders, and the multiple compartments will keep your belongings where they belong.

It comes in handy for excursions and is less strenuous on the shoulders than totes or shoulder bags. For a 7-10 day trip, one checked-in bag and a carry-on will be all you need, with room for a few souvenirs.

I am wearing:
Baffin insulated winter boots | Helly Hansen Blume puffy parka | Turtle Fur Knit beanie (similar) | Outdoor Research Flurry mitts | High-waisted jeans (similar) |
Photos by SNHPhotos

Conclusion

If you forget something at home, don’t buy it at your hotel or ship it. Check out local stores for more affordable options (hello, souvenir!). In Fairbanks, The Prospector Outfitters is our go-to for outdoors and winter.

You will also find familiar stores like Sears, American Eagle Outfitters, and Old Navy in Fairbanks. Local stores in My Element and Fireweed Boutique carry unique and trendy clothing.

I hope you found this packing guide helpful as you prepare for your Alaska tour. Don’t forget to read this epic list of the best things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska, on a budget. Numbers 5, 15, and 16 are my favorites!

Please let me know your questions in the comment section below. You are welcome to send me an email. You might spot me if you make it up to Fairbanks 🙂 Good luck with your vacation!

P.S.: This post was written a while ago. Here are some more outfit ideas to consider for your trip to Alaska:

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Thanks to The Prospector Outfitters of Fairbanks for collaborating on this post, The Best Packing List for a Trip to Alaska.

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