Best Items for an Alaskan Cruise

Best Items for an Alaskan Cruise – Packing for an Alaskan Cruise can quickly get overwhelming.  The question is, do you need shorts, a ski cap, or both?  The answer is both—and then some. Here are some suggestions on what to take on an Alaska vacation:

Coming between May and September? Think Layers

Alaska is a pretty casual place, so their “dress code” is not about fashion so much as being comfortable, so that you can enjoy each day to the fullest, no matter the weather. That’s why they say to dress in layers. From spring through early fall, be prepared for temperatures in the 50 to 70 degree range, always with the possibility of a little rain and wind. If you dress in layers and bring a small hip pack or backpack, you’ll stay warm and dry when it’s chilly or wet, and you can peel off layers and stow them as the weather changes.  Rain or shine, many day tours—flight seeing, cruises, bus tours—offer some access to shelter, but you should always be ready with your own rain gear and basics, since you’ll easily be spending at least a little time outside. For specialized excursions, you can expect that the tour operator will provide specific gear that you would need for that day—like tackle and hip waders for a fishing trip, or a poncho, rain boots or dry suit for a rafting trip.

What to Pack – The Middle & Outer Layers

The middle, insulating layer has traditionally been expedition-weight long underwear, a fleece or synchilla jacket, or even a sweater. These synthetic materials have the edge over wool or cotton because of their lightness and warmth. They work well.  But lightweight synthetic or down jackets work as well. They’re lightweight and pack down smaller, yet provide more loft as an insulating layer. When it’s not raining, you can also wear them as an outer layer. They’re wind- and abrasion-resistant and can handle a lot of perspiration, because they’re so breathable.  Here are my recommendations:

Carhartt Men’s Force Midweight Classic Thermal Base Layer Pant

Carhartt Men’s Base Force Midweight Classic Bottoms (MBL115) are thermal base layer bottoms featuring classic waffle knit fabric for easy-wearing warmth. Designed to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable, these men’s thermal bottoms use FastDry and Rugged Flex technologies and odor-fighting fabric. FastDry wicks away sweat and Rugged Flex is for ease of movement, giving your legs a full range of motion. Get Your Carhartt Men’s Base Force Midweight Classic Bottoms Here.

Carhartt Men’s Base Force Midweight Classic Crew

Carhartt Men’s Base Force Midweight Classic Crew (MBL113) is a thermal base layer long-sleeve shirt featuring classic waffle knit fabric for easy-wearing warmth. Designed to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable, this crew neck base layer top uses FastDry and Rugged Flex technologies and odor-fighting fabric. FastDry wicks away sweat and Rugged Flex is for ease of movement, giving your arms a full range of motion. Get Your Carhartt Men’s Base Force Midweight Classic Crew Here.

Thermajane Women’s Ultra Soft Thermal Underwear Long Johns Set with Fleece Lined (Assorted Colors)

Warm and comfort are a necessity during the day. Thermal underwear for women protects you from the colder temperatures by wicking away moisture to keep you warm and dry no matter what your activity level is. The women’s thermals are soft and feel like a second skin allowing them to retain ad distribute your body heat evenly for added warmth. Get Your Thermajane Women’s Ultra Soft Thermal Underwear Long Johns Set with Fleece Lined Here.

What to Pack – The Outer Layer

The outer layer is the one you really need to get right. You want a shell that’s waterproof and breathable to stay warm when it’s windy and dry when it’s rainy. These thin, outer jackets can be tucked into in the outer compartments of your suitcase and should be fully waterproof.

Amazon Essentials Men’s Lightweight Water-Resistant Packable Puffer Jacket

An Amazon brand – Cold-weather style is easy with this versatile water-resistant lightweight puffer jacket featuring a full-zip front and stand-up collar.  Choose from 25 colors!  Get Your Amazon Essentials Men’s Lightweight Water-Resistant Packable Puffer Jacket Here.

Amazon Essentials Women’s Lightweight Long-Sleeve Full-Zip Water-Resistant Packable Hooded Puffer Jacket

Amazon Essentials is focused on creating affordable, high-quality, and long-lasting everyday clothing you can rely on. Our line of women’s apparel includes cashmere sweaters, fleece and down jackets, and more, including plus-size options. Our consistent sizing takes the guesswork out of shopping, and each piece is put to the test to maintain the highest standards in quality and comfort.  Choose from 18 colors! Get Your Amazon Essentials Women’s LIghtweight Long-Sleeve Full-Zip Water-Resistant Packable Hooded Puffer Jacket Here.

Bring Warm Weather Gear Too!

