Packing List

This packing list will help to ensure you will have everything you need for your trip with us. Plan your travel wardrobe around informal and comfortable clothing; even at mealtimes, dress is casual. The weather in Alaska is quite variable so clothing which can be layered is ideal. Of special note is to make sure you bring a high quality rain suit so that even if it rains, you can stay comfortable outdoors and have an enjoyable experience. Items made of wool or synthetic fabric remain comfortable and warm even when wet.

All this talk about weather is not meant to dampen your enthusiasm about visiting Alaska. The summer in Alaskan is usually quite mild with temperatures in the fifties and sixties. We liken the Alaska summer to spring or fall in other parts of the country. The most reliable advice is to be prepared for any type of weather! We have found that when our gear and spirits are well suited, the weather is always perfect.

PLEASE NOTE: This packing list is designed for a trip eight to nine days in length. You will need most items on this list and we’ve provided an “Optional Items” section below for additional items that we find useful in Alaska’s backcountry. Also note that there are no laundry facilities available at our wilderness lodges.

LUGGAGE: Due to the remoteness of our trips and the frequent handling of your baggage, we ask you to bring lightweight, soft-sided duffel bags or rolling duffels, which are weather-resistant. Patagonia’s line of Black Hole Bags are good examples, and the capacity, convenience and maneuverability of duffels or rolling duffels can be used again and again on future adventure vacations . Rigid suitcases are strongly discouraged as they are very difficult to pack in vehicle/boat luggage compartments, handle safely, and they may get damaged.

Please do not bring luggage weighing more than 40 pounds per bag; overweight fees may apply. Your bags are carried by hand, sometimes requiring our team to fit them into and lift them from narrow luggage holds in vehicles and boats. It’s better to bring two smaller bags than one large, heavy bag. For our more remote properties, if luggage is too large or heavy, you may be asked to split the contents into an AWA-provided duffel or tote. 

We ask you to keep important items such as your ID/wallet, medication and any electronic items on your person and in your daypack during periods where your larger luggage is stowed and not easily accessible.

HIKING BOOTS OR SHOES: Comfortable, lightweight and water repellent. We suggest bringing already worn-in and comfortable footwear you use for outdoor activities at home; we provide rubberized boot for water-based rafting and kayaking on our tours.

DAY PACK: This will come in handy for day hiking and van travel. A smaller daypack with two shoulder straps that you carry on your back is perfect, and should be large enough to hold rain gear, an extra sweater, water bottle, lunch, binoculars and anything else you would take on a day hike.

RAIN GEAR: During kayak excursions, group canoe paddles and explorations on foot, a good quality rain jacket and pair of rain pants is essential to keep you warm and dry. The REI Co-Op brand (www.rei.com) offers affordable, durable options. Rain gear should be made of coated nylon with factory-sealed seams. The expensive Gore-tex variety is not really necessary; however, you may opt for this if you think you may have use for it again. Heavy rubberized rain gear will keep you dry, but it is bulky and weighty to carry. Please do NOT bring a plastic or vinyl rain suit or poncho; these tend to tear easily and quickly.

PANTS: Two to three; one pair made of quick-drying, synthetic material. Include a pair of shorts, just in case! We recommend “convertible” pants, which zip-off into shorts for a “two-in-one” travel wardrobe mainstay.

SHIRTS: Two to three, mostly long-sleeved. A long-sleeved, light colored, tightly woven shirt is helpful for bug and sun protection. Bring at least one non-cotton hiking shirt, preferably two – one long-sleeved and one short-sleeved.

WARM JACKET / SWEATER / VEST: Synthetic fleece or wool jacket and a sweater make great layers for warmth. A fleece or wool vest helps take the early morning or late night chill off.

WOOL OR SYNTHETIC FLEECE HAT: You won’t be sorry you brought this!

WOOL OR SYNTHETIC GLOVES: To keep your fingers warm while hiking, boating or photographing outside.

BRIMMED HAT: For sun protection. Some who don’t enjoy a hooded jacket prefer a rain hat.

SOCKS: Two pairs of wool or synthetic socks for hiking, plus adequate lightweight socks to meet your personal needs.

LONG UNDERWEAR: Two sets of polypropylene, capilene or thermax tops and bottoms are recommended. Synthetic fabrics are designed to keep you warm even when wet, wicking moisture away from the skin. Do not bring cotton long underwear; if it becomes wet it fails to insulate.

UNDERWEAR: Enough for your personal needs.

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS: Make sure you bring an adequate supply for the trip.

ONE-QUART WATER BOTTLE OR HYDRATION PACK: One-quart water bottle or hydration pack for each person. Clean, potable water is available at all lodge locations on our trips. We are a plastic water bottle-free company; please help us reduce plastic waste by bringing your own water bottle.

SMALL FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLAMP: Needed from late July through September.

INSECT REPELLENT: Creams and pumps are more environmentally friendly than aerosols.

< Back to Plan