What to bring to Alaska

Wear about what you would be wearing at home. It gets warm there in Summer.

But when a hot dog is $10 from a street vender, take lots of money.

And if you are going on Holland America, take a sense of humor with you. We once took a repositioning cruise to Europe, and there was a table of 8 very elderly folks--all wearing matching Wild Thang T-shirts.

We were there in early July a few years ago and I bright a light jacket for early morning and evening, other than that I wore shorts everyday.

In July the daily temperature can easily reach 100f, and it's humid. Yes, there are bugs. I doubt the road to Denali will be open, but you can hope (it's been closed for a couple years and is projected to reopen in 2027.) You want serious boots if you plan to hike, and be very careful on the thawing tundra as it's prone to breaking ankles. The rocks are hidden under the moss. If you go in July expect 23 hours of daylight and plan to sleep accordingly. You'll miss the State Fair; too bad. The Anchorage History Museum is very good, as is the University Museum in Fairbanks. If you can get to Cheena visit the hot springs resort. Visit Skinny Dicks on rt 3. It's a long drive from Anchorage to Valdez, but worth it. Even better is taking the local ferry. it's been 5-6 years since I did the inland pass towns, but Juneau and Ketchikan are crowded when the tour boats come in. I like to just walk the towns.

I think you are planning for winter but traveling in summer…. You may be overdoing things a bit. Regular shirts and tops for a base layer that changes, a fleece for a warmth layer, and waterproof jacket with hood are all you need for layering.

I don’t think carryon only is a very realistic goal. Most people will have a carryon for their 3 days of touring and a checked bag that isn’t really opened until they board the ship. Remember there will be some formal nights on the ship.

Likely the only time you'll need cold weather clothes is during the "scenic cruising" in whatever bay with glaciers your trip goes through. My literal hot tip for that is to book yourself in the "thermal suite" during that time. Years ago when the ship was in Tracy Arm and all the other folks were on deck in hats, gloves, etc., I was all alone in my swimsuit on a heated lounger, enjoying the same view (well, the view from one side of the ship).

This is summer in Alaska so just need the fleece and rain gear over jeans and shirt and long sleeve shirts. One pair of waterproof shoes will work for the cruise and Denali. Denali has a bus trip albeit much shorter into the interior. There is also a dog exhibit and live show and other exhibits in the park. Been on 3 Alaska cruises. They are very casual. Daily clothes are the same as Denali with the addition of workout clothes, bathing suit and shorts if they are needed. For dinner I take a pair of black slacks and some fun tops. Must admit that the shoes of choice with the black pants are black sneakers. Remember this is a very casual cruise. If you are going into Glacier Bay add a warm hat, cheap gloves and neck scarf. It can be cold on the deck if you plan to hang outside for hours. It’s a great trip!

I can't help with the cruise portion at all, but we have been up to Fairbanks/North Pole and north many times. A head net for bugs might or might not be needed. At the end of June this past summer, we were up there for a family wedding and did bring our bug nets, but we were lucky and did not need them this time. It was hot too! I knew it got hot as we have been there during those times, but it was roasting. As mentioned, good boots for the tussocks are essential. Those tussocks win every time.

Mosquitos may or may not be a problem. We were at an Anchorage area campground around July 1. Lots of mosquitos. We went to Fairbanks and back, staying in the same campground a week later. Lots of dragonflies, no mosquitos !

Thanks for the responses. I’m not that concerned about needing layers for the Denali part—I will have hiking pants, long-sleeved tops, and rain gear, so that should be ok. Since mosquito netting isn’t expensive, I may get something to put on my hat, aa mosquitos generally love me.

From what I’ve read about the cruise excursions, which will often involve being on the water, they say it could be quite chilly. I tend to get cold easily and don’t want to freeze while outside. I have some lightweight shirts I’ve worn while skiing and thought they could be a good base layer, with maybe a fleece jacket and the raincoat or a light windbreaker over it. Does that sound right? And I will have a hat, scarf, and gloves

I did a similar cruise in 2010, mid June I think with a land tour also. For most of the trip I was wearing what would be late spring clothing for where I live - full length cotton pants, long sleeve or short sleeve T shirt with a vest or windbreaker type jacket on top. We were in Denali for a few days - it was chilly in the mornings, about 5 Celsius. That was the coldest place due to the mountains/elevation.
It got up to 25 C when in Dawson City, Yukon. I don't remember mosquitos.

On the cruise portion it was cold when we were in the area with glaciers - definitely needed gloves and hat that day.

@ Lois. I think you are on the right track. I will strongly suggest a waterproof jacket vs. just a windbreaker.

@Carol, I was planning on having both a windbreaker and a waterproof jacket and using both if I needed an extra layer. It’s the on the water excursions where I’m wondering how much to layer. Will definitely have a hat and gloves!