Pack some shorts and short-sleeved shirts for your vacation, too. There are plenty of outdoor retailers to find any last-minute items you may need.  Recent Alaskan summers have been hot and sunny.   Take your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen and a lightweight, brimmed hat for sun and rain.  Interestingly, the intensity of the sun in Alaska on a peak summer day is probably equivalent to a spring day in the Lower 48, because of the lower angle of the sun in the subarctic regions. But due to the long summer days, there are twice as many hours of daylight, so you definitely want to protect your skin.

Other Extras

Gloves & Hat

Even on a warm summer day, it can get pretty chilly when you are heading up to a glacier. While you won’t need a parka or anything winter-weight, a pair of thin gloves and a light hat will be worthwhile. If anything, you’ll be able to spend more time taking great photos.

HINDAWI Winter Hat Scarf Gloves Slouchy Beanie Snow Knit Skull Cap Touch Screen Mittens Circle Scarves for Women

Made of high quality material, very warm and comfortable to wear.  You may find similar design with our product, please be aware quality is totally different.  There are many colors for the products, you can choose the one you like.  Suitable for girl and women, fashionable Unique design keeps you warm and looking good in the cold weather! Get Your HINDAWI Winter Hat Scarf Gloves Knit Set Here.

MAYLISACC Winter Knit Beanie Hat Neck Warmer Scarf and Touch Screen Gloves Set 3 Pcs Fleece Lined Skull Cap for Men Women

Simple and classic never goes wrong.  Knitting Garment Care:Keep you warm and cozy during the snowy days. Keep you warm and cozy during the snowy days. The three conductive fingertips ( thumb, forefinger, middle finger) make sure the sensitive response to the smartphone or tablet screen and so on. Get Your MAYLISACC Winter Knit Beanie Hat, Neck Warmer & Gloves Set Here.

Proper Footwear

Never bring new shoes to Alaska—you’ll be walking a lot, and don’t need blisters. Old tennis shoes that are well-worn are better than fancy boots that have never been taken out of the box. If you want waterproofing, look for Gore-Tex socks that can slip over your regular, non-cotton socks. If you’re going to invest in hiking shoes, get yourself a comfortable pair of lightweight hikers with good traction—two pairs, actually, in case one gets wet.  And break them in before you visit.

RAX Men’s Jungle Wolf Waterproof Hiking Boot Camping Backpacking Shoe

A hiking shoe designed with expert craftsmanship for the male hiking enthusiast, the RAX FLASH hiking boot is the good companion for the outdoor activities. High quality materials are first and foremost on RAX’s list of requirements when designing and creating hiking shoes. These shoes combine durability and comfort seamlessly while remaining lightweight and versatile Get Your RAX Men’s Jungle Wolf Waterproof Hiking Boot Camping Backpacking Shoe Here.

Columbia Women’s Redmond Mid Waterproof Trail Shoe (Various Colors)

Finally, a stylish waterproof hiking boot with the comfort and traction you need for tough trails, easy walks—and every adventure in between. The Newton Ridge Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Boot is made from high quality materials, quality assembly, and durable stitching. It’s a rugged trail-ready boot designed for long-lasting hiking wear. Just lace up and go.  Get Your Columbia Women’s Redmond Mid Waterproof Trail Shoe Here.

RANDY SUN Unisex Waterproof & Breathable Hiking/Trekking/Ski Socks

Due to its favorable durability and high air permeability, our waterproof socks has become one of the ideal choices for outdoor enthusiasts, military personnel as well as postal clerks. Get Your RANDY SUN Unisex Waterproof & Breathable Hiking/Trekking/Ski Socks Here.

Mosquito Protection

Mosquitoes aren’t as much of a problem as most people think. But you’ll still want to bring “bug dope” as an insurance policy.  30-40% DEET usually does the trick. The only time you’ll need 100% DEET is on a backpacking or float trip in the interior near standing water.  If you don’t like DEET, the best DEET alternative is Picaridin.  This synthetic compound doesn’t have as good of repellent qualities as DEET, but it works pretty darn well—and it doesn’t damage fabrics like DEET, nor have the odor or oily feel, nor have the bad taste when applied to the skin.

Ben’s 30% DEET Mosquito, Tick and Insect Repellent, 3.4 Ounce Pump

Ben’s 30 Tick & Insect Repellent offers protection from ticks and insects that may carry the Zika Virus,West Nile Virus, Lyme disease, Malaria, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and other infectious diseases. Providing up to 12 hours of effective protection, Ben’s 30’s unique 30% DEET, water based formula is made to evaporate slowly – so repellent stays on longer with little absorption into the skin. TSA 3.4oz travel size allows you to bring the maximum amount of Ben’s 30 insect repellent with you wherever you fly. Get Your Ben’s 30% Deet Mosquito, Tick & Insect Repellent Here.

Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin

Long-lasting Sawyer Picaridin-based insect repellent can be applied to your skin as well as clothing, outdoor gear, and more. It offers effective protection against disease carrying nuisances like mosquitoes carrying Zika and ticks carrying Lyme Disease.  Get Your Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin Here.

Other Extras to Consider

Fishing License

You can order this ahead of time online, but it’s easy to obtain from your air taxi, fishing guide, or most local grocery stores.

First Aid Only 298 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Emergency Kit

Most hotels and tour operators will have you covered, but it’s convenient to have Band-Aids and ointment for minor emergencies.  2-in-1 Premium First Aid Emergency Kit with 120 medical grade items.  Amazingly small, lightweight Mini Kit with additional 32 medical items.  The 298 piece kit has supplies for pain and swelling, as well as for cuts, scrapes, and burns. This bag is easy to carry and compact, measuring 9.25 x 2.875 x 7 inches, with compartments to store everything.  Get Your First Aid Only First Aid Emergency Kit Here.

Backpack or Tote Bag

Layers are useless unless you have away to stow them. You’ll likely be away from your hotel for most of the day, so it’s a good idea to have a bag to carry your camera, extra clothing layers, medications.

Binoculars/Spotting Scope

Wildlife won’t (always) stroll up to you. Having binoculars to see them in greater detail can really make the difference between a good trip and a great trip.

Nikon 7576 MONARCH 5 8×42 Binoculars

The MONARCH 5 delivers sharp, high-contrast views that are the result of a state-of-the-art optical system. Featuring Nikon’s premium ED Glass lenses and Dielectric High-Reflective Multi-layer Prism Coatings, the MONARCH 5 displays exceptionally accurate color reproduction and a clear, natural looking image.  Get Your Nikon 7576 Monarch 5 8×42 Binoculars Here.

Celestron 52250 80mm Ultima Zoom Spotting Scope

Celestron’s popular Ultima 80mm Zoom Spotting Scope offers images that are noticeably brighter and sharper than entry level 60mm spotters. The Ultima 80 is a refractor style spotting scope with an Achromatic objective lens. Excellent light transmission is assured by multi-layer anti-reflection coatings on the objective lens as well as on the zoom eyepiece and the BAK-4 prisms. Get Your Celestron Spotting Scope Here.

Zipper-Top Bags

Freezer-sized, zipper-top bags are great for keeping your clothing folded and leak-prone toiletries isolated. Separate baggies also make it easier to repack in case your luggage is searched, and extra bags are handy for storing dirty or damp clothing.

Vaultz Mesh Storage Bags, Assorted Colors and Sizes

The Vaultz sturdy mesh storage bags are perfect for organizing all of your miscellaneous items.  Each bag comes with a heavy duty zipper and clip.  The black bag is 9″ x 9.25″, the red bag is 5.5″ x 9″, the orange bag is 5″ x 8″, and the yellow bag is 5″ x 7″. Get Your Vaultz Mesh Storage Bags Here.

Watch/Alarm Clock

With so much daylight, it’s hard to keep track of time!

Marathon CL030023 Travel Alarm Clock with Calendar & Temperature

The MARATHON Travel and Desktop Alarm Clock is a compact size of 4 W X 0.5 D X 2.25 H inches, making it a perfect travel clock. Featuring a rotating stand, the MARATHON Travel and Desktop Alarm Clock can be folded into a compact case for ease of travel. Get Your Marathon Travel Alarm Clock Here.

Camera/Video Camera

Capture your Alaska experiences, and don’t forget the extras: batteries, lenses, chargers and memory cards. Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau each have a good camera shop, but you’re better off bringing everything you might need.

AKASO EK7000 4K30FPS Action Camera Ultra HD Underwater Camera 170 Degree Wide Angle 98FT Waterproof Camera

AKASO EK7000 action camera features ultra HD 4K video recording. You can capture stunning 4K 30FPS/2.7K 30FPS/1080P 60FPS video to recall your adventure with sharp and clear video quality. You can control the action camera from a distance by using included splash proof remote. You can switch between video mode and photo mode with ease by pressing the button of the remote. This underwater camera comes with a waterproof case which allows you to dive up to 98FT/30M, ideal for outdoor activities such as diving, swimming, water-skiing, drifting, surfing, etc.  Get Your AKASO EK7000 Action Camera Here.