Alaska Packing List | Ultimate Alaska Itinerary

The following packing list contains general recommendations for a trip to Alaska in June through August. If you are currently booked on the Ultimate Alaska Wildlife Safari with Nat Hab, please consult your pre-departure materials for the most comprehensive and up-to-date packing list for your trip. You will receive these pre-departure materials 60–90 days before your departure.

Adventure Guidelines

• Since the weather in Alaska can change by the hour, we recommend layering your clothing (i.e., wearing a T-shirt, fleece, and jacket) so you can be comfortable throughout the day regardless of the temperature.
• Remember that during the adventure, heavy rain is always a possibility, and proper rain gear is a must. We cannot stress this enough.
• Be sure to pack warm clothing, including rain gear, a hat and gloves in your carry-on bag when traveling by air.
• Rubber boots are provided for both the Spencer raft trip and kayaking at Fox Island.
  
  

Clothing

The clothing list below is geared toward the adventures leaving in June and July. For those departures in the months of August and September, please consider bringing more cold-weather clothing, as fall is already beginning, and the temperatures are starting to get colder. Shorts and short-sleeved shirts may not be necessary.

• Lightweight neck gaiter (included in your pre-departure package)
  —Provides sun, wind and/or dust protection. 
• Waterproof rain gear
  — You will need both a rain jacket with a hood and rain pants. It is extremely important your rain gear be fully waterproof, not just water-repellent, as it can rain frequently and quite heavily in the areas we will be visiting. We recommend a rain jacket with a shell of 100 percent polyurethane that can be layered over fleece, should temperatures be chilly. Flimsy rain gear is easily torn, rendering it useless for the remainder of the adventure, so we recommend you avoid these items when possible. Your rain gear may be your most useful pieces of clothing.
• Warm hat and gloves 
• Ankle-high, waterproof hiking boots
  — Bring boots with good traction and sturdy ankle support. Make sure they are broken in prior to your departure to prevent blisters.
• Silk or polypropylene thermal underwear
  — Bring both tops and bottoms for layering.
• Warm coat for August/September departures
• Fleece jacket or wool sweater 
• Sun/rain hat
  — With brim, and string so it won’t blow away.
• 5 pairs of long pants (or zip-off pants)
• 1 pair of shorts
  — You may not need extra shorts if you are bringing zip-off pants.
•  5–6 long-sleeved shirts 
• 3–4 short-sleeved T-shirts 
• Socks
  — Bring several pairs made of wool or synthetic material. Cotton socks are not recommended for hikes.
• Sleepwear
• Polypropylene sock liners
  — Optional, for longer hikes
• Extra pair of walking shoes
  — Tennis shoes are fine
• Swimsuit
  — If you would like to use the pools at SpringHill Suites and Hotel Alyeska
  
  

Additional Items 

• Cash
  — For discretionary gratuities (you may want to bring envelopes for discreet presentation).
  — For personal spending (souvenirs, Internet use, food and beverages not included in your trip fee, such as one dinner in Alyeska and one in Anchorage).
• Hairdryer (optional)
  — Hairdryers are provided at most, but not all, of the accommodations used during the itinerary. If you would like the use of a one throughout the adventure, you will need to bring your own.
• Water-resistant daypack 
  — To carry gear during outings
  
• Smaller bag for our trips to Denali, Fox Island and Brooks Lodge 
  — This can be the same bag as your carry-on or one you can pack in your checked luggage. It should be large enough to hold items needed for up to two nights. Your larger luggage will remain at the entrance to Denali, Seward and Anchorage during these days and will be retrieved upon our return.
• Binoculars
  — Binoculars are essential for this adventure. A good quality pair will definitely enhance your wildlife-viewing experience, and you will get the most out of them if you practice using them at home and make a habit of having them with you regularly on the trip. Waterproof binoculars work well but are not required. We recommend that each person has their own pair of binoculars.
• Reusable water bottle (included in your pre-trip package)
  —In our continuing effort to operate our adventures with as little impact on the environment as possible, you will receive a reusable water bottle (unless you opted out on your Booking Form) to take with you on your adventure. We will provide drinking water throughout the adventure for you to refill your bottle. By doing this, you will avoid using multiple disposable plastic bottles.
• Hiking poles (optional) 
  — If you are bringing poles, make sure they fit in your checked baggage, as you will not be allowed to carry them on the plane.
• Sunglasses (with UV filter)
• Headlamp or small flashlight
• Earplugs
  — Earplugs may be especially helpful for the shared sleeping quarters at Brooks Lodge, which tend to be a bit noisy in the evenings.
• Sleeping mask
• Toiletries
• Insect repellent (non-aerosol)
  — Mosquitoes and gnats can be a real nuisance and we highly recommend you come prepared with repellent. You may even want to bring insect-repellent clothing or mosquito-net clothing (headnets will be provided).
• Sunscreen and lip balm (at least SPF15)
• Prescription glasses/contact lenses
• Battery-operated alarm clock or wristwatch
• Dry bags or reusable waterproof bags 
  — Bring several sizes. These are great for wet or dirty clothing and to protect camera equipment from the elements.
• Laundry detergent
  — Detergent is optional for those who may wish to wash clothing or undergarments using the sink in your hotel room. Please double-bag it to prevent spillage. A drain stopper might be useful as well.