Packing for your adventure to Alaska may seem like an overwhelming task, but we have created a list of the most important items to help get you started. Some tours require additional gear and supplies; however, this specially curated Alaska Packing Guide should help alleviate the guesswork! The dress code is 100% casual any time of year.
For tours that require additional items, don’t worry! We send you a detailed list tailored to fit your exact tour a few months before you arrive in Alaska.
Summer Travel
Summer in Alaska is known for long days and mild temperatures with cooler nighttime temperatures. Because of the size of Alaska and the great distances that you may travel, you can expect varying temperatures during your tour.
It is wise to pack lightweight layers with a few warmer layers. Before heading out for your trip, you will receive a complimentary blue, trademark John Hall’s Alaska windbreaker to bring along! You may wish to bring along an umbrella or raincoat as well.
Helpful Packing List:
- Hat and/or gloves for boat trip
- Sun protection- sunglasses, cap, sunscreen, and lip balm with SPF
- Layers for various weather conditions (warm, rainy, and/or cold)
- Mix of casual short and long-sleeve shirts
- Light jacket such as a hoody or fleece
- Casual pants, capris and shorts
- Comfortable walking shoes with good traction
- Camera/video equipment and any extra items (batteries, lenses, chargers, and memory cards).
- Binoculars or spotting scope
- Backpack for day trips
- John Hall’s Alaska supplied documents, luggage tags, and itinerary
Southeast Alaska Travelers:
- Raingear- raincoat, rain pants, poncho, and/or umbrella
- Waterproof Boots for hikes and possible wet landings
- Extra layer- hats, gloves, and/or scarf while on the vessel
Provided by John Hall’s Alaska
- Mosquito repellent with and without DEET
- Hand sanitizer, sanitizing hand wipes, and facemasks
Remember to pack your government-issued picture ID, passport, any necessary medications, cruise documents, and airline boarding passes in your carry-on luggage. These items should be carried with you always. Do not lock your luggage due to the screening of every bag by the Transportation Security Administration.
Red Duffle Bags
If your tour includes an overnight at Kantishna or McCarthy, access to your luggage will not be available due to space limitations in transportation. Included in each guest’s documents will be a John Hall’s Alaska duffle bag to use for overnight clothing and other personal items while touring these specific destinations.
Winter Tours
Alaska in the wintertime is not as harsh as you might expect. With the proper attire, you will surely enjoy your wintery Alaska trip. Guests are provided with a black, sub-zero-rated John Hall’s Alaska jacket to help keep you warm.
Helpful Packing List:
- Winter hat, gloves, and/or mittens
- Thermal base layers with materials such as synthetics, merino wool, or silk
- Bathing suit for a stop at the hot springs
- Other layers for various weather conditions and indoor use
- Face mask and/or balaclava
- Snow pants are best although not required
- Hand and foot warmers to enjoy the outdoors longer
- Ice cleats – suggested brands include: Stabilicers, Yaktrax, ICETrekkers, and Kahtoola
- Winter boots rated -40°F – 0°F are best OR bring foot warmers to accompany warmer rated boots
- Binoculars or spotting scope
- John Hall’s Alaska supplied documents, luggage tags, and itinerary
Remember to pack your government-issued picture ID, passport, any necessary medications, and airline boarding passes in your carry-on luggage. These items should be carried with you always. Do not lock your luggage due to the screening of every bag by the Transportation Security Administration.
For Northern Lights Photography – (Not Required)
Our winter tours include an evening of professional instruction on how to properly set your camera for capturing the northern lights. Here is our list of optional items to enhance your photography experience:
- Camera with ability to adjust manually to take time exposures of 10-30 seconds or longer
- Tripod for photographing the northern lights
- Spare camera batteries for photographing in the cold
- Lens hood/shield
- Head lamp- preferably with a red light option for hands-free operation
- 1 gallon or 2 gallon XL Ziploc storage bag to sore camera for acclimation of outdoors to indoors (potential for condensation)
Suggested retailers for new and/or rentals of winter gear
RENTAL GEAR:
6th Avenue Outfitters
Phone Number: (907) 276-0233
It is recommended to place your rental order as soon as possible as they have a limited supply of sizes. At a minimum, rentals must be ordered 4 days ahead of time. Our Anchorage team can assist in coordinating the rental gear pickup upon request.
For info on weather, head over to the Weather page.