Summary
Packing for an Alaska land tour differs significantly from preparing for an Alaska cruise. Your daily schedule may be more intense, as the terrain you visit will likely vary greatly. Moreover, you will travel to several different locations during your trip. However, you will require fewer changes of clothing, as dressing up for dinner is generally not necessary during an Alaska land tour.
Pack for Maximum Comfort
Your Alaska itinerary will likely include numerous stops. Many tours start in Anchorage due to its modern airport and convenient proximity to the Seward cruise port. From Anchorage, you might travel to Fairbanks via Whittier and Valdez, or head north to Talkeetna and Denali National Park and Preserve, ultimately looping to Fairbanks. Your itinerary might also include a 92-mile, six-hour bus trip into Denali National Park and Preserve, to either hike and view Denali or stay overnight at one of the lodges along the Park Road.
As you pack, focus on comfort and safety. Bring suitable walking shoes, jeans, short and long-sleeve shirts, rain gear, sun protection, and a warm sweater or jacket for potential Northern Lights awakenings. If you plan to travel during the summer peak, consider packing a pair of shorts as well.
Your footwear should provide maximum comfort. Opt for broken-in walking shoes, hiking boots, or whatever feels best on uneven, rocky terrain. It is advisable to wear them on the plane to save ample luggage space.
Pack Light
Interestingly, you do not need to wear a new outfit every day. Change your underwear and socks daily, but you can re-wear shirts and jeans at least once. Depending on your itinerary, you may have the opportunity to do laundry, enabling you to pack even lighter.
Most hotels provide hair dryers. Inquire if one isn’t visible in your room; some hotels may keep loaner hair dryers at the front desk. While you may bring your own, it isn’t a necessity.
Your fellow travelers will not be scrutinizing your daily outfit choices. They are likely to be more interested in witnessing wildlife, whales, the Northern Lights, and the grandeur of Denali.
Pack Camera Equipment and Image Storage Devices
The stunning scenery of Alaska is sure to astonish you, and wildlife encounters are abundant during your tour. Bring a camera or a smartphone capable of taking impressive photographs. It’s wise to pack an extra camera, ensuring that it is charged and ready, in case your primary one’s battery dies at an inconvenient moment.
On a week-long trip, you may take anywhere from 50 to 100 photos daily. If your smartphone or camera has limited storage capacity, don’t forget to bring an additional image storage device like a Sandisk.
If you aim to capture the Northern Lights, consider having a tripod and a camera capable of long-exposure photography for the best results.
Pack Layers
The weather in Denali National Park and Preserve can change rapidly; a cool morning may turn into a warm afternoon. If you plan to hike or take a whale-watching tour, wearing layers is essential. A windbreaker or light jacket will shield you from rain, breezes, and cool temperatures. On brisk mornings, a sweater or sweatshirt can be particularly beneficial. As the day warms, you might want to layer down to a T-shirt or moisture-wicking athletic shirt.
Evenings can be chilly; therefore, having your sweater or sweatshirt handy is recommended, especially if you wish to witness the Northern Lights or the breathtaking Milky Way.
Pack a Few Extras
Since the air in Alaska is dry, consider bringing moisturizer or lotion for dry skin.
Sunscreen is important, especially if you will spend extended time outdoors. Purchase travel-sized tubes from a grocery store or big box retailer. Remember to apply sunscreen, particularly if you’re visiting a glacier.
While Alaska is free of snakes and ticks, mosquitoes and gnats can be a nuisance. Be prepared by packing insect repellent and bring netting if you plan any backcountry hiking or camping.
Consider bringing trekking poles, which can be quite useful. If you stay at one of the lodges in Denali National Park and Preserve, inquire about borrowing trekking poles during your visit.
Binoculars can enhance your wildlife viewing, allowing you to spot bears, caribou, and other fascinating animals.
If laundry is part of your plan, don’t forget to pack laundry soap and dryer sheets. Laundry soap “pods” are compact and easy to use; simply toss one into the washing machine with your clothes.
A map, while not necessary, can be invaluable, helping you grasp the magnitude of Alaska’s landscapes. If space allows, bring a highlighter to trace your route as you explore. Upon returning home, this map, along with your photographs, will serve as great conversation starters with friends and family.
Lastly, remember to save some space in your luggage for souvenirs. The bookstores and National Park gift shops in Alaska offer a tempting selection, but T-shirts and sweatshirts can take up precious suitcase space.